Associate Buyer

Are you passionate about building assortments that customers love and driving results through smart merchandising decisions? As an Associate Buyer, you’ll play a key role in shaping product strategy, launching new assortments, and partnering cross-functionally to deliver sales, margin, and inventory goals. This is a hands‑on opportunity to grow your merchandising career while influencing how products come to life in‑store and online. This role is an excellent next step for an emerging merchandising professional ready to take ownership and make an impact. Essential Functions Participate in the development of the strategic plan for the category. In collaboration with the Category Manager and Merchandise Planning team, choose and align product assortment based on customer buying trends and cultivate the vision for how the overall assortment is represented in the store. Build product catalogs inclusive of new product launches and promotions. (SKU builds, etc.) Monitor and report on competitor price, promotion, assortment and presentation tactics. Maintain accurate product attributes, pricing, and cost updates in systems. Support promotional planning, markdown, clearance, and exit strategies. Maintain strong internal communication and follow‑up. Assist in the management of Vendor Relationships. Help drive the success of department objectives in collaboration with Marketing, Supply Chain and Retail Operations. Analyze and develop reports that reflect category performance trends. Additional duties as assigned. About Music & Arts Music & Arts embodies the world of creativity and music by encouraging our teammates to find their own individual sound. We strive to create lifelong musicians and make a difference in the world by enabling musicians and non‑musicians alike to experience the almost indescribable happiness that comes from playing an instrument. We believe in putting our customers first, engaging with respect and integrity and fulfilling our mission with passion. Required Experience Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Merchandising, or related field (or equivalent experience). 2–4 years of experience in replenishment, buying, inventory management, or supply chain. Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret sales and inventory data. Proficiency in Excel and inventory or planning systems. Strong communication, organization, and problem‑solving skills. Preferred Experience in specialty retail, education‑focused retail, or multi‑seasonal assortments. Familiarity with school‑year driven demand cycles or rental programs. Experience working with long‑lead‑time vendors or import product. Understanding of key retail metrics: turns, sell‑through, weeks of supply, and fill rate. Benefits For our employees who are musicians we offer the unique opportunity of gig leave—take time off to share your music with the world and return to your job after your tour! Guitar Center offers robust benefits and perks, including Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k) plus company match, mental health support, paid sick/holiday/vacation time, employee discount program, and tuition reimbursement options. Pay Rate $60,000 - $70,000/yr depending on background and experience. The job posting is not necessarily reflective of actual compensation that may be earned, nor a promise of any specific pay for any specific employee, which is always dependent on actual experience, education, and other factors. The pay range(s) listed are provided in compliance with state specific laws. Pay ranges may be different in other locations. Equal Employment Opportunity Guitar Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides fair and equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or any other protected status prohibited under Federal, State, or local laws. All employment decisions are based on valid job‑related requirements. If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran and are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our website, you may request a reasonable accommodation to express interest in a specific opening. You can request reasonable accommodation by sending an email to View email address on click.appcast.io. #J-18808-Ljbffr Music & Arts