Buyer: Retail Merchandise - Full Time

Retail Buyer
The Retail Buyer is a corporate merchandising partner at SSA, responsible for selecting, sourcing, and pricing the products that fill the assortment in their assigned categories. They report to the Divisional Merchandise Director (DMD) and work as equals with Planners, alongside Merchandise Assistants and cross-functional teams, to put the right product in the right place at the right price.

Buyers own their vendor relationships and category performance, using sales data, market trends, and guest preferences to refine the assortment, protect margin, and keep inventory balanced. The role blends analysis with creativity — from negotiating terms and reviewing samples to building look books and, in some cases, developing custom or exclusive products for partner accounts. Their core responsibility is translating the DMD's merchandising strategy into a profitable, well-sourced assortment that delights guests and delivers for partners.

Merchandise Strategy & Product Selection
The Buyer shapes the assortment for their assigned categories, using the DMD's merchandising strategy as the guide and partnering with Planners as equals on what the data says. The work combines hands‑on selection with ongoing trend and performance analysis.

Select and purchase products that align with the DMD's merchandising strategy by researching potential items, evaluating samples, and deciding what belongs in the assortment

Create look books annually, seasonally, and for special events to showcase product selections and support cohesive merchandising strategies

Track market trends, consumer preferences, and competitive activity through sales data, trade shows, and store visits to identify emerging trends and opportunities

Partner with Planners to refine the product mix by assessing product performance, identifying top sellers and underperformers, and shaping future assortments

Phase out underperforming items and make room for emerging trends, working closely with Planners on the data behind each decision

Contribute to custom‑branded and exclusive products for partner accounts by working with designers, product developers, and manufacturers to meet guest needs and partner preferences

Financial Management
The Buyer is accountable for the financial performance of their categories, from the price on the shelf to the margin it delivers. They work with the DMD and Planners to set direction and draw on planning team data and analysis to turn performance trends into smart decisions.

Collaborate with the DMD and Planner to set competitive, profitable prices through market research, cost analysis, supplier negotiation, and pricing strategy development

Analyze sales performance and profitability by tracking sales volume, gross margin, and inventory turnover, and deliver regular reports to the DMD

Manage category results against key performance indicators, including revenue, cost of goods sold, inventory turn, and SKU count

Use planning team insights and performance trends to maximize identified opportunities and keep the assortment aligned with financial goals

Confirm with the Planner that margins and initial order quantities for new items support the financial goals of the account and the organization's overall financial strategy

Operational Intelligence
The Buyer helps keep the right product in the right place at the right time. The Planner leads forecasting and the Merchandise Assistant handles product distribution, while the Buyer supports inventory health by writing orders, placing product with intention, and holding every item to SSA's quality and compliance standards.

Collaborate with the Planner to analyze sales trends, forecast demand, and set inventory targets and replenishment schedules

Write orders as needed to maintain balanced stock levels, minimize stockouts, and maximize sales opportunities

Decide product placement within the store to align inventory strategies with merchandising goals

Coordinate with visual, operations, marketing, IT, and finance teams so merchandising strategy aligns with business goals and operational capabilities

Ensure all products meet company quality standards and comply with relevant regulations and industry standards

Work with vendors to resolve product quality and safety issues promptly

Support Merchandise Assistants in resolving vendor issues related to product quality, supply chain disruptions, or excessively delayed orders

Partner with other Buyers and DMDs of similar products to share vendors, streamline processes, and leverage collective buying power for better pricing and terms

Seek out suppliers that offer responsibly sourced products, emphasizing diverse vendors, local products, and sustainable materials and packaging, and integrate these values into product development

At least 5 years of experience in buying, merchandising, or a related role within retail or wholesale

Proven track record in vendor management, contract negotiation, and pricing strategies

Experience analyzing sales data and key performance metrics such as revenue, gross margin, and inventory turnover, with familiarity with open-to-buy processes and inventory planning

Experience working cross‑functionally with teams such as merchandising, marketing, and operations, paired with strong business acumen and the ability to manage multiple projects at once with close attention to detail

Preferred: experience developing exclusive or private‑label products, knowledge of retail and e‑commerce operations, and knowledge of sustainability practices and working with diverse suppliers; Bachelor's degree in business, merchandising, marketing, or a related field preferred; equivalent combination of education and demonstrated buying or merchandising experience considered

Previous attraction retail experience

Must be proficient in Word, Excel, and Power Point

Experience with cloud‑based systems, uploading files and making changes to online documents

Travel to store locations may be required during business needs

Full‑Time, Exempt

Flex Time Off: no accruals; Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance and other voluntary benefits for you and your family; Short‑Term Disability and Long‑Term Disability, employer sponsored; Up to 120 hours of Paid Leave for qualifying reasons, including Parental Leave and your or your family’s serious medical conditions.

Paid sick leave is provided in accordance with applicable state and local laws.