Own the merchandising and buying strategy for an assigned product line or category.
Develop seasonal and ongoing assortment plans, including product mix, price points, SKU breadth, and space allocation.
Ensure product development activities align with the approved line plan and production calendar.
Partner with Product Development, Manufacturing, and Sourcing teams on vendor selection, costing strategies, production timelines, and calendar management.
Analyze weekly and seasonal sales performance to identify opportunities to increase sales, improve margins, optimize inventory, and reduce markdown exposure.
Monitor inventory levels and partner with cross-functional teams to maintain appropriate product availability.
Participate in the patterning process and use historical performance to inform future assortment decisions.
Track competitors and conduct ongoing competitive intelligence and market analysis.
Monitor fashion, consumer, and industry trends to identify emerging product and assortment opportunities.
Contribute to planning for advertising campaigns, promotions, and merchandise presentations.
Evaluate product performance by category, style, price point, and other relevant metrics.
Make recommendations regarding product assortment, pricing, inventory, and markdown strategies based on sales and financial analysis.
Build strong partnerships across Merchandising, Product Development, Planning, Manufacturing, Marketing, and other business functions.
Independently manage priorities and resolve moderately complex merchandising and business issues.
May provide work direction or support to an Assistant Buyer, although the position typically has no direct reports.
Bachelor's degree in Merchandising, Fashion Merchandising, Business, Retail Management, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
5–7 years of merchandising and/or buying experience, preferably within a retail, fashion, apparel, beauty, or consumer products environment.
Strong understanding of assortment planning, buying, pricing, inventory management, sales analysis, and markdown strategies.
Experience working with product development, sourcing, manufacturing, and/or vendor partners.
Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret sales data and translate findings into actionable merchandising decisions.
Knowledge of competitive analysis, fashion trends, and consumer behavior.
Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
Excellent written, verbal, and cross-functional communication skills.
Ability to work independently, exercise sound business judgment, and manage issues of increasing complexity.
