The Buyer will report directly into the Chief Merchandising Officer, owning the end-to-end buying process across both eCommerce and retail channels. This role is responsible for driving product strategy, managing assortments, and optimizing inventory to support revenue growth and brand positioning. This person will serve as a key cross-functional partner, translating customer demand, trend insights, and business objectives into compelling, high performing assortments, while working closely with the Founders and Leadership to ensure alignment with the overarching brand vision.
Responsibilities
- Own and execute seasonal buying strategies across categories, aligning assortment plans with brand vision, customer demand, and financial targets.
- Partner directly with the Founders and senior leadership to translate creative direction and brand vision into commercially successful assortments.
- Present seasonal buys, key product investments, and performance insights to leadership, incorporating feedback into assortment strategies.
- Develop and manage seasonal buy plans by brand, category, and channel, ensuring a balanced and elevated product mix.
- Oversee the eCommerce on-order master file, managing all order creation, adjustments, cancellations, and extensions with a high level of accuracy and accountability.
- Analyze sales performance, sell-through, and inventory levels to drive in-season trading decisions, including reorders, cancellations, and markdown strategies.
- Own category-level financial performance, including sales, margin, and inventory turn, partnering with Planning to manage OTB and ensure alignment with company targets.
- Lead weekly and seasonal reporting, providing actionable insights and recommendations to Merchandising, Planning, and leadership teams.
- Continuously analyze customer behavior and market trends to inform assortment direction and identify new product opportunity.
- Own the execution of seasonal collection buys and market appointments, including pre-market preparation, assortment building, etc.
- Lead vendor strategy and negotiations, including pricing, delivery, and exclusivity, while continuously refining the brand assortment mix.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with Production, Logistics, Retail, and eCommerce teams to ensure timely delivery, accurate order management, and seamless product launches.
- Oversee product flow from order placement through delivery, tracking warehouse receipts and final samples to support photoshoots and go-live readiness.
- Partner with Creative, Styling, and Merchandising teams to align on photoshoot needs, key product stories, and launch timing.
- Manage and optimize inventory transfers across sales channels (Retail & eCommerce) to maximize sell-through and minimize aged inventory.
- Oversee pre-order strategy and execution, ensuring alignment with product availability and demand.
- Maintain ownership of sample management processes, ensuring organization, accessibility, and efficient turnover for shoots and internal needs.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with brand partners and vendors, acting as a key point of contact for order management and performance reviews.
- Provide guidance and mentorship to junior team members, establishing best practices and elevating team execution.
Qualifications
- 4-7 years of experience in fashion buying or merchandising, preferably within a contemporary or luxury environment.
- Strong understanding of retail math, including sell-through, margin, and inventory turn.
- Proven ability to manage OTB, analyze performance, and make data-driven merchandising decisions.
- Highly proficient in Excel; experience with JOOR, Shopify and ERP systems preferred.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders.
- Detail oriented with a strong sense of ownership and accountability.
- Collaborative mindset with experience working across Merchandising, Planning, Production, and Creative teams.
- Must be able to work in-office 4 days per week in NYC, with 1 day remote.
