Buyer - Off Price (Hybrid)

About the role

In this fast-paced off-price environment, the Off-Price Buyer leads with agility and a sharp market instinct. Responsible for the overall merchandising direction of a category or department(s), the role aims to meet or exceed sales, margin, and turn targets. The Off-Price Buyer maintains a singular focus on product, value, price, quality, and the customer by incorporating competitive intelligence, customer insight, and business analysis. Ownership of the end-to-end process—from assortment planning to in-season reaction—includes collaborating cross-functionally to ensure inventory flow aligns with business goals.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute merchandise strategies and assortment plans based on customer feedback and preferences to deliver financial goals and business objectives while providing value, quality, and on-brand merchandise for outlet stores.
• Proactively identify emerging trends and leverage liquidity to test new ideas, driving sales and margin through strategic buys.
• Analyze business at the lowest level to identify opportunities in sales, inventory, and margin by store, department, and class.
• Conduct frequent vendor meetings and market trips to react to business trends in a timely and efficient manner.
• Create all necessary analysis based on trends, events, and other store-related needs.
• Work with Planner and Allocator during the planning process, including in-season planning and revisions, assortment plans, and store plans.
• Identify opportunities to improve overall plan quality.
• Communicate effectively with all merchandising levels, stores, and internal cross-functional partners.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with vendor partners while establishing a presence with new and existing vendors within the outlets and company.
• React to feedback based on store and customer needs.
• Select merchandise, negotiate best costs, and manage delivery of product.
• Manage all aspects of product placement, marketing, and pricing-related tasks.
• Negotiate vendor allowances, returns, advertising co-op, and other terms as needed.
• Identify business opportunities and risks in-season through analyzing sales performance and gathering marketplace information; implement strategies to ensure plans are achieved.
• Build a high-quality merchandising team by developing partnerships, leading, coaching, and providing constructive feedback.
• Leverage the open-to-buy process to manage business in-season and maximize opportunities.
• Travel to all necessary markets and stores.
• Articulate and provide thought processes behind solutions and strategic plans.
• Identify emerging trends, shop competition, and monitor the market regularly.
• Lead, develop, and manage a Merchandise Assistant.

Requirements

• 7–9 years of retail experience required.
• 1–3 years of retail buying experience required.
• Bachelor’s Degree preferred.

Skills

• Strong negotiation skills.
• Exceptional relationship-building and ability to maintain strong relationships internally and with vendors.
• Collaborative approach.
• Quick decision-making.
• Deep understanding of customer behavior.
• Proficient in business-related computer software (Microsoft Windows, Word, Excel).
• Excellent analytical and reasoning skills.
• Clear retail math skills.
• Maintains professionalism in work relationships and habits.
• Strong listening, written, and oral communication skills.
• Multi-task oriented to meet deadlines.
• Strong merchandising, product, and marketing skills.

Pay

Base pay range: $90,000 – $155,000. Pay may vary depending on factors including but not limited to achievements, skills, experience, or work location.

Designated hybrid in-office work schedule required.