Buyer (Fashion) Jobs

Job title: Buyer (Fashion)

Contract type:

Location: Chicago

Discipline:

Remote: No

Salary: 80-150k

Reference: 446112

Contact name: Keighly Clapp

Our client, a major player in the fast-fashion industry, is looking for a talented, fashion-forward Buyer to join their team in Chicago.

Overview:

The Buyer will be responsible for growing the sales volume and profit for a specific category. We’re looking for someone with a strong background in specialty merchandising, retail analytics and operational execution in both a brick and mortar and an e-commerce environment. Our ideal candidate has a successful track record in building winning merchandising strategies through vendor partnerships and exclusive product development. This person must be able to consistently apply a standard of quality and taste, as well as a sense of urgency in building a market-leading assortment.

Essential Functions:

• Compile and present financial analysis including category sell-through, margins and key product performance; recap and analyze business results versus plan
• Identify opportunities to increase sales, improve margins, optimize inventories, and decrease markdowns
• Develop, plan, and execute strategy for assortment and allocation
• Coach and mentor Assistant Buyers to maximize sales, margins and turns
• You are able to (and enjoy) regular travel and meeting with vendors, producers, and others in the fast fashion industry. You can represent the brand in a positive manner.
• Seasonal planning of open-to-buy budget in accordance with company sales plan. Reconcile receipts to OTB plan
• You are confident and extroverted and extremely comfortable with communication, whether in person, over the phone, Skype, or email.
• Develop intimate understanding of the customer. Leverage customer knowledge for product development, category, assortment, and allocation optimization
• Communicate necessary actions to maximize profit/reduce risk
• Leverage merchandising team's skills at recognizing new fashion trends, items, looks, etc., early in their life cycles; maximize these opportunities
• Build and execute detailed annual plans (sales, margin, turn and inventory composition) that support the company’s business strategy
• You must be excited about fashion. You must be excited about new trends and constantly learning about construction, material, and other concepts regarding design.
• Ensure financial goals and timelines are met

Qualifications:

• Proven ability to synthesize sales data, customer insights, competitive and market trends, and market data into merchandising strategies
• 4+ years of buying experience and product development
• Strong technical aptitude, including advanced competency in Microsoft Excel, and the ability to quickly master new applications and systems.
• Ability to recognize and understand the magnitude of an opportunity and respond quickly
• Existing relationships with current or potential market brands and/or private label resources.
• Demonstrated ability to grow revenue and improve profitability
• Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Fashion Merchandising or something similar
• Proven track record of merchandising multi-category, large SKU product lines

The Ideal Candidate Has/Is:

• Outstanding organizational skills, with keen attention to detail and diligent task follow-through
• Ability to multitask and prioritize in a fast - paced, dynamic environment
• Highly collaborative, responsive team player
• Excellent written and verbal communicator
• Exceptional work ethic and motivation to meet strict deadlines
• Personal style and passion for fashion
• Ability to prioritize efficiently in response to changing needs and situations