Retail Buyer

We believe Running Changes Everything. If you believe that, too, we want to talk. With nearly 250 stores and a robust e-commerce site, Fleet Feet is the largest running retailer in the country. Catering to more than runners, we pride ourselves on having an inclusive environment! We believe it’s a privilege to serve and remain committed to delivering unmatched service and support when outfitting customers in everything they need to have a successful run, whether that’s introducing them to their new favorite running shoes, socks, or gear, or inviting them to our next training program run. We like to keep things high-spirited, fast-paced, and fun. We don’t mind wearing more than a few hats and stepping in to help out wherever is needed. Our team is a group of knowledgeable and hardworking individuals who work, sweat, and live passionately. We run together to tackle a problem, reach a goal, get encouraged, and nurture our brand each day. We are in full pursuit to find hardworking people to join us on our quest and bring our core values to life.

The Lead Buyer develops product assortment strategies and buying plans in our stores.  The position will work closely with the Inventory Manager and Product Marketing Team to create inspiring and meaningful product collections, manage inventory budgets and strategic stocking levels, and provide product marketing communications internally (staff) and externally (our markets).  As a member of our Leadership Team, this manager will embrace and demonstrate the Core Values of Fleet Feet Winston-Salem and be an ambassador for our brands in the stores and in the community.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop product assortments, collaborating throughout our retail organization to support our business plan. 
• Research economic, financial, market, competitive, and industry data to understand customer demand and to anticipate trends.
• Partner with our Inventory Manager to maintain strategic inventory levels of seasonally appropriate assortments, manage model stocks and achieve sell-through goals based on budgeted metrics.
• Coordinate product marketing communications internally and externally through training, vendor provided resources, creation of in-house collateral and education-based assets to support product sell-through.

• 5 years of specialty retail/buying/merchandising experience recommended
• Strong business acumen and retail industry knowledge required.  Run specialty industry experience is preferred.
• Strong ability to mentor and influence direct reports and colleagues throughout the organization.
• Ability to think strategically about issues and opportunities to accurately assess impacts
• Problem solver who enjoys challenges and takes pride in crafting the right solution
• Healthy knowledge of Microsoft Excel
• Excellent communicator with the ability to listen and adapt
• Communicates professionally with the team, stores, and vendors
• Assertive self-starter with strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently
• Willing to go above and beyond when needed

Perks:

• High energy and fun atmosphere
• Training and advancement opportunities within the Fleet Feet brand
• Community involvement and community service activities
• Training Program and Product Discounts
• Passionate team members

We are an equal opportunity employer and believe having diverse teams in which everyone brings their whole self to Fleet Feet is key to our success. We welcome people of different backgrounds, experiences, abilities and perspectives. That is why we prioritize diversity and inclusion in our hiring practices, our culture, and our engagement with the community. 

Fleet Feet franchisees operate as independent business owners. If you apply and are hired at a Franchise location, you would be an employee of that Fleet Feet franchisee and not an employee of the Fleet Feet Corporation. We have opportunities within both our franchise locations and our Fleet Feet Corporation.

Additional Requirements:  Hours of work for this position may vary based on work schedule. Position requires moving around for periods of 2-4 hours without a rest break task sequencing, and using point-of-sale computers. Occasional moderate to heavy (10-25 lb) lifting and carrying, bending and reaching overhead may be required. Work environment includes substantial communication with customers, working in a retail environment with product displays and stockroom with inventory, and potentially slippery surfaces.

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