Associate Buyer

Job Title: Associate Buyer

Department: Buying

Reports To: Buying Manager

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Effective Date: 4/2023

Pay Range: $53,000-$56,000

Location: In-office at the Lynnwood Home Office

POSITION PURPOSE

As an Associate Buyer at Zumiez, you will play a pivotal role in curating an exciting and trendsetting assortment of products that will be at the forefront of our brand's success, shaping the direction of our product offerings and creating an individualized shopping experience for our customer base. Collaborating with the buying team, you will assist in developing and executing our buying strategies, identifying emerging trends, negotiating with vendors, and optimizing inventory levels to drive sales and profitability. Leveraging your sharpened market insights, data-driven analysis, and passion for youth culture, you will contribute to the assortment planning, pricing, and promotional activities that shape our product offerings. Your meticulous attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and ability to work in a fast-paced environment will be invaluable as you assist in managing the buying process and maintaining vendor relationships. This is a unique opportunity to be part of a dynamic and innovative retail environment, where you can make a meaningful impact on our brand's success while honing your buying skills and contributing to an unforgettable shopping experience for our customers. Join us and be part of our team that is shaping the future of youth lifestyle retailing.

JOB DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assortment Planning: Assisting to owning in developing and executing buying strategies, identifying emerging trends, and curating an exciting and on-trend assortment of products that align with the company's merchandising goals and customer preferences.
• Vendor Management: Assisting to owning in building and maintaining relationships with suppliers, conducting negotiations, and managing purchase orders, invoices, and deliveries to ensure timely and accurate receipt of merchandise.
• Market Research: Conducting market research and competitive analysis to stay informed about industry trends, competitor activities, and customer preferences, and using insights to inform buying decisions and assortment planning.
• Inventory Management: Assisting in optimizing inventory levels to achieve sales and profitability targets, monitoring stock levels, and recommending replenishment or markdown strategies as needed.
• Pricing and Promotions: Collaborating with the pricing team to set pricing strategies and promotional plans, monitoring competitor pricing and promotional activities, and making recommendations for adjustments to maximize sales and margin.
• Data Analysis: Analyzing sales, inventory, and market data to identify opportunities and risks, providing insights to support decision-making, and preparing regular reports and presentations for management review.
• Purchase Order Management: Assisting in managing the end-to-end purchase order process, including order creation, tracking, and delivery coordination, and resolving any discrepancies or issues with suppliers or internal stakeholders.
• Product Development: Collaborating with suppliers and internal stakeholders on product development opportunities, such as private label or exclusive merchandise, and assisting in the product selection and development process.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Collaborating with cross-functional teams, such as merchandising, marketing, and operations, to ensure alignment on buying strategies, promotional activities, and inventory management, and to support cohesive merchandising initiatives.
• Administrative Tasks: Performing various administrative tasks, such as maintaining accurate records, managing product samples, organizing, and attending meetings, and providing general support to the buying team as needed.

JOB REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONS

• 2 to 4 years retail experience including at least 1 year as an Assistant Buyer.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• Travel to domestic markets and national events required.
• Understanding and application of "retail math" and business analysis.
• Strong skills in Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to think critically and problem solve.
• Ability to gather and analyze information and communicate results of analysis.
• Self and social awareness; ability to manage themselves and relationships with others.
• Attention to detail, with an ability to simplify complexity.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with a proven ability to adapt to change and meet deadlines.
• Self-accountable, Self-motivated, and goal oriented.
• Has integrity and uses good judgment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Ability to sit in stationary position in an office environment for extended periods of time and work on a PC without limitations.
• Must be able to distinguish and inspect materials on product.
• Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery.

THIS FULL-TIME ROLE IS BENEFIT ELIGIBLE AND OFFERS:

• Health, vision, and dental insurance
• Basic life insurance and supplemental voluntary life insurance
• Disability insurance
• 401(k) plan
• Employee stock purchase plan
• Paid parental leave
• Vacation
• Employee Assistance Program
• Healthcare Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Zumiez merchandise discount

COMPENSATION FOR ROLE IN ADDITION TO BASE SALARY

• Bonus eligibility
• Equity eligibility
• Stock grant