Assistant Buyer

Summary

Join Stitch Fix as an Assistant Buyer and contribute to the success of our innovative fashion retail business. You will play a vital role in supporting buying and planning activities, ensuring seamless and efficient operations. Collaborate with the buying team to assist in product selection, analysis, and inventory management. You will own a portion of the business within a specific product category, constantly analyzing and executing actions based on learnings. Develop financial and product strategies to meet department targets and delight clients. Curate assortments from vendor partners and present strategies to leadership. This role involves managing the vendor matrix, negotiating terms, and mentoring junior team members.

Requirements

• You have a Bachelor's Degree with a minimum of 2+ years of experience in a retail buying or merchandising role
• You are proficient in Microsoft Office/Google Suite (Excel/Word/PowerPoint) and love learning new systems
• You have knowledge of retail math and business metrics
• You are knowledgeable about market trends, and have an understanding of client preferences
• You are analytical and enjoy using client feedback to drive assortment decisions
• You have a keen eye for product and experience spotting and reacting to trends across the market
• You are comfortable taking calculated risks to achieve results, and thrive in an environment where you are empowered to make data-driven, bold decisions
• You are detail oriented, organized and possess effective time management skills and have proven you can thrive in a fast paced, nuanced environment where bold and proactive decision making is essential
• You have worked in an environment where change is constant and you’ve demonstrated your ability to maintain flexibility and a solutions-driven approach
• You have developed strong negotiation skills
• You have strong oral and written communication skills
• You thrive in a feedback driven environment
• You are able to travel up to 30% of the time (i.e. San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York)
• Above all else, you are Bright, Kind and Motivated by Challenge

Responsibilities

• Serve as a critical part in operating a business; develop and execute merchandising strategies to maximize departmental opportunities and reach financial and client goals
• Drive seasonal line plans across all brands/partners
• Work collaboratively with the Buying team to ensure cohesiveness of total product assortment; aid in the selection of merchandise based on client preferences, market trends, and company goals
• Support the buying process by conducting research on product availability, pricing, and vendor relationships
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with cross-functional team members and vendors, both new and existing
• Work closely with cross-functional teams such as Planning, Styling, and Marketing to align strategies and ensure a cohesive customer experience
• Monitor and analyze inventory levels, sales data, and demand forecasts to ensure optimal stock levels and product assortment
• Stay up-to-date with industry trends, competitor activities, and client preferences to inform buying decisions that are appropriate for Stitch Fix clients
• Conduct regular market research and competitive analysis to identify new opportunities and potential risks
• Assist in analyzing sales data and client feedback on an ongoing basis (i.e weekly, monthly, quarterly hindsights) to provide insights and inform strategies for future assortments
• Partner with Planning counterparts to actively and responsibly manage open to buy budget and coordinate purchase orders, deliveries, and replenishment strategies
• Own strategic management of the vendor matrix, identifying core competencies to maximize product opportunities and reach financial goals
• Collaborate with vendors and suppliers to ensure timely delivery of products, resolve any issues, and maintain positive relationships
• Assist in negotiating terms, contracts, and pricing with suppliers to optimize profitability and product quality
• Participate in meetings, contribute to team discussions, and provide input on product assortment and promotions
• Act as a mentor to junior members of the Buying team

Benefits

We offer competitive compensation packages and comprehensive health benefits