Assistant Buyer

Job Description:

Compensation range: $59,000 - $79,000

WHO WE ARE:

Saks OFF 5TH is a leading destination for luxury off-price fashion. In our stores across the U.S. and online at SaksOFF5TH.com, we offer a compelling assortment of high-end designers and everyday favorites at the best prices. We prioritize a digital-first operating model focused on delivering a superior customer experience. We lead with the customer, empower our team and drive accountability within the business. We welcome creativity and embrace individuality and think that fashion is the ultimate form of self-expression. Saks OFF 5TH is part of Saks Global’s portfolio of top luxury retail brands and real estate assets.

YOU WILL BE:

The Assistant Buyer works effectively as part of the merchandising team in executing an omni merchandise strategy focused on serving our customers. In this role, they will be accountable for in-season business analysis, determine product needs, and execution of the buy. Partnership with both external and internal partners, as well as strong communication and negotiation skills will be key to a success in this role. The Assistant role requires strong problem-solving skills and sense of urgency in driving profitable business.

WHAT YOU WILL DO:

Business Acumen:

• Has a broad view of how business works. Uses data to make prudent and effective business decisions. Anticipates business changes in a proactive manner and is adaptable to change

• Feels comfortable chasing business and managing liquidity expectations. Comfortable with being uncomfortable in taking calculated risks.

• Works closely with vendors, monitors industry trends, evaluates competition

• Analyzes business and maximizes opportunities. Works in-season ATS offers based on current business needs and trends

• Assists in executing the merchandise strategy, focusing on in-season management to ensure optimal productivity.

• Ability to work through ambiguity, while maintaining the agility and speed necessary to react to an off-price buying environment.

• Assists in making business decisions with the customer experience in mind, becoming a customer champion in all aspects of the buying process.

Strong Negotiator:

• Has knowledge of price/value equation and anticipates the needs of the business

• Learning how to drive opportunities and growing to become a creative dealmaker.

Business Pulse:

• Developing a strong sense of current business at any given moment

• Monitors and reacts to inventory productivity

• Collaborate with the Marketing and Digital team by owning the Seasonal Marketing Calendar

• Has a pulse on the market trends and the competitive landscape.

Building Partnerships

• Works closely and works well with all cross functional teams

• Communicates with store teams on signage, adjacencies, and classification strategies

• Partners with Allocation team to ensure optimal allocation execution.

• Begins to build and maintain strong and meaningful vendor relationships

WHAT YOU WILL BRING:

• Action-oriented: Armed with enough information to make good business decisions quickly. Seizes opportunities more than others.

• Embracing Ambiguity: Shifts gears comfortably. Can decide and act without having the total picture. Comfortable handling risk and uncertainty.

• Decision Making: Makes decisions in a timely manner, sometimes with incomplete information and under tight deadlines and pressure

• Perseverance: Able to push through to closure, even with business challenges or setbacks. Motivates team to maintain focus.

• Interpersonal Savvy: Builds constructive and effective relationships internally and externally. Maintains key vendor relationships and continually develops new resources.

• Learning on the fly: Able to learn quickly and be open to change. Able to grasp the underlying issue and path to resolution, especially in problem solving. Able to develop own resources.

• Time management/priority: Uses time effectively and efficiently. Able to shift priorities as needed and manage multiple competing priorities at the same time. Can attend to a broad scope of activities.

• Career ambition/Self-development: Strong knowledge of self. Able to articulate and utilize strengths, while creating a plan to develop areas of opportunity. Able to size up situations and flex personal style as needed.

• Taste level: Knows how to buy for the customer. Maintains view of the overall assortment and is able to quickly seize opportunities

You Also Have:

• BFA or BA in Fashion Merchandising, Business, or related field

• Must have 3-5 years of experience in a buying capacity, overseeing both the creative and financial aspects of merchandising

• Strong analytical skill set

• Strong ability to influence

• Entrepreneurial mindset and fast learner

YOUR LIFE AND CAREER AT SAKS OFF 5TH:

• Opportunity to work in a dynamic fast paced environment at a company experiencing growth and transformation

• Exposure to rewarding career advancement opportunities across the largest multi-brand luxury retailer from retail to distribution, to digital or corporate

• Comprehensive benefits package for all eligible full-time employees (including medical, vision and dental)

• An amazing employee discount

Benefits: We offer the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements: medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, 401(k) retirement plan, basic life insurance, supplemental life insurance, disability insurance, and a variety of additional voluntary benefits (such as critical illness, hospital and accident insurance).

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Saks.com is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

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  The above expected salary range may have some variability based upon factors including, but not limited to, a candidate’s overall experience, qualifications, and geographic location. If you are interested in the role, we encourage you to apply and, if selected to move forward in the interview process, you will have a chance to speak with our recruitment team regarding your specific salary expectations.