Job Description

About the Role

The Associate Buyer will develop business strategies and seasonal assortment plans to maximize the development of the brand, sales and profits for the department. You will be responsible for coordinating information across functions working closely with Design, Inventory Management, Sourcing, Production, Packaging and Visual to ensure the process is followed and timelines met. You will have the opportunity to participate in design meetings while identifying opportunities and recommending new products or concepts for the department.

This role requires being onsite in our office Monday through Thursday, and remote option on Friday.

Responsibilities

• - Develop business strategies and seasonal assortment plans to maximize the development of the brand, sales and profits for the department

• - Own final assortment plans (line lists), product details, target retails, estimated IMU, importance to overall assortment (big bets) and floor plan location for developing purchase projections and buy plans.

• - Identify emerging trends and develop business strategies outlining strengths, weaknesses, new opportunities and threats. Obtain feedback from stores to improve product and add to collections

• - Participate in the development of the annual and seasonal financial plans

• - Provide SKU information to Merchandising Operations for input

• - Responsible for coordinating information across functions working closely with Design, Inventory Management, Sourcing, Production, Packaging and Visual to ensure the process is followed and timelines met

• - Present product vision and category performance to members of our leadership team

• - Correspond with functional areas. Resolves, handles, and escalates difficult issues to Director/Buyer, Call Center and Stores

Criteria

• - BA/BS degree or equivalent experience preferred

• - 3+ years of corporate merchandising experience

• - Advanced retail math skills

• - Advanced MS Excel skills; required to create pivot tables, advanced formulas, and functions such as VLOOKUPS

• - Experience in building product assortments

Competencies

• - Strong presentation and communication skills (both written and verbal)

• - Proven leadership abilities and team management

• - Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills

• - Strategic thinker with a forward-looking mindset

• - Ability to work autonomously, strong decision-making skills with good judgement

• - Effective cross-functional collaborator

• - Thrives in fast-paced, dynamic environments

• - Skilled in identifying and analyzing trends to drive insights and decisions

Our Culture & Values
We believe that taking care of our people is vital to our success, and we strive to offer equitable and transparent practices for all. We prioritize connection, growth, and wellbeing.

People First
Putting People First means investing in overall well-being and opportunities to grow and advance within the organization. Depending on the position and location, here are a few highlights of what benefits may be available:

Benefits
- A generous discount on all WSI brands
- A 401(k) plan and other investment opportunities
- Paid vacations, holidays, and time off to volunteer
- Health benefits, dental and vision insurance, including same-sex domestic partner benefits
- Tax-free commuter benefits
- A wellness program that supports your physical, financial and emotional health

Continued Learning
- In-person and online learning opportunities through WSI University
- Cross-brand and cross-function career opportunities
- Resources for self-development
- Advisor (Mentor) program
- Career development workshops, learning programs, and speaker series

WSI will not now or in the future commence an immigration case or "sponsor" an individual for this position (for example, H-1B or other employment-based immigration).

This role is not eligible for relocation assistance.

The expected starting pay range for this position is $75,000- $86,000. Applicable pay ranges may differ across markets. Actual pay will be determined based on experience and other job-related factors permitted by law. In addition to competitive pay, compensation may include a variety of other components like benefits, paid time off, merit, and bonus opportunities.