Our client, a major player in the fast-fashion industry, is looking for a talented, fashion-forward Buyer to join their team in Chicago.

Type: Full-Time

Start: ASAP

Location: Onsite - Humboldt Park, IL (This role is 5X a week on-site)

Overview:

The Buyer will be responsible for growing the sales volume and profit for a specific category. We’re looking for someone with a strong background in specialty merchandising, retail analytics and operational execution in both a brick and mortar and an e-commerce environment. Our ideal candidate has a successful track record in building winning merchandising strategies through vendor partnerships and exclusive product development. This person must be able to consistently apply a standard of quality and taste, as well as a sense of urgency in building a market-leading assortment.

Essential Functions:

Build and execute detailed annual plans (sales, margin, turn and inventory composition) that support the company’s business strategy
Seasonal planning of open-to-buy budget in accordance with company sales plan. Reconcile receipts to OTB plan
Develop, plan, and execute strategy for assortment and allocation
Coach and mentor Assistant Buyers to maximize sales, margins and turns
Leverage merchandising team's skills at recognizing new fashion trends, items, looks, etc., early in their life cycles; maximize these opportunities
Identify opportunities to increase sales, improve margins, optimize inventories, and decrease markdowns
Compile and present financial analysis including category sell-through, margins and key product performance; recap and analyze business results versus plan
Develop intimate understanding of the customer. Leverage customer knowledge for product development, category, assortment, and allocation optimization
Ensure financial goals and timelines are met
Communicate necessary actions to maximize profit/reduce risk
You must be excited about fashion. You must be excited about new trends and constantly learning about construction, material, and other concepts regarding design.
You are able to (and enjoy) regular travel and meeting with vendors, producers, and others in the fast fashion industry. You can represent the brand in a positive manner.
You are confident and extroverted and extremely comfortable with communication, whether in person, over the phone, Skype, or email.

Qualifications:

4+ years of buying experience and product development
Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Fashion Merchandising or something similar
Proven track record of merchandising multi-category, large SKU product lines
Proven ability to synthesize sales data, customer insights, competitive and market trends, and market data into merchandising strategies
Existing relationships with current or potential market brands and/or private label resources.
Ability to recognize and understand the magnitude of an opportunity and respond quickly
Strong technical aptitude, including advanced competency in Microsoft Excel, and the ability to quickly master new applications and systems.
Demonstrated ability to grow revenue and improve profitability

The Ideal Candidate Has/Is:

Personal style and passion for fashion
Exceptional work ethic and motivation to meet strict deadlines
Excellent written and verbal communicator
Outstanding organizational skills, with keen attention to detail and diligent task follow-through
Ability to multitask and prioritize in a fast - paced, dynamic environment
Highly collaborative, responsive team player
Ability to prioritize efficiently in response to changing needs and situations

If interested in and qualified for this role, please forward your resume today!