Assistant Buyer, Kids Footwear + NA

Stitch Fix

2d

About The Position

Stitch Fix is seeking a motivated, detail-oriented Assistant Buyer to support buying and planning activities for its Kids Footwear and Non Apparel team. The role collaborates with Planning, Styling, Marketing, and other partners to align strategies and meet departmental goals. It analyzes performance, drives seasonal line plans, and curates assortments from vendor partners and market brands, translating client feedback and market trends into actionable strategies that support inventory success and client satisfaction.

The Assistant Buyer owns a portion of the category business and develops and executes merchandising and financial strategies. The role manages seasonal plans and product assortment, tracks sales and inventory, supports open-to-buy management with Planning partners, and manages supplier relationships, negotiations, and the vendor matrix. It also conducts market and competitive research to identify trends, risks, and opportunities.

The position uses AI tools such as ChatGPT and Google Gemini for tasks including summarizing client feedback, drafting vendor communications, and conducting research. Core tools include Google Workspace, Microsoft Office (particularly advanced Excel), and internal inventory and product lifecycle management systems. The role requires comfort learning technologies used to analyze data and streamline the product lifecycle. It may require sitting for extended periods, using office equipment, effective verbal and written communication, and travel up to 30% of the time.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• At least 3 years of experience in a retail buying or merchandising role.
• Deep knowledge of retail math, business metrics, financial planning, and the end-to-end product lifecycle.
• Market buying experience, including managing a multi-vendor matrix and supporting negotiations for margin/AUC.
• A solution-driven, analytical mindset and ability to take calculated, data-driven risks in a fast-paced, changing environment.
• A keen eye for product and ability to spot and react to market trends.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, ability to work in a feedback-driven environment, and confidence presenting to leadership.
• Detail-oriented, organized, and effective time-management skills, with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, nuanced environment requiring proactive decision-making.
• Proficiency in Google Workspace and Microsoft Office, especially Excel; familiarity with data analytics tools used to inform buying decisions.
• Ability to sit for extended periods, use a computer or other office equipment, and communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Ability to travel up to 30% of the time.

Nice To Haves

• Specific product experience in Kids, Footwear, or Non Apparel.
• Advanced negotiation skills and experience optimizing vendor matrices.
• Exposure to AI-driven retail forecasting tools or trend-prediction software.

Responsibilities

• Own a specific portion of the Kids Footwear and Non Apparel business, developing and executing merchandising and financial strategies to maximize departmental opportunities.
• Curate and drive seasonal line plans and product assortments, presenting strategies to leadership and cross-functional partners to gain alignment.
• Analyze sales data, inventory levels, and client feedback weekly, monthly, and quarterly, and manage the open-to-buy budget alongside Planning partners.
• Manage the vendor matrix, negotiating supplier terms, contracts, and pricing to optimize profitability, product quality, and timely delivery.
• Conduct ongoing market research and competitive analysis to identify industry trends, risks, and opportunities relevant to Stitch Fix clients.
• Use AI tools to improve efficiency and outcomes when summarizing client feedback trends, drafting vendor communications, and conducting market research.
• Use relevant tools and systems, including Google Workspace, Microsoft Office (advanced Excel), and internal inventory and PLM systems.
• Learn and apply new technologies to analyze data and streamline the product lifecycle from initial concept to delivery.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level