Assistant Buyer, Handbags - Bergdorf Goodman
About The Position
The Assistant Buyer at Bergdorf Goodman supports the Buyer in executing strategic merchandising plans across order management, market preparation, and in-season analysis. The role works with brand executives, merchandise planners, store and digital teams, and offshore merchandise assistants to maintain purchase order accuracy, optimize pricing and markdown cadences, coordinate market and style-out logistics, and provide actionable analysis to support sales and growth targets. Responsibilities span seasonal delivery strategies and order execution; analyzing style-level performance and inventory; preparing and maintaining purchase orders; market and assortment preparation; coordinating market appointments and style-out sessions; and monitoring in-season performance. The Assistant Buyer also serves as a cross-functional contact for execution questions and feedback, supports monthly Open-to-Buy preparation, oversees markdown and promotional execution, and collaborates on custom buying reports.
Requirements
- Manages ambiguity, is self-starting, and can thrive in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong accountability and ability to multitask and prioritize independently.
- Can quickly generate varied problem-solving approaches, including new ideas.
- Strong interpersonal skills; able to communicate directly and diplomatically and gain others’ trust.
- Consistent performer with a proven track record of achieving positive outcomes through objectives and measures in a large, complex organization.
- Open to new perspectives and willing to try new ways of working.
- Strong knowledge of retail math, including markup, margin planning, open to buy, and inventory productivity measures such as WOS, T/O, and GMROI.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Excellent computer skills, including MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Google Sheets, Docs, and Slides.
- Proficiency in RFS, AMS, PCW, and NuOrder.
- 1–2 years of experience as an Assistant Buyer; preferably in a major department store.
Nice To Haves
- Experience as an Assistant Buyer in a major department store.
Responsibilities
- Partner with Buyers, Associate Buyers, and brand executives on seasonal delivery strategies, order execution, buy sheet integrity, and assortment discrepancy resolution.
- Evaluate style-level performance data and identify sales trends, ATS inventory reorder opportunities, and style swaps.
- Work with Planners to assess financial impacts and inventory targets and prepare purchase orders for designated business segments.
- Oversee offshore Merchandise Assistants creating, transmitting, and tracking purchase orders; ensure accuracy, vendor communication, and timely resolution of issues.
- Manage receipt flow changes and guide offshore teams in maintaining purchase orders and accurate information on ship windows, order quantities, and on-order inventory.
- Work with Planners to prepare historical performance metrics, customer preference information, and emerging trends for market.
- Coordinate market appointments and represent the team at the New York market as needed.
- Lead logistics and analytical preparation for style-out sessions.
- Initiate and drive strategic product assortment development to stimulate sales and brand growth.
- Serve as a central contact for execution feedback and questions across brand partners, visual merchandising, site merchandising, store operations, digital, marketing, and planning.
- Track performance with Merchandise Planners, provide style-level insights to Buyers, recommend in-season actions, and support monthly Open-to-Buy preparation.
- Direct markdown cadences and oversee offshore execution of price changes, Return to Vendors, and promotional adjustments; resolve escalated issues.
- Collaborate with the offshore reporting team on custom buying reports, structural view updates, and cadence timelines.
Benefits
- Medical insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- 401(k) retirement plan
- Basic life insurance
- Supplemental life insurance
- Disability insurance
- Additional voluntary benefits, including critical illness, hospital, and accident insurance
- Employee discount
- Career advancement opportunities
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
