Associate Buyer, Shoes

Saks • San Francisco, CA

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

As an Associate Buyer, you will play a key role in supporting the Buying team by assisting in vendor selection and partnership development, while helping to ensure the assortment reflects the high standards of Saks Global and meets customer needs. You will contribute to inventory productivity analysis, vendor profitability reviews, and pricing strategy by providing detailed data and insights. Additionally, you will support sales growth and financial performance and may lead and mentor a team of Assistant Buyers, contributing to the execution of category strategies and overall business objectives.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent retail experience.
• 3+ years of experience in a buying office with a strong understanding of buying operations and retail strategy.
• Self-starter with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
• Strong communicator with executive presence, able to lead meetings and build trust with stakeholders.
• Proven track record of consistently exceeding goals and driving positive outcomes in complex organizations.
• Excellent problem-solving skills with a creative approach to new challenges.
• Demonstrated ability to apply retail math concepts (markup, margin planning, OTB, WOS, T/O, GMROI) and strong proficiency in MS Office, Google Sheets/Docs, and PowerPoint.
• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience, with strong leadership, management, and organizational skills.
• Strong interpersonal, customer focus, conflict management, and negotiation skills.
• Flexible, adaptable, and able to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead market cycle, manage orders, and collaborate with Brand Partnerships and Buying Lead.
• Oversee checkbook management and support brand strategies for growth.
• Analyze product selection, pricing, and vendor negotiations.
• Manage portfolio, in-season product, markdowns, and RTVs.
• Track receipts and ensure inventory targets are met.
• Develop assortment strategies to meet financial goals and KPIs.
• Negotiate with partners and review financial plans.
• Manage OTB, markdown projections, and RTV negotiations.
• Build cross-functional relationships and manage vendor communication.
• Collaborate with marketing, Store Planning, and the Bangalore team.
• Mentor and guide others in the ECDP program.
• Execute assorting strategies and financial planning.
• Develop promotions with sales support teams.
• Meet sales/profit goals and manage buying office operations.

Benefits

• medical insurance
• dental insurance
• vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• basic life insurance
• supplemental life insurance
• disability insurance
• a variety of additional voluntary benefits (such as critical illness, hospital and accident insurance)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree