Associate Buyer

Rowan•Larchmont, NY

7h•$70,000 - $75,000

About The Position

Retail Associate Buyer who is detail oriented to manage the recommendation on assorting and selection of jewelry and ear piercing products. This role reports directly to the CSCO and requires a strong understanding of consumer preferences, and quality materials, metals and gemstones in the jewelry space. The ideal candidate will play a key role in supporting the curating of a compelling product assortment that aligns with our brand identity and incorporates a deep understanding of our customerânot just market trends, but the specific styles and preferences of those we serve through our piercing services. By leveraging direct customer interaction and store team insights, this individual will make informed, customer-first buying decisions that reflect customer demand and enhance the post-piercing experience.

Requirements

Bachelorâs degree in Fashion Merchandising, Business, or a related field.
2+ years of experience in retail buying, ideally in fashion accessories, jewelry, or piercing-related products.
Strong knowledge of jewelry materials (e.g., gold, titanium, stainless steel) and piercing industry standards.
Strong negotiation and vendor management skills.
Highly organized with strong analytical and Excel skills.
Passion for fashion trends and jewelry design.
Strong organizational and multitasking abilities.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Proficient working in Google Suite (Calendar, Gmail, Sheets, and Documents).
Analytical skills, including basic retail math,calculating margin, inventory on-hand, tracking sales.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of health and safety regulations, particularly related to piercing, is a plus.
Experience working with global jewelry suppliers or independent designers.
Knowledge of ethical sourcing practices and sustainable materials.
Familiarity with POS and inventory management systems (e.g., Shopify, NetSuite,Domo).

Responsibilities

Execute the approved seasonal buying strategies that align with company revenue goals and fashion trends partnering with vendors to produce the best products at targeted company costs
Analyze and report sales data, competitive market trends, and customer insights to guide product decisions and potential style pricing strategies that align with company margin and sales targets
Validate piercing ramp style compliance by reviewing studio ramp photos with each new roll out
Monitor inventory levels and coordinate restocks, seasonal updates, and new product launches.
Inform studio operations, marketing and creative teams about delivery timing for both new deliveries and key replenishment, keeping the teams updated to any changes to assortment strategy or deliveries on a weekly basis
Analyze ramp selling thru DOMO reporting and report out on performance monthly
Analyze customer buying behavior and sales trends leveraging DOMO reporting to help inform product selection and purchasing strategy
Plan and execute customer feedback sessions / with appropriate customers for new products - report on these efforts to help inform best options in order to hit sell through targets and improve jewelry percentage to topline
Build and maintain strong relationships with jewelry vendors and piercing suppliers, and negotiate costing and delivery timing
Work with closely with vendors on translating inspiration decks into assortments either thru vendor line sheets or thru development and approval of CADâs
Track and maintain spending within sample budget
Maintain accurate tracking of all product samples, ensuring timely check-in and that the sample closet remains organized, well-maintained, and easily accessible at all times.
Support the sourcing for new vendors to cast a wider net on suppliers
Gain a deep understanding of our customerânot just general trends, but the specific styles and preferences of those we serveâby working directly in our studios, hosting customer focus groups, and analyzing insights from our marketing CRM data.
Stay at the forefront of jewelry and ear piercing trends, scouting emerging designers, and monitoring competitor assortments online and in stores.
Provide insights and recommendations to inform future collections and exclusives.
Stay ahead of jewelry and piercing trends by researching fashion forecasts, visiting Rowan studios monthly to elicit customer feedback on assortment and opportunities, competitive shopping once a quarter to ensure Rowan continues to take market share.
Work closely with marketing and visual merchandising teams to support product campaigns and in-store/online displays. Driving the product used in marketing campaigns.
Ensure all piercing jewelry meets safety, material, and regulatory standards (e.g., hypoallergenic metals, ASTM, or FDA compliance).
Track KPIs such as sell-through rate, margin, and stock turnover to drive performance and make data-informed decisions.
Prepare buying reports and presentations for internal stakeholders.
Prepare PK knowledge decks and videos for Studios teams for each new collection launch
Prepare executive presentations and decks for the CEO and other leadership team members on product strategies inclusive of but not limited to classification,age demographics, metal types and vendor roadmap