Associate Buyer

Shein • Los Angeles, CA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

SHEIN is a global online fashion and lifestyle retailer, offering SHEIN branded apparel and products from a global network of vendors, all at affordable prices. Headquartered in Singapore, with more than 15,000 employees operating from offices around the world, SHEIN is committed to making the beauty of fashion accessible to all, promoting its industry-leading, on-demand production methodology, for a smarter, future-ready industry. We’re seeking a full-time Associate Buyer for our Los Angeles-based corporate office. This position offers immense flexibility and excellent long-term growth potential. The ideal candidate will be trained from the ground up on core merchandising and visual workflows. They will own the end-to-end sample lifecycle, assist with product styling and outfit coordination, build photoshoot presentations, and manage new item launch linking systems. This role serves as a dynamic operational backbone, absorbing administrative and logistical workflows to ensure product readiness, data accuracy, and visually compelling launches.

Requirements

• 1-3+ years of experience in retail, merchandising, product development, or production support. (Open to high-potential, entry level candidates possessing a strong desire to learn from scratch).
• Highly proficient in Microsoft Excel, shared drive management, and basic product tracking systems.
• Strong foundational interest in fashion trends, commercial styling, and visual layout.
• Exceptional attention to detail, rigorous organizational habits, and strong communication skills.
• Ability to multitask, manage moving parts, and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work collaboratively throughout the organization.
• Able to effectively communicate with all levels of staff and management.
• Thrives in a fast-paced environment with short timelines and changing priorities.
• Strong sense of urgency balanced with a highly meticulous approach to data and deadlines.
• A positive, self-motivated "go-getter" who thrives on taking ownership and troubleshooting within a fast-paced environment.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Merchandising, Business, Creative Arts, or a related field is preferred, or equivalent experience.

Responsibilities

• Assist the senior buyer with daily product styling, outfit combinations, and visual coordination, developing a strong eye for trend execution from the ground up.
• Prepare the photoshoot presentation (PPT) at least one week in advance, including finalized product lists and curated outfit pairings for manager review.
• Coordinate with the Creative and Studio teams to schedule and prepare for upcoming photoshoots based on incoming sample arrivals.
• Ensure all clothing, shoes, and accessory samples required for photoshoots are organized, labeled, and ready for onset utilization.
• Partner with the Creative and Studio teams to ensure the photoshoot schedule runs smoothly without delays.
• Track and communicate any missing or delayed samples to the relevant teams promptly, adjusting shoot schedules as needed to eliminate production downtime.
• Monitor the weekly new item launching schedule to ensure all SKC targets are met accurately and on time.
• Submit the comprehensive launch plan every Wednesday for the following week, integrating new items, recolors, and required outfit linkings.
• Review each day’s launch readiness at least one business day prior to going live, double-checking product linking, imagery, measurements, and inventory.
• Actively identify and communicate linking errors, missing measurements, or readiness concerns to backend teams before strict deadlines.
• Maintain and update launch trackers with real-time status updates, delays, and revised timelines.
• Align weekly and monthly launch progress with merchandising goals to share reports with management.
• Oversee the initial receiving, labeling, organization, and categorization of all seasonal and recutting samples.
• Maintain the sample room inventory structure by grouping styles systematically by category (e.g., tops, dresses, bottoms) and specific launch periods.
• Routine auditing to identify and remove outdated, damaged, or duplicate samples to optimize space.
• Provide weekly progress updates and clean sample room photo documentation weekly.
• Act as a central point of contact across U.S. merchandising and other teams to keep data, measurements, and timelines aligned.
• Track and report operational bottlenecks that may delay product launches or shoots, proactively proposing flexible corrective actions.
• Maintain impeccably organized shared folders and documentation for weekly and monthly launch history records.
• Support continuous improvement by suggesting workflow efficiencies across launch operations and sample management.

Benefits

• Healthcare (medical, dental, vision, prescription drugs)
• Health Savings Account with Employer Funding
• Flexible Spending Accounts (Healthcare and Dependent care)
• Company-Paid Basic Life/AD&D insurance
• Company-Paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
• Voluntary Benefit Offerings (Voluntary Life/AD&D, Hospital Indemnity, Critical Illness, and Accident)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Business Travel Accident Insurance
• 401(k) Savings Plan with discretionary company match and access to a financial advisor
• Vacation, paid holidays, floating holiday and sick days
• Employee discounts
• Free weekly catered lunch
• Dog-friendly office (available at select locations)
• Free gym access (available at select locations)
• Free swag giveaways
• Annual Holiday Party
• Invitations to pop-ups and other company events
• Complimentary daily office snacks and beverages

What This Job Offers

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