Buyer

Event Network•San Diego, CA

About The Position

ABOUT THE ROLE As a Buyer, you’ll blend creativity, strategy, and analytics to develop product assortments that tell a story—and drive results. You’ll lead sourcing, custom product development, and vendor partnerships, collaborating closely with teams across the business. WHAT YOU’LL DO Partner with VP of Purchasing and Assistant Buyers to build compelling, well-rounded assortments Lead custom product development (domestic and import) and drive category vision Analyze performance pre-, in-, and post-season to maximize sales and margin Support global sourcing and supply chain planning for select categories Collaborate with visual merchandising on product execution and storytelling Conduct trend research, competitive shopping, and regular vendor and factory visits Visit stores to assess assortments and align with venue partners’ goals Negotiate cost, terms, quality, and delivery while nurturing strong vendor relationships Monitor key metrics: revenue, inventory, SKU count, margin, and growth opportunities Mentor and support the development of Assistant Buyers Work closely with our creative and graphics teams on product design and packaging Own special projects that help move the business forward WHAT YOU BRING 3+ years of retail buying experience; product development and custom sourcing a plus Direct import experience preferred Strong analytical and financial acumen Proven ability to negotiate and manage vendor relationships Experience buying for non-profit cultural institutions a plus Excellent communication skills—written, verbal, and visual Proficiency in Microsoft Office (especially Excel); experience with retail systems a plus Entrepreneurial spirit and a growth mindset Organized, detail-oriented, and self-motivated Leadership or mentorship experience a plus Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Sit, stand, walk, and use hands frequently Occasionally reach, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, or lift (up to 15 lbs) Reasonable accommodations available

Requirements

3+ years of retail buying experience; product development and custom sourcing a plus
Direct import experience preferred
Strong analytical and financial acumen
Proven ability to negotiate and manage vendor relationships
Experience buying for non-profit cultural institutions a plus
Excellent communication skills—written, verbal, and visual
Proficiency in Microsoft Office (especially Excel); experience with retail systems a plus
Entrepreneurial spirit and a growth mindset
Organized, detail-oriented, and self-motivated
Leadership or mentorship experience a plus
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

Responsibilities

Partner with VP of Purchasing and Assistant Buyers to build compelling, well-rounded assortments
Lead custom product development (domestic and import) and drive category vision
Analyze performance pre-, in-, and post-season to maximize sales and margin
Support global sourcing and supply chain planning for select categories
Collaborate with visual merchandising on product execution and storytelling
Conduct trend research, competitive shopping, and regular vendor and factory visits
Visit stores to assess assortments and align with venue partners’ goals
Negotiate cost, terms, quality, and delivery while nurturing strong vendor relationships
Monitor key metrics: revenue, inventory, SKU count, margin, and growth opportunities
Mentor and support the development of Assistant Buyers
Work closely with our creative and graphics teams on product design and packaging
Own special projects that help move the business forward