Buyer, Contemporary Handbags (Hybrid, Seattle)

Nordstrom•Seattle, WA

7d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Buyer directs content strategy, product selection, and the use of customer and trend information to support merchandise strategies for the division. The Buyer partners with the Assortment Planner to achieve financial objectives and is jointly accountable for meeting and exceeding departmental sales volume, gross margin, and gross-margin-return-on-investment (GMROI) targets. This position is located at Nordstrom’s downtown Seattle headquarters and follows a hybrid work model, with four days in the office and one remote workday each week. The role focuses on Contemporary Handbags and may be eligible for performance-based incentives or bonuses.

Requirements

At least 4 years of experience as a multichannel/omnichannel retail Buyer or in an equivalent role.
Strong negotiation instincts and a track record of building lasting vendor relationships.
People leadership experience and a proven ability to inspire and motivate performance.
Proficiency in MS Office.
Ability to travel domestically and internationally once per year.

Nice To Haves

A bachelor’s degree in Merchandising or a related field is preferred.
Experience managing a high-volume, multi-brand category.

Responsibilities

Develop product plans to support seasonal department merchandise strategies based on customer expectations and fashion trends.
Develop deep multichannel expertise, including presentation knowledge, customer behavior, and competitive awareness across FLS and online channels.
Negotiate exclusive offerings, terms, pricing, vendor-funded markdowns, return-to-vendor agreements, drop-ship programs, and co-op arrangements.
Manage and direct in-season inventory, including analysis and decisions regarding markdowns, claims, and reorders.
Partner with the buy planner and financial planner on business reviews, open-to-buy management, and plan revisions to achieve financial goals and strategic objectives.
Teach, coach, and motivate assistant buyers to drive in-season performance and develop their product selection, assortment editing, and business management skills.