Sample Assistant

Saks Fifth Avenue • New York, NY

4d • $51,000 - $64,000

About The Position

The Editorial Sample Assistant oversees the end-to-end lifecycle and physical management of sample inventory. The role maintains an organized sample closet, tracks samples for photo shoots, and handles receiving, packing, lifting, and delivery of shipments across teams. It also serves as a liaison to external vendors and brand partners, coordinating sample arrivals, resolving shipment discrepancies, and facilitating timely returns. Working with styling teams, Product Supervisors, and logistics personnel, the assistant supports workflows from initial receipt through final return.

Requirements

• BA/BS.
• Keen attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and an interest in documentation and process.
• Proficiency with Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Drive) and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word).
• Team-oriented, with self-confidence, assertiveness, and personal motivation.
• Ability to multitask and manage multiple projects with concurrent deadlines.
• Ability to respond positively and with urgency to challenging work and deadlines.
• Positive attitude and ability to manage repetitive work.
• Ability to work as part of a talented team in a fast-paced, proactive environment with a collegial, partnership-oriented approach.
• Passion for product and commitment to exceeding internal and external customer expectations.
• Ability to repeatedly lift and maneuver trunks and boxes weighing up to 50 lbs.

Nice To Haves

• Prior internship or work experience in a retail environment, photo studio, sample closet, or inventory control role.
• Familiarity with inventory management software, warehouse management systems, or sample tracking tools.

Responsibilities

• Organize and maintain the sample closet, arranging inventory by shoot schedules, categories, or configurations directed by the Sample team.
• Unpack incoming shipments, pack outbound returns, and lift, move, and deliver trunks and boxes to receiving teams and studio spaces.
• Track sample movement by checking products in upon arrival, checking them out for photo shoots, and auditing returned items.
• Inspect incoming samples against purchase orders for accuracy and condition, and report defects or discrepancies to Product Supervisors.
• Prepare and stage samples for onsite and offsite photo shoots, including packing mobile trunks, organizing wardrobe by shoot date or type, and assisting with in-store inventory pulls.
• Return samples to vendors and fulfillment centers, prepare accurate tracking documentation, and follow up on pending shipments.
• Coordinate sample arrivals with external vendors and brand partners, request missing items, resolve shipment discrepancies, and streamline return logistics.
• Support Product Supervisors and Managers with special projects, administrative tasks, and daily studio operations.

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Basic life insurance
• Supplemental life insurance
• Disability insurance
• Additional voluntary benefits, such as critical illness, hospital, and accident insurance
• Employee discount
• Career advancement opportunities

What This Job Offers

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