Men's Buyer I

The Buckle, Inc.•Overland Park, KS

About The Position

Teammates in the Men’s Buyer 1 role perform responsibilities under direct supervision and are responsible for managing basic issues and problems in selecting and purchasing apparel and accessories that align with Buckle’s brand identity, target audience, and sales goals. This role combines market analysis, trend forecasting, vendor negotiations, and performance oversight to ensure a compelling product assortment. Success in this position requires a deep understanding of fashion trends, consumer behavior, and strategic vendor relationships.

Requirements

Associate's degree or equivalent from two-year college or technical school (or equivalent experience).
Two to three years of progressive experience and/or training.
Previous experience in an Assistant Buyer or Associate Buyer role is required.
Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret sales data and market trends.
Excellent negotiation, communication, and organizational skills.
Analytical and detail-oriented mindset with the ability to assess sales data, market trends, and consumer behavior.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, word, Outlook) and familiarity with inventory management and retail software systems.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, manage multiple priorities, and make data-driven decisions.
Deep understanding of fashion trends, consumer behavior, and market dynamics.
Willingness to travel domestically to meet with vendors and attend industry events, as needed, and ability to operate a motor vehicle and complete errands based on business needs.

Responsibilities

Develop cross-category expertise to effectively collaborate with other with Teammates and contribute to the buying strategy.
Conduct comprehensive trend research, analyze guest preferences, and monitor competitor activities to inform purchasing strategies.
Curate an assortment of products that reflects the brand's aesthetic and appeals to the target market.
Manage the product assortment plan, ensuring diversity in style, sizes, and colors to meet guest needs.
Negotiate with vendors on terms, pricing, and delivery schedules to maximize value and profitability.
Review and approve development samples to ensure compliance with brand standards and expectations.
Collaborate with vendors to develop exclusive products and private-label items, including overseeing tech pack communication.
Negotiate pricing, shipping terms, and promotional allowances to achieve favorable outcomes.
Evaluate vendor performance on quality, delivery, and pricing, making recommendations for improvements or changes as necessary.
Provide clear guidance and directives to vendors for product development and purchasing initiatives.
Provide regular updates and escalate and resolve issues as needed, keeping management and relevant teams informed.
Conduct regular store visits to collaborate with team members and assess product performance.
Partner with the Product Information and Visual Merchandising Teams to support product launches and promotions.
Collaborate with the Allocation Team to refine distribution strategies and ensure inventory optimization.
Review sales reports, compliance issues, and product flow to identify performance gaps and opportunities.
Stay informed on emerging fashion trends, materials, and technologies by attending fashion weeks and industry events.
Analyze market trends, consumer behavior, and sales performance to provide actionable insights and identify buying opportunities.
Manage the buying budget to ensure alignment with financial goals and corporate strategies.
Monitor inventory levels and adjust buying strategies to optimize stock turnover and minimize excess inventory.
Partner with the Allocations Team to streamline product distribution and maintain stock flow efficiency.
Lead the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of assigned product categories.
Supervise and mentor Buyer Support and Assistant Buyer Teammates, ensuring team alignment and growth.
Fulfill mission statement by performing job duties with a high level of customer service while contributing to a positive team spirit.
Uphold and promote Buckle’s image, philosophy and goals to both Guests and Teammates.