Director of Buying

Perry Ellis International•Miami, FL

About The Position

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Senior Buyer to join our growing Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) team. The Senior Buyer will be responsible for developing and executing the buying strategy for a specific product category or categories sold directly to our consumers through our e-commerce platform and/or retail stores. This role requires a strong blend of analytical skills, negotiation expertise, and a deep understanding of consumer trends and DTC business models. The ideal candidate will be a strategic thinker with a proven track record of optimizing inventory, improving margins, and driving sales growth in a fast-paced retail environment.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Merchandising, Supply Chain, or a related field.
5+ years of progressive experience in Buying, Sourcing, or Procurement, with a minimum of 2+ years specifically in a Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) or e-commerce focused environment.
Demonstrated experience in OTB management and financial planning within a retail context.
Exceptional negotiation and vendor management skills.
Proficiency in retail math and advanced data analysis using Microsoft Excel (e.g., pivot tables, VLOOKUPs) or equivalent BI tools.

Nice To Haves

Experience with ERP, Inventory Management, and Demand Planning systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite, specialized retail software).
Experience buying for a specific relevant product category men’s/women’s apparel

Responsibilities

Develop and implement a comprehensive buying strategy aligned with the company's overall financial goals and brand vision for the assigned DTC category(s).
Conduct in-depth market research on consumer trends, competitor activity, and new product innovations to inform purchasing decisions.
Collaborate with Planning, Merchandising, and Finance teams to establish seasonal and annual OTB (Open-to-Buy) budgets and sales forecasts.
Source, select, and procure product assortments, ensuring a compelling and balanced offering that meets consumer demand and DTC inventory targets.
Negotiate favorable terms with vendors, including pricing, payment terms, minimum order quantities (MOQs), and delivery schedules.
Manage the full product lifecycle, including initial buy, in-season replenishment, and end-of-season markdown strategies to maximize sell-through and minimize excess inventory.
Work closely with the Operations and Supply Chain teams to monitor product flow, resolve logistics issues, and ensure timely delivery.
Analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) such as sales, margin, turn, and weeks of supply (WOS) to assess the effectiveness of the buying strategy.
Present detailed performance reports and recommendations to leadership, identifying opportunities for improvement and risk mitigation.
Utilize data to make agile, data-driven adjustments to in-season inventory levels and future buying plans.
Partner with the Marketing and E-commerce teams to develop product launch strategies, promotional calendars, and merchandising guidelines that support sales goals.
Collaborate with Product Development/Design to provide crucial consumer and sales feedback that informs future product lines.
Mentor and guide Junior Buyers or Assistant Buyers on best practices in buying and inventory management.