Assistant Buyer Footwear

Assistant Buyer - Footwear 

$22.80-$25.50 - Hourly 

On site in office. Lynnwood, WA. Monday – Friday, 8am to 5pm 

Hourly, Non-Exempt 

JOB SUMMARY: 

Zumiez Inc. is a leading retailer of lifestyle and action sports apparel, footwear, and accessories. We are currently seeking an Assistant Footwear Buyer to join our team. This role is ideal for someone immersed in sneaker culture, youth lifestyle, and fashion. You should not just recognize current trends but anticipate what is coming next. We want someone who studies the details, understands cultural movements, and can forecast shifts in footwear 8-12 months before they hit the market. 

As Assistant Footwear Buyer, you will support the buying process, identify opportunities, manage reporting, and take ownership of communication with our stores. You will also conduct sales analysis, track emerging styles, and establish and maintain strong relationships with vendors. Working closely with merchandising, marketing, and retail teams, you will help ensure our assortment reflects what our customers are looking for and where their tastes are heading. 

The ideal candidate has strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills. You are plugged into fashion, music, action sports, social media, and subcultures that influence what people wear. You thrive in a fast-paced, constantly evolving environment and want to shape the future of footwear at Zumiez. 

JOB DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES 

* Assist in accurate SKU and PO creation process for buying team 

* Track deliveries and ensure timely, accurate allocation 

* Prepare daily, weekly, monthly sales reporting 

* Sample coordination for the team 

* Assist buyers in store-to-store transfers and preparing markdowns (store impact) 

* Main point of contact for product inquiries from stores 

* Manage small categories/vendors with oversight 

* Conduct market research and competitive analysis to stay informed about industry trends, competitor activities, and customer preferences 

JOB REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONS 

* 1 to 3 years retail experience 

* Bachelor's degree preferred or combination of equivalent education and work experience 

* Understanding and application of "retail math" and business analysis 

* Strong time management and organizational skills 

* Maintains an awareness and understanding of the footwear culture, sneaker trends, Zumiez customer, market, and industry trends 

* Ability and willingness to work hard in a fast-paced, multi-tasking environment both independently and as part of a team 

* Ability to think critically and solve problems 

* Excellent verbal and written communication skills 

* Demonstrated ability to express creativity and innovative ideas 

* Entrepreneurial spirit 

* Proficiency in computer programs including Microsoft Office and internal buying systems 

* High attention to detail 

* Must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or have a documented need for an accommodation certified by a medical professional or a properly documented need for a religious accommodation