Associate Buyer Opportunities - Apparel

SmartRecruiters, Inc.; Kaipātiki; Hybrid; NZD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discounts across our brands

Birthday leave and charity day off

26 weeks paid parental leave

Free parking and EV charging at our NZ

1 day WFH on Fridays

Wellbeing support and development

Job summary

The Warehouse is seeking an enthusiastic Apparel & Footwear Buyer to shape ranges and collections customers love, while building commercial skills and experience in a fast-paced retail environment.

Reporting to Senior Buyers, you’ll own your buying portfolio, collaborate with Planning, Sourcing, Design and suppliers, and contribute to decisions that influence what customers see on shelves across New Zealand.

Qualifications

• 1–3 years experience in Buying/Category Management.
• Prior apparel or fashion knowledge preferred.
• Strong commercial curiosity and customer focus.
• Confident communication with suppliers.

Responsibilities

• Support the development and execution of category and product strategies.
• Analyse sales performance, customer insights and market trends to identify opportunities.
• In conjunction with the Senior Buyer, build/Source product ranges, manage product selection and/or product development, range/assortment decisions and promotional planning.
• Monitor competitor activity and emerging customer trends.
• Contribute to delivering sales, margin and customer experience outcomes across your category.
• Support Senior Buyer across wider category with product execution and administration.

Skills

Buying / Category

Apparel experience

Analytical mindset

Stakeholder management

Job description

Ready to turn your passion for apparel, fashion and products (and retail) into a career in buying?

Since 1982, The Warehouse has been part of the moments that shape Kiwi lives. From first school uniforms and furnishing your first flat to first pay packets and family milestones, generations of New Zealanders have grown up with our brand. That connection is at the heart of This Is Warehouse Country, celebrating the place The Warehouse holds in communities across Aotearoa.

Job Description

We've also been a place where retail careers have started (and grown!). Join our Apparel & Footwear Buying team where you'll help shape ranges and collections our customers love while building the commercial skills, confidence and experience needed to become a successful Buyer. The learning opportunities and insight into the world of retail will be unmatched!

Reporting into our Senior Buyers and working alongside passionate category buyers, you'll have hands-on accountability for your own buying portfolio and exposure to the full buying lifecycle, supporting the delivery of compelling product ranges that balance customer needs, market trends, and commercial outcomes.

No two days are the same as you’ll work closely with wider Buying, Planning, Sourcing, Design, suppliers and cross-functional teams, and contribute to decisions that influence what customers see when they shop with us.

What You'll Do

• Support the development and execution of category and product strategies.
• Analyse sales performance, customer insights and market trends to identify opportunities.
• In conjunction with the Senior Buyer, build/Source product ranges, manage product selection and/or product development, range/assortment decisions and promotional planning.
• Monitor competitor activity and emerging customer trends.
• Contribute to delivering sales, margin and customer experience outcomes across your category.
• Support Senior Buyer across wider category with product execution and administration.

Qualifications

What You'll Bring

You have a genuine interest in products, customers, naturally curious and enjoy understanding what influences customer buying decisions. Retail is dynamic and your work has impacts beyond the office – they land on shelves, racks and eventually in the hands and wardrobes of our Kiwi shoppers!

You'll bring:

• 1 – 3 years experience in Buying/Category Management or related retail commercial role
• Prior apparel, fashion or textile experience preferred.
• Strong commercial curiosity and a genuine interest in customers, products and emerging market trends.
• Confident communication and negotiation skills, working with stakeholders and suppliers
• Comfortable analysing data and translating insights into action.
• Highly organised, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities & critical paths
• Retail is fast-paced, deadline-driven and exciting – you’ll thrive working in that environment!

Additional Information

Building Retail Careers Since 1982!

You'll work alongside some of New Zealand's most experienced retail professionals, gaining exposure to products, suppliers, customers and commercial decisions that shape our business every day and help build its future!

When you join us, we offer a range of benefits that work for you, your lifestyle and your career, including:

• Discounts across our brands
• Birthday leave and charity day off
• 26 weeks paid parental leave
• Free parking and EV charging at our Northshore Support Office
• We value collaboration, connection and flexibility, with 1 day (Friday) WFH
• A range of wellbeing support and development opportunities

If you're ready to turn your curiosity, commercial thinking and passion for products into a rewarding retail buying career, we'd love to hear from you.