Assistant Buyer

The Paper Store, Inc.; Acton (MA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

TPS Group Holdings, including The Paper Store, Uncharted, and Gifts & More, is seeking an Assistant Buyer for Toys, Baby & Kids to help build compelling assortments and drive category growth in a fast-paced retail environment.

You will partner with Buyers and vendors, manage purchase orders, analyze performance, and support trend-driven product flows for both brick-and-mortar and eCommerce channels; this role emphasizes execution, curiosity, and cross-functional collaboration.

Qualifications

• 2+ years in buying, merchandising, or category management within Toys, Baby, Kids, or related retail categories
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Fashion, or Retail preferred
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUPs a plus)

Responsibilities

• Support trend discovery and product flow to identify new opportunities
• Own PO management and vendor follow-ups to ensure timely orders
• Execute allocations and replenishment with cross-functional teams
• Analyze sales, markdowns, and inventory to inform strategy
• Coordinate product setup online with E-Commerce and Marketing
• Assist in seasonal launches and vendor communications
• Build strong vendor relationships and onboarding of new suppliers

Skills

Excel proficiency

Time management

Analytical mindset

Communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Organization

Attention to detail

Fast-paced adaptability

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business, Fashion, or Retail

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

TPS Group Holdings, a family of brands including The Paper Store, Uncharted, and Gifts & More, is all about transforming daily routines into joyful escapes that inspire and surprise. Our mission is to connect with every customer through carefully chosen products, immersive shopping experiences, and service that goes the extra mile, creating spaces that spark joy with every visit.

Position Overview: As an Assistant Buyer, Toys, Baby & Kids, you will be a critical partner in building and executing compelling assortments that delight customers and drive category growth. We're seeking a merchant with experience in Toys, Baby, Kids, Children's Apparel, Specialty Gift, or related retail categories who understands product trends, customer preferences, and the unique dynamics of these businesses. You'll support the Buyer in identifying new opportunities, analyzing performance, managing vendor relationships, and bringing innovative products to market. This role blends executional excellence with merchant curiosity and is ideal for someone looking to grow their expertise and impact within a fast-paced retail environment.

What You’ll Do

Support Trend Discovery & Product Flow

• Stay close to emerging trends across retail, social, and customer behavior to support new product ideas
• Assist in preparing for vendor meetings, trade shows, and product reviews
• Help track newness, best sellers, and opportunities within the category

Drive Day-to-Day Buying Operations

• Own purchase order (PO) management including entry, updates, and follow-ups with vendors
• Monitor order status, shipping, cost accuracy, and resolve discrepancies
• Maintain SKU setup, vendor data, and product information in internal systems
• Manage open order reporting, cancellations, and backorder resolution

Inventory & Allocation Execution

• Execute allocations and replenishment to support store inventory needs
• Partner with Planning and Distribution Center teams to ensure smooth product flow
• Initiate transfers, consolidations, and recalls as needed
• Support inventory productivity through clean data and timely execution

Analyze the Business & Learn the Financials

• Run and maintain sales, markdown, and inventory reports
• Analyze performance (sell-through, turn, margin) and identify trends
• Support the Buyer in reacting to the business and adjusting strategies
• Build foundational knowledge of retail math and financial drivers

Cross-Functional Merchandising Execution

• Partner with E-Commerce and Marketing to ensure accurate product setup online
• Prepare product information, images, and materials for digital channels
• Support promotional events, seasonal launches, and key initiatives
• Communicate with vendors regarding samples, product details, and order updates
• Help maintain strong vendor relationships through follow-up and organization
• Support onboarding of new vendors and product introductions

Who You Are

• Bring 2+ years of buying, merchandising, or category management experience within the Toys, Baby, Kids, Children's Apparel, Specialty Gift, or related retail categories in both brick-and-mortar and eCommerce
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Fashion, or Retail preferred
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUPs a plus)
• Strong time management skills with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks
• Curious and excited by trends, products, and what customers will love next
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail and follow-through
• Analytical mindset with comfort working in Excel and using data to support decisions
• Thrive in a fast-paced retail environment where priorities shift quickly
• Strong communicator who collaborates effectively across cross-functional teams
• Interested in growing into a Buyer role and owning a category over time
• Ability to work onsite 4 days per week in Acton, MA

TPS Group Holdings is an equal-opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, veteran status, or any other classification protected by state, local or federal law.

This range reflects what the company reasonably expects to pay for this position at this location at the time of this posting