Assistant Buyer

World Market; Alameda (CA); On-site; USD 72,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

Paid vacation and paid sick time

401(k) plan with company match

Employee Assistance Program

30% shopping discount

Job summary

World Market is looking for an Assistant Buyer in Alameda, California, to manage operational tasks in the department. This role involves collaborating with the Buyer to strategize and drive business growth through effective merchandising and assortment planning.

Applicants should have a BA/BS degree or equivalent and at least 3 years of experience in a similar role at a multi-unit retail organization. Excellent analytical abilities and communication skills are essential.

The position offers a competitive pay range of $72,000 to $78,000 annually.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years’ experience as an Assistant Buyer with a multi-unit retailer.
• Ability to identify business opportunities through sales performance analysis.
• Understanding of product trends and historical data for assortment recommendations.

Responsibilities

• Manage the daily operation of the department.
• Partner with the Buyer to develop business strategies.
• Analyze sales data and recommend actions to the Buyer.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Retail math proficiency

Education

BA/BS degree or equivalent work experience

Tools

AS400

Brio CA

Job description

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Paid vacation and paid sick time
• 401(k) plan with Roth option and company match
• Employee Assistance Program and wellness resources
• Sample Sales and up to 30% shopping discount for you and your designated shopper
• Work‑life balance and work‑from‑home flexibility

What You’ll Do

• Manage the daily operation of the department, including planning, forecasting, and coordinating all advertising‑related information.
• Partner with the Buyer to develop and drive business strategies that meet or exceed financial goals.
• Provide information and ideas for assortments, key items, promotional strategies, growth opportunities, and store assortments that are viable and provide an exciting in‑store customer experience.
• Communicate with vendors and agents; serve as the key department contact for all stores.
• Identify business opportunities and risks through analysis of sales performance and the competitive landscape.
• Understand product trends, historical data, and department input at the category level to manage assortment opportunities and risks.
• Provide analysis to summarize and analyze weekly sales data and recommend appropriate action to the Buyer.
• Plan merchandise promotions and financial markdowns; prepare advertising samples, ROI, meetings, and signs; proof advertising.
• Act as a back‑up to the Buyer when the Buyer is out of the office on domestic and overseas buying trips.
• Possibly have direct responsibility for one or more merchandise categories.
• Assist with strategic promotion planning following the master retail calendar.
• Partner with visual merchandising; responsible for all schematic planning, shelf talkers, and signs; evaluate effectiveness and address concerns.
• Attend strategic planning and best‑seller meetings; present information when the Buyer is absent.
• Work with vendors to organize claims preparation and follow through to resolve outstanding issues.
• Provide strategic support and recommendations through the product development life cycle and SKU maintenance/updates.
• Manage sample management, including unpacking and sample house placement.

What You’ll Bring

• BA/BS degree or equivalent work experience.
• Minimum 3 years’ experience as an Assistant Buyer with a multi‑unit retailer.
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to identify business opportunities and risks by analyzing sales performance and competitive landscape.
• Understanding of product trends and historical data at the category level to provide assortment recommendations.
• Excellent listening, written, and oral communication skills with a sense of urgency.
• Strong knowledge of retail math calculations.
• Ability to handle multiple priorities and shift tasks and timelines.
• Independent, autonomous work style with strong decision‑making and good judgment.
• Capability to serve as the key contact when the Buyer is out of the office.
• Experience with merchandising software systems such as AS400 and Brio CA.

Pay Range: $72,000‑$78,000 annually.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

World Market is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We recruit, hire, train, promote, transfer, and compensate associates and provide all other conditions of employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, lawful alien status, sexual orientation, disability, citizenship status, veteran status, employment status, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered in accordance with applicable laws.