Assistant Buyer

World Market Management Services, LLC; California; Hybrid; USD 72,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/Dental/Vision insurance

Paid time off

401(k) with company match

Employee assistance program

Shopping discount

Hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

World Market, LLC is seeking an Assistant Buyer to join our dynamic Merchandising team in Alameda, CA. You’ll support the Buyer’s activities to build unique product assortments for our omni-channel business through analysis, trend research and international sourcing.

You’ll manage assortment planning, vendor relations, sample tracking and cross-functional collaboration with Marketing, Visual, Inventory Management and Merch Operations to drive profitable growth while maintaining a strong customer

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required.
• Strong analytical, planning and time management skills.
• Experience with multi-unit retailers in merchandising is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist in assortment planning and product reviews to drive financial metrics.
• Build compelling assortments through trend research and vendor collaboration.
• Manage sample tracking, quote sheets, and vendor setup in systems.
• Coordinate cross-functional communication with Marketing, Visual, Inventory, and Merch Ops.

Skills

Critical thinking

Agility

Team collaboration

Analytical skills

Effective communication

Travel enthusiasm

Time management

Merchandising software

Microsoft Suite

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

Tools

Merchandising software systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

WhyYou’llLove World Market

Youwon’tfind a store and team like this anywhere else! We're passionate about our mission to delight customers with a unique, ever-changing marketplace of products from around the world. Our assortment is curated with stylish home décor,quality furniture,thoughtfulgifts, time-honored handicrafts, and international food and beverage favorites. From handpicked finds to heartfelt teamwork, World Market is where uniquenessisn’tjustcelebrated—it’swhat sets us apart.

Ourteam means the world to us! We valueauthenticity,empowermentand respect and we take pride in what we do. If you’re looking for a collaborative, fast-moving environment where your contributions are valued, growth is supported and you can have a little fun—you’vefound it!

When you join our team,you’llenjoy:

• Benefits that support health, financial security, and personal life needs. Learn more about benefits and eligibility for Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance, and more!
• Paid vacation and paid sick time
• 401(k) plan with Roth option and company match
• Employee Assistance Program and wellness resources to be and do your best
• Sample Sales and up to 30% shopping discount on our unique finds for you and your designated shopper
• Work life balance and work from home flexibility
• Working with a team who thinks the world of you

WhatYou’llDo:

You will become part of a dynamic Merchandising team and build relationships with external and internal partners as you learn about our business. As an Assistant Buyer, you will be responsible for supporting the Buyer’s activities to drive our business, including developing unique product assortments for our omni-channel business through analysis, trend research and international sourcing.

In this role, you will:

Assist in managing the overall department’s business through assortment planning, reporting, and product reviews

• Assist in strategically building assortments that meet financial metrics and excites our customers through comp shopping, working with vendors, and understanding trends.
• Develop business acumen and demonstrate an understanding of key metrics and levers
• Maintain and speak to key financials through weekly reporting by analyzing and summarizing current business.
• Assist in actively manage the business both in forward planning and in season execution.

Manage the administrative detail of product development planning

• Assist in in Product Review preparation by sample tracking, maintaining quote sheets, and assortment planning
• Assist with providing Inventory Management with final assortment plans and any updates to ensure accuracy.
• Create and maintain Vendor and SKU set up information in merchant operational tools.

Own the sample management process: tracking, organizing, and distributing samples to cross-functional partners

• Manage vendor relationship: request samples, handle quality assurance issues, organize claims preparation, return to vendor (RTV) process, vendor income support, and track and resolve outstanding issues.
• Audit and proof marketing ads, store signage, and product copy
• Attend vendor meetings in Alameda or domestically as appropriate

Maintain effective communication with cross-functional partners

• Collaborate with Visual and Inventory Management partners to determine product placement, signage needs, and schematic accuracy.
• Communicate product trends and sales projections with Marketing teams to develop effective and compelling marketing strategies
• Manage Ecommerce product database by utilizing merchant operational tools and providing Ecommerce support
• Partner with the Merch Operations team to execute store strategies, updates, and resolve store issues

Hybrid Work Location:

You will spend up to 3 days per week on average at our Alameda, CA Home Office

Experience & SkillsYou’llBring

• Passion for the business
• A high level of critical thinking, agility, and curiosity.
• Strong team collaboration skills and ability to present and verbalize new ideas.
• Resourcefulness and creative problem solving.
• Awareness of the marketplace, trends, and a keen eye for taste.
• An enthusiasm for travel and exploring.
• Excellent analytical, planning, and time management skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Some experience with a multi-unit retailer in a merchandise capacity preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required
• Microsoft Suite skills and experience with Merchandising software systems
• Ability to lift and move boxes of samples

CA Pay Range is $72,000- $78,000 Annually

Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with applicable laws, which depending on your location may include the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the California Fair Chance Act, the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, and the Los Angeles City Fair Chance Act.

An Equal Opportunity Employer

It is the policy of World Market, LLC. to recruit, hire, train, promote, transfer and compensate our associates and provide all other conditions of employment including Company sponsored events without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, lawful alien status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, citizenship status, veteran status, employment status or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.