Assistant Buyer - CWA VF (TEMP)

Macy's; New York (NY); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and wellness coverage

401(k) match

Paid time off

Eight public holidays

Job summary

Macy's, Inc. is seeking an Assistant Buyer to support the Buying team in driving sales, margins, and growth through strategic assortment planning and data-driven decision making.

This role emphasizes collaboration with finance, planning, and vendor partners to optimize inventory and profitability. The ideal candidate demonstrates strong merchandising knowledge, analytical ability, and effective communication across cross-functional teams within a dynamic retail environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience in a related field.
• 1–2 years of related experience.
• Strong business acumen and understanding of merchandising concepts.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to in-season forecasting and Rolling Operating Forecast (ROF).
• Collaborate with Financial Planning for forecasting insights.
• Provide performance analyses to assist in in-season item-level changes.
• Develop assortment strategies with the Buying Director.
• Negotiate with vendors for adjustments in quantities and ship dates.

Skills

Business Acumen

Merchandising

Collaboration and Communication

Analytical Skills

Leadership and Interpersonal Skills

Technical Proficiency

Financial Understanding

Negotiation Skills

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Outlook

MS Office

Job description

Bring Your Amazing Self to Work

At Macy's, Inc. we're on a mission to create a brighter future with bold representation for all. This is our Mission Every One. We know that each person here is unique. So we respect and invest in each individual to create growth, pride, and satisfaction. If we are able to bring our whole selves to work, it translates into a more abundant and wider array of ideas and energy for all to benefit from. Our success will be built on amazing colleagues, working together.

Bring Your Amazing Self to Work

At Macy's, Inc. we're on a mission to create a brighter future with bold representation for all. This is our Mission Every One. We know that each person here is unique. So we respect and invest in each individual to create growth, pride, and satisfaction. If we are able to bring our whole selves to work, it translates into a more abundant and wider array of ideas and energy for all to benefit from. Our success will be built on amazing colleagues, working together.

Job Overview

The Assistant Buyer supports the Buying team in driving sales, margin, turn, and growth by devising and recommending assortment strategies and supporting assortment optimization. This role demands strong business acumen and an understanding of Merchandising. It relies on translating product performance data into recommended advertising strategies and featured product selections to maximize Macy’s sales, inventory, and bottom line profitability in a changing retail environment.

Recognized as a trusted, collaborative, and results-oriented business partner, the Assistant Buyer excels at devising and recommending assortment strategies at department, class, and vendor levels.

What You Will Do

• Contribute to in-season forecasting and Rolling Operating Forecast (ROF)
• Collaborate weekly with the Financial Planning team to provide insights for forecasting
• Offer detailed performance analysis to the Buying Director to assist in making in-season item-level changes
• Maintain and update receipts on order for Return on Investment (ROI) and review them with the Buying Director
• Ensure orders align with financial plans and manage receipt flow to meet financial plan requirements
• Develop assortment strategies for key items with input from the Buying Director
• Monitor the performance of key items and provide recommendations to maximize sales revenue
• Participate in style out sessions to independently present assortments and recommend and execute assortment edits
• Develop purchase orders and collaborate with the Buying Director, Merchandise Planning, and vendors to secure merchandise
• Negotiate with vendors for adjustments in on-order quantities and ship dates, and resolve shipping issues while informing the Buying Director
• Serve as the primary contact with Vendor Community, Marketing, Visual, Stores, and Pricing teams
• Communicate with vendors to ensure timely collection of Markdown Allowance (MDA), markdowns, and Return to Vendor (RTV), and collaborate with Financial Planning to align with in-season Visual Merchandising and Trading (VMT) input
• Work with the Pricing team on pricing strategy and in-season adjustments

Skills You Will Need

Business Acumen: Strong understanding of business principles and the retail industry, with a focus on driving sales, margin, turn, and growth

Merchandising Expertise: Ability to devise and recommend assortment strategies and support assortment optimization, with knowledge of product performance data and its translation into advertising strategies and featured product selections

Collaboration and Communication: Recognized as a trusted and collaborative business partner, with excellent communication skills for effectively liaising with various teams and presenting information clearly and concisely

Analytical Skills: Capacity to think creatively, analytically, strategically, and technically to analyze performance data and make informed recommendations

Leadership and Interpersonal Skills: Strong leadership, facilitation, and interpersonal skills to work effectively across functional lines and at various levels within the organization

Technical Proficiency: Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Outlook, along with knowledge of MS Office computer programs

Financial Understanding: Ability to interpret financial information accurately to align orders with financial plans and manage receipt flow accordingly

Negotiation Skills: Proficiency in negotiating with vendors for adjustments in quantities, ship dates, and resolving shipping issues

Who You Are

• Candidates with a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience in a related field are encouraged to apply. 1-2 years of related experience.
• This role involves performing essential job functions such as communication, collaboration, and use of office and computer systems. Responsibilities include the ability to access and review written and electronic information, and to move within the work environment and interact with workplace materials as needed to carry out job responsibilities.
• Able to work a flexible schedule based on department and company needs.

What We Can Offer You

Join a team where work is as rewarding as it is fun! We offer a dynamic, inclusive environment with competitive pay and benefits. Enjoy comprehensive health and wellness coverage and a 401(k) match to invest in your future. Prioritize your well-being with paid time off and eight paid holidays. Grow your career with continuous learning and leadership development. Plus, build community by joining one of our Colleague Resource Groups and make a difference through our volunteer opportunities.

Some Additional Benefits We Offer Include

• Merchandise discounts
• Performance-based incentives
• Annual merit review
• Employee Assistance Program with mental health counseling and legal/financial advice
• Tuition reimbursement

Access the full menu of benefits offerings here.

About Us

This is a great time to join Macy’s! Whether you’re helping a customer find the perfect gift, streamlining operations in one of our distribution centers, enhancing our online shopping experience, buying in-style and on-trend merchandise to outfit our customers, or designing a balloon for the Thanksgiving Day Parade, we offer unique opportunities to be part of some of the most memorable moments in people’s lives.

Macy's, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment.

This position may be eligible for performance-based incentives/bonuses. Benefits include 401k, medical/vision/dental/life/disability insurance options, PTO accruals, Holidays, and more. Eligibility requirements may apply based on location, job level, classification, and length of employment. Additional benefit details are available at macysJOBS.com.