Assistant Buyer - NBA & WNBA Apparel

DICK'S Sporting Goods, Inc.; United States; On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

DICK'S Sporting Goods is seeking a merchandising professional to develop category assortments and support buyers in creating compelling merchandise lines. You will collaborate with vendors, participate in pre-season line reviews and help translate data into actionable assortment and pricing strategies.

The role emphasizes staying ahead of market trends, preparing line review deliverables, and contributing to omni‑channel and ecommerce alignment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, merchandising or business related field or equivalent retail experience.
• 1–3 years of experience in retail, including store level.
• Previous experience as an Assistant Buyer or Buying internship preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop Category Assortments.
• Assist buyers in the development of merchandise assortments by category.
• Par­ticipate in vendor meetings to review product offerings and strategies.
• Communicate with vendors post pre-line to secure data for seasonal setup.
• Update hindsight recaps to analyze past season results.
• Make recommendations on what worked and what didn’t.
• Research market data to explain trends and ideate big ideas.
• Assist with line review deliverables, including reports and sample management.
• Attend pre-season line reviews with leaders and the Chief Merchant.
• Manage in-season updates and department reporting.
• Provide actionable recommendations to buyers based on findings.
• Identify opportunities and trends, adjusting advertising, pricing and assortment needs.

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in marketing, merchandising or business related field

Equivalent retail experience

Job description

At DICK’S Sporting Goods, we believe in how positively sports can change lives. On our team, everyone plays a critical role in creating confidence and excitement by personally equipping all athletes to achieve their dreams. We are committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workforce, reflecting the communities we serve. If you are ready to make a difference as part of the world’s greatest sports team, apply to join our team today!

OVERVIEW: Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop Category Assortments
• Assist the buyers in the in-depth development of merchandise assortments by category, collaborating on every aspect of the process.
• Sit with the buyer to go through the Merchandise Assortment Process and apply financials.
• Participate in vendor pre-line meetings to review product offerings and gain insight into vendor initiatives and strategies.
• Communicate effectively with vendors post pre-line to secure item level data required for seasonal setup.
• Update or create hindsight recaps for previous season to analyze results.
• Make recommendations on what worked/what didn’t
• Research economic, financial, market, competitive and industry data to explain current business trends and anticipate new trends or big ideas.
• Assist with preparation of all line review deliverables, including reporting, decks and sample management.
• Attend pre-season line reviews with leaders and Chief Merchant.
• Manage In-Season Business Update and analyze department reporting.
• Provide actionable recommendations to Buyer based on findings.
• Assess opportunities and react to trends within the business, including identifying the underlying cause.
• This includes updates to advertising, pricing, assortment needs and digital strategies.
• Track vendor shipping on incoming orders, including resolving late or incomplete shipments.
• Communicate shifts in receipts to business partners to ensure accurate reflection in the OTB and anticipated stock levels.
• Execute Operational Needs of the Category Deliver accurate execution of the tasks associated with new line delivery (style setup/creation, PO writing, etc.).
• This includes all omni channel and ecommerce needs.
• Review and analyze department reporting.
• Based on analysis, provide action plan to management for buy-in.
• Once approved, execute the plan accordingly.
• Own the execution of the advertising strategy from Promo Planning activities to ad proof accuracy.
• Attend ad proofs to ensure accuracy of upcoming advertising, including pricing and copy.
• Stay current on system and reporting enhancements and changes to ensure efficiencies are maximized within Buying office.
• Manage sample acquisition and distribution; this includes procurement, sample room maintenance, and submissions to advertising.
• Develop Effective Partnerships Build partnerships with Planning, AR, Marketing, Store Operations and Pricing teams.
• Communicate changes to assortments, pricing, receipt flow and advertising as updates are made.
• Participate in market trips to stores to assess and monitor performance and customer satisfaction.
• Seek to gain insights from field leadership and employees.
• Ensure accurate and timely communication with the Visual team on upcoming Gameplans to gain alignment with category strategy.
• This includes offering product placement recommendations and communicating adjustments.
• Develop Self and Others Train and mentor new hires by sharing experience, knowledge and best practices.
• Establish best practices across the larger team to drive productivity and efficiencies.
• Participate in and act as a representative for the Buying office on cross-functional projects and focus groups as needed.
• Demonstrate passionate curiosity.
• Seek opportunities to learn, challenge thinking and expand category point of view through asking questions, seeking mentorship and independent research.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s Degree in marketing, merchandising or business related field OR equivalent retail experience 1-3 Years of Experience – Previously in retail, including store level, required Previous experience as an Assistant Buyer or Buying internship preferred

VIRTUAL REQUIREMENTS:

At DICK’S, we thrive on innovation and authenticity. That said, to protect the integrity and security of our hiring process, we ask that candidates do not use AI tools (like ChatGPT or others) during interviews or assessments. To ensure a smooth and secure experience, please note the following:

• Cameras must be on during all virtual interviews.
• AI tools are not permitted to be used by the candidate during any part of the interview process.
• Offers are contingent upon a satisfactory background check which may include ID verification.

ACHIEVING SUCCESS AT DICK’S SPORTING GOODS

Everything we do is focused on helping athletes achieve their dreams. Accomplishing this takes a team of people committed to being their best. That means learning, growing, advancing and exploring new experiences. Advancing in our career is much like a climbing wall; it isn't always a vertical path. Climbers plan their path, make moves in every direction and reach further. Whatever direction you want to explore, we encourage you to be brave, curious and hungry for new experiences. We are the athletes, the coaches, the energy in the stands, and the fans that fill them. The referees that call the games and the neighbor that can’t wait until the next one. The sports enthusiasts that wake up and strive to reach our personal best. We are DICK’S Sporting Goods – a community united by our passion for sport, standing together in our pursuit of our best. What we bring to the game is what we believe will change it. By upholding the values that strengthen our performance, fosters collaboration, and ignites our desire to win, we actively demonstrate the impact and change we inspire when we work as one.