Associate Buyer

1002 Columbia Brands USA, LLC.; United States; Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) plan with company match

Medical, dental, vision, lifeInsurance

Disability coverage

FSAs/HSAs

Employee discounts

Wellness programs

Job summary

Columbia Sportswear Company is seeking an Associate Buyer for the NA DTC team, based at our Portland-area headquarters in a hybrid role. You will partner on seasonal buys for Footwear and Accessories, influence assortments, and support inventory management and pricing strategies to maximize sales and gross margin.

You will collaborate across merchandising, marketing, and operations, contributing to forecast accuracy and in-season adjustments while maintaining strong communication and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required and applicable certification or equivalent experience.
• 2–4 years of professional experience in buying or related field.
• Excellent presentation skills and strong communication abilities.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and data interpretation.

Responsibilities

• Partner with team on product assortments and style selection.
• Develop assortments aligned with financial plans and in-stock goals.
• Manage in-season inventory, pricing strategies, and markdowns to optimize margin.
• Collaborate with planning, allocation, and marketing for timely deliveries.
• Support cross-functional teams to maximize sales and ensure store execution.
• Contribute to forecasting and long-term category strategies.

Skills

Excel

Communication

Presentation

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Certification or equivalent

Tools

Illustrator

Job description

ABOUT THE POSITION

This position is designated as a hybrid role based out of our headquarters near Portland, Oregon. The current expectation is for employees to work onsite four days per week, subject to change based on business needs. This in-office requirement may be adjusted at the discretion of the company.

The North America Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) team focuses on our outlet, brand, and employee stores within the US and Canada. From merchandising to retail marketing to retail operations,there is a highly collaborative team working “behind the scenes” to ensure our consumers have a positive experience in our stores. The Associate Buyer is responsible for partnering with the team on seasonal buys and long-term strategies for Footwear and Accessories.

This role assists with all facets of buying including the financial investments of each item, assortments by store, marketing, in-season price and inventory management, and the execution of product. They will partner cross-functionally and influence the development of optimal assortments to maximize sales and gross margin.

HOW YOU’LL MAKE A DIFFERENCE

• Partners with team members on product assortments including style selection and product flow ensuring synergy with financial plans.
• Develops and presents assortments supporting overall strategy of in-stock positioning for key merchandise categories, balanced presentations, and accurate and timely receipt flow.
• Partners with team members on in-season business management including inventory management and price strategies to increase sales and improve gross margin.
• Collaborates with cross-functional partners to maximize sales and ensure store execution.
• Partners with Planning team on future forecasts of sales trends, merchandise availability, and other changes in the business.
• Manages inventory levels through price optimization of markdowns and promotions.
• Partners with Allocation team on product execution ensuring timely delivery and replenishment of all products throughout the season to maximize sales.
• Partners to ensure cohesive execution of product through marketing and visual merchandising.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

YOU ARE

• Proficient in Microsoft Excel,
• Illustrator experience preferred
• Strong in written and verbal communication
• Familiar with retail industry and specific metrics used

YOU HAVE

• Bachelor’s degree,
• applicable certification or equivalent experience
• 2-4 years of professional experience
• Excellent presentation skills #LI-CS1 #LI-hybrid

This job description is not meant to be an all-inclusive list of duties and responsibilities, but constitutes a general definition of the position's scope and function in the company.

Columbia Sportswear Company is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. Columbia Sportswear is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities.

If you need an accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please notify your recruiter.

If you need an accommodation/adjustment to successfully complete and submit your application, please reach out to [e-mail] with the Subject: Applicant Assistance Requested.

Benefits

• Benefits that can protect your family’s financial future and help you save money through our 401k plan plus a generous company match.
• Columbia offers medical, dental, vision, life Insurance, disability, flexible spending accounts, health savings account, and an assortment of voluntary benefit offerings (accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity, and legal services).
• In addition, Columbia offers EAP + which is free and confidential 24/7/365 counseling services.
• We have extensive wellness benefits, employee discounts and a generous time off program available.

Founded in 1938, Columbia Sportswear Company is a global leader in designing, sourcing, marketing, and distributing outdoor and active lifestyle apparel, footwear, accessories, and equipment. Our four primary brands — Columbia®, Mountain Hardwear®, SOREL® and prAna® — complement each other to address the diverse needs of active consumers and their products have gained an international reputation for their innovation, quality and performance. Learn more about our family of brands here.

https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12.pdf.