Associate Buyer - Camo Apparel/Knives/Optics

Academy Sports and Outdoors; Katy (TX); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Academy Sports + Outdoors is seeking a Merchandise Buyer in Katy, TX to own selection and buying for assigned categories. You will analyze performance, refine assortments, and negotiate with suppliers to improve sales and margins.

You will partner with Category Managers and Planners to manage flow, pricing, lifecycle, and category strategies. The role requires strong planning, forecasting, and cross‑functional collaboration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required.
• At least 5 years of related experience in buying or merchandising.
• Strong communication across listening, speaking, and writing.
• Proficiency with Excel, Word, and retail systems; Oracle Retail.
• Strong planning, forecasting and strategic thinking; negotiation skills.

Responsibilities

• Own selecting and buying merchandise to grow assigned categories.
• Analyze product performance, refine assortments and drive sales/margins.
• Negotiate with suppliers and manage flow, pricing, lifecycle and category strategies.
• Collaborate with planners and cross‑functional partners to keep assortment fresh.
• Monitor trends and competitors to identify new suppliers and opportunities.

Skills

Merchandising

Buying experience

Negotiation

Forecasting

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

Tools

Excel

Word

retail systems

Oracle Retail

Job description

Who We Are At Academy Sports + Outdoors our vision is to be the best sports + outdoors retailer in the country — but what truly sets us apart is our people. We’re a passionate, purpose-driven team that’s as committed to each other as we are to our customers. We’ve spent over 80 years building a culture that puts people first. We believe in creating opportunities for growth, fostering meaningful connections, and supporting every Team Member’s journey. What fuels us? Our belief in the power of fun. Here, you won’t just help customers gear up for their next adventure — you’ll launch one of your own. Whether you're starting out or leveling up, Academy is a place where fun can’t lose!

What You Will Work On

Take ownership of selecting and buying merchandise that supports the growth of your assigned categories. Every day brings opportunities to analyze product performance, refine assortments, and make decisions that strengthen sales and margins. Through negotiation, problem‑solving, and collaboration, you’ll help deliver the right products at the right time. Partner closely with planners to manage flow, pricing, lifecycle, and category strategies. As you monitor trends and competitor activity, you’ll identify new suppliers and product opportunities that keep your assortment fresh. Your work helps shape what customers find in our stores and how they experience our brand.

Who You Will Work With

Work side‑by‑side with Category Managers, Planners, Replenishment Analysts, eCommerce Merchandisers, and cross‑functional partners across merchandising, supply chain, and marketing. This team values open communication, shared goals, and the ability to pivot quickly as business needs evolve. You’ll also build strong relationships with vendors, stores, and the distribution center. Whether you’re reviewing ads, creating Plan‑O‑Grams, or solving inventory challenges, your collaboration keeps things moving smoothly.

What You Bring

Bring your energy, your ideas, and your love for sports and the outdoors. Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required At least 5 years of related experience in buying or merchandising Strong communication skills across listening, speaking, and writing Proficiency with Excel, Word, and retail systems; able to learn Oracle Retail applications Strengths in planning, forecasting, and strategic thinking Proven negotiation skills and comfort working with vendors Strong organizational and prioritization abilities in a fast‑moving environment Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret trends and performance data A team-first attitude; while your core duties are your priority, you're happy to step in wherever you're needed

Work Style and Physical Requirements

Domestic and international travel as needed Ability to work flexible schedules, including evenings, weekends, and holidays Ability to tour stores and work closely with store teams as required Regular in‑office attendance is required Acceptable level of hearing and vision to perform job duties Ability to adhere to company policies and professional standards

Key Skills

Communication, Planning, Forecasting, Analytical Thinking, Organization, Negotiation

Equal Employment Opportunity

Academy is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate with regard to employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other category protected by law. Academy® Sports + Outdoors is one of the nation’s largest sporting goods and outdoor retailers. It’s no surprise that we not only know how to create experiences for our customers, but for our team members as well. Understanding our people and the things that matter to them the most has been at the core of the Academy® culture for over 80 years. With more than 22,000 team members, we take pride in creating a workplace environment that values hard work, commitment, and growth.