Associate Buyer - Optics/Airguns/Camo Apparel

Academy Sports + Outdoors; Town of Texas, Katy (WI, TX); On-site; USD 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated merchandise buyer to join their team. This role involves negotiating and purchasing merchandise across various categories, managing inventory, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to optimize performance. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical and communication skills, with a proven track record in strategic planning and assortment management. Join this forward-thinking company to contribute to a dynamic retail environment where your expertise will directly impact profitability and customer satisfaction.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of related experience required.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Negotiate and purchase merchandise for categories.
• Manage Open to Buy to ensure profitability.
• Analyze supplier and product performance.

Skills

Effective communication skills

Proficiency in Excel

Proficiency in Word

Ability to learn Oracle Retail applications

Strong interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Experience in assortment planning

Negotiation experience

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field

Tools

Excel

Lotus Notes

Oracle Retail applications

Job description

Join Our Team

We take pride in creating a workplace environment that values hard work, commitment, and growth.

Job Description

1. Minimum 5 years of related experience.
2. Bachelor's degree in a relevant field or equivalent work experience.

Key Skills and Qualifications

• Effective communication skills: listening, speaking, and writing.
• Proficiency in Excel, Lotus Notes, Word, and ability to learn Oracle Retail applications.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and prioritization skills.
• Experience in assortment planning, forecasting, strategic planning, and analytical skills.
• Negotiation and buying experience for assigned categories.
• Ability to manage merchandise flow, pricing, and supplier performance analysis.
• Collaborative skills to work with planners, merchandisers, and store teams.

Additional Requirements

• Regular attendance and flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Domestic and international travel as required.
• Ability to negotiate vendor allowances and terms.
• Willingness to learn company safety rules, policies, and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Negotiate and purchase merchandise for categories.
• Manage Open to Buy to ensure profitability.
• Determine assortment and item life cycles.
• Collaborate on merchandise flow, pricing, advertising, and inventory management.
• Analyze supplier and product performance, and adjust strategies accordingly.
• Oversee advertising and promotional activities for assigned categories.
• Conduct line reviews and initiate Plan-O-Grams.
• Work with stores and distribution centers to resolve issues.
• Search for new suppliers, categories, and items; monitor competition.
• Manage category management team.
• Perform store visits and ensure compliance with safety rules.

Note: Duties may change, and additional tasks may be assigned as needed.

Equal Opportunity Employment

Academy is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on race, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other protected category.