Associate Buyer, Shoes

Saks Fifth Avenue; Direct (TX); On-site; USD 77,000 - 97,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee discount

Medical insurance

Dental and vision insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Job summary

Saks Global, the parent of Saks Fifth Avenue, seeks an Associate Buyer to support the Buying team in vendor selection, pricing strategy, and inventory optimization. You will help drive profitability, mentor junior buyers, and contribute to category strategies across the luxury retail network.

You will collaborate with Brand Partnerships, Buying Lead, and cross-functional teams to execute assortment and financial plans, while delivering strong customer-focused results.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent retail experience.
• 3+ years in a buying office with retail strategy exposure.
• Strong communication and leadership to influence stakeholders.
• Proven track record of exceeding goals in complex organizations.
• Proficient in retail math concepts including markup, GMROI, OTB, WOS.

Responsibilities

• Lead market cycle, manage orders, and collaborate with Brand Partnerships and Buying Lead.
• Oversee checkbook management and support brand strategies for growth.
• Analyze product selection, pricing, and vendor negotiations.
• Manage portfolio, in-season product, markdowns, and RTVs.
• Track receipts and ensure inventory targets are met.
• Develop assortment strategies to meet financial goals and KPIs.

Skills

Retail math

MS Office

Google Sheets

Negotiation

Leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent retail experience

Tools

MS Excel

PowerPoint

Google Sheets

Job description

Salary Range $77,000 - $97,000*

Job Description:

WHO WE ARE:

Saks Global is the largest multi-brand luxury retailer in the world, comprising Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman and Saks OFF 5TH. Powered by our talented colleagues, we are redefining luxury shopping by offering each customer a personalized experience across our store network and e-commerce platforms. Through strong partnerships with the world's most esteemed brands, cutting-edge technology and the industry's most comprehensive luxury customer data, Saks Global is shaping the future of retail.

YOU WILL BE:

As an Associate Buyer, you will play a key role in supporting the Buying team by assisting in vendor selection and partnership development, while helping to ensure the assortment reflects the high standards of Saks Global and meets customer needs. You will contribute to inventory productivity analysis, vendor profitability reviews, and pricing strategy by providing detailed data and insights. Additionally, you will support sales growth and financial performance and may lead and mentor a team of Assistant Buyers, contributing to the execution of category strategies and overall business objectives.

WHAT YOU WILL DO:

Core Merchandising Responsibilities:

• Lead market cycle, manage orders, and collaborate with Brand Partnerships and Buying Lead.

• Oversee checkbook management and support brand strategies for growth.

• Analyze product selection, pricing, and vendor negotiations.

• Manage portfolio, in-season product, markdowns, and RTVs.

• Track receipts and ensure inventory targets are met.

• Develop assortment strategies to meet financial goals and KPIs.

Financial Planning and Markdowns:

• Negotiate with partners and review financial plans.

• Manage OTB, markdown projections, and RTV negotiations.

People Partnerships and Development:

• Build cross-functional relationships and manage vendor communication.

• Collaborate with marketing, Store Planning, and the Bangalore team.

• Mentor and guide others in the ECDP program.

Merchandising/Buying:

• Execute assorting strategies and financial planning.

• Develop promotions with sales support teams.

• Meet sales/profit goals and manage buying office operations.

WHAT YOU WILL BRING:

Required Qualifications (Minimum Requirements):

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent retail experience.

• 3+ years of experience in a buying office with a strong understanding of buying operations and retail strategy.

• Self-starter with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment.

• Strong communicator with executive presence, able to lead meetings and build trust with stakeholders.

• Proven track record of consistently exceeding goals and driving positive outcomes in complex organizations.

• Excellent problem-solving skills with a creative approach to new challenges.

• Demonstrated ability to apply retail math concepts (markup, margin planning, OTB, WOS, T/O, GMROI) and strong proficiency in MS Office, Google Sheets/Docs, and PowerPoint.

• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience, with strong leadership, management, and organizational skills.

• Strong interpersonal, customer focus, conflict management, and negotiation skills.

• Flexible, adaptable, and able to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.

YOUR LIFE AND CAREER AT SAKS GLOBAL:

• Opportunity to work in a dynamic fast paced environment at a company experiencing growth and transformation
• Exposure to rewarding career advancement opportunities across the largest multi-brand luxury retailer from retail to distribution, to digital or corporate
• Comprehensive benefits package for all eligible full-time employees (including medical, vision and dental)
• An amazing employee discount

BENEFITS:

We offer the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements: medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, 401(k) retirement plan, basic life insurance, supplemental life insurance, disability insurance, and a variety of additional voluntary benefits (such as critical illness, hospital and accident insurance).

Exemplar Luxury Group is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you are interested in applying for employment with Exemplar Luxury Group and would like to request special assistance or an accommodation, please contact [e-mail].

Compensation for this role varies by geographic location. The listed range reflects multiple markets, including higher-cost areas. Actual starting pay will be determined based on work location, experience, and other job-related factors.