Buyer, Gourmet

World Market; Alameda (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Shopping discount up to 30%

Paid vacation

Job summary

World Market in Alameda, CA is seeking an experienced Buyer to lead category strategy and assortment planning, including vendor negotiations and OT/Buys, aiming to meet financial targets.

You will collaborate across marketing, merchandising, and supply chain, travel to vendor shows, and manage Open-to-Buy, promotions, and vendor relationships to drive sales and profitability.

Qualifications

• Passion for the business and strong curiosity about trends.
• Excellent planning and negotiation abilities with vendors.
• Ability to manage Open to Buy (OTB) and Buy Plans effectively.
• Comfort presenting category performance to internal and external partners.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategies to grow category sales.
• Create assortments and plans through competitive shopping and vendor collaboration.
• Negotiate pricing and manage vendor relationships and RTV processes.
• Lead promotional strategies to maximize profitability and coordinate marketing support.
• Travel to vendor factories and trade shows as needed.

Skills

Strategic planning

Vendor negotiation

Assortment planning

Financial acumen

Team leadership

Travel willingness

Analytical skills

Trend forecasting

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Responsibilities

• Own the Business: Develop and execute strategies. Strategically create assortments that meet financial metrics. Develop core and seasonal products which excite our customers. Build assortment plans through competitive shopping, working with vendors, and understanding trends. Demonstrate a strong awareness of competition and the market. Speak confidently about product vision and category performance to internal and external partners. Travel to vendor factories and attend trade shows domestically and internationally (as appropriate).
• Drive the Business: Manage financial aspects and demonstrate strong business acumen and agility. Manage Open to Buy (OTB) and Buy Plans for designated category along with Inventory Management partners. Actively manage the business both in forward planning and in-season execution. Review business regularly; analyzing, summarizing, and making recommendations. Quickly zero in on key business opportunities and create competitive and breakthrough strategies/plans. Manage promotional strategies to maximize sales and profitability. Manage sourcing relationships and internal communications for all customer-facing programs.
• Vendor Management: Manage vendor relationships: negotiate best possible pricing, handle quality assurance issues, organize claims preparation, return to vendor (RTV) process, vendor income support and track and resolve outstanding issues. Identify, source, and onboard new vendors (working with agents and internal Vendor Relations teams). Research, prepare, and present new product ideas and concepts to internal partners.
• Marketing & Catalogue Support: Provide Advertising, Marketing, Visual and eCommerce support needed to drive sales of your categories. Confirm accuracy of all marketing exposure and signs.
• Leadership: Demonstrate strong leadership behaviors: influence, make decisions, act without the total picture; manage risk. Manage the professional development of one or more Assistant and/or Associate Buyers. Build rapport quickly and establish positive relationships.
• Other: Travel as required.

Qualifications

• Passion for the business.
• High level of business acumen, agility, and curiosity.
• Ke keen eye for style and trends.
• Strong leadership and team collaboration skills.
• Critical thinking and creative problem‑solving skills; ability to take risks.
• Ability to identify, develop and manage existing business and spot future trends.
• Enthusiasm for travel and exploring.
• Excellent analytical skills; trend forecasting and item management.
• Excellent planning and negotiation skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proven ability to develop subordinates.
• Strong PC skills including Microsoft Office (PowerPoint, Excel, Word).
• Minimum 5–7 years buying experience with a multi‑unit retailer including domestic or foreign travel.
• Bachelor’s degree required.

Location & Compensation

Location: Alameda, CA (Hybrid – up to 3 days per week on site). Salary: $110,000 to $150,000 annually.

Benefits

Health, dental, and vision insurance; paid vacation and sick time; 401(k) plan with Roth option and company match; employee assistance program and wellness resources; sample sales and up to 30% shopping discount; work life balance and flexibility.

Equal Opportunity Employer

World Market, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to recruiting, hiring, training, promoting, transferring and compensating associates with no regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, lawful alien status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, citizenship status, veteran status, employment status or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.

Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with applicable laws, which may include the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the California Fair Chance Act, the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance and the Los Angeles City Fair Chance Act.