Product Development and Buying Associate, Bedding

Artisan 34; Matawan (NJ); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health plan

Dental plan

Vision plan

Paid time off

Work-from-home Fridays

Summer Fridays

Business casual environment

Job summary

Artisan 34, a premier Home Bedding and Bath Textiles company, seeks a Product Development & Buying Associate for on-site work in Matawan, NJ with Friday WFH. The role focuses on competitive value buying for off-price channels and close collaboration with design, planning, and sales to drive sales and profitability.

The ideal candidate has a bachelor’s degree or equivalent and 5+ years of direct experience, with strong analytical skills, textiles knowledge, and experience with overseas factories.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience in related field.
• 5+ years of direct experience in product development or buying.
• Analytical thinker proficient with data and office systems.
• Willing to flexible schedule and on-site presence Mon-Thu in Matawan; Fri WFH.

Responsibilities

• Curate and execute merchandise buying to meet sales, turn, and margin plans.
• Support seasonal market prep, showroom presentations, and line reviews.
• Identify whitespace opportunities aligned with company strategy.
• Conduct competitive shopping and address challenges; input to product development.
• Attend NYC showroom appointments with product knowledge.
• Collaborate with planning to develop assortment strategies.
• Provide seasonal category sales data and item performance analysis.
• Keep samples, costing records, calendars, and inventory trackers organized.

Skills

Textiles knowledge

Factory communication

Financial acumen

Retail strategy

Change management

Growth mindset

Strategic planning

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Job description

Job Title: Product Development & Buying Associate, Home Textiles, Bedding and Bath

Location: On-Site Monday to Thursday, Matawan, New Jersey / Friday WFH

*Not open to remote.

Artisan 34 stands as a premier Home Bedding and Bath Textiles Company, setting a fresh new standard in the industry! In simple terms, we develop, design, and merchandise soft home & décor products marketed across a broad portfolio of our brands, to corporate retailers across North America. Our vision is to become the manufacturer of choice for our customers!

Although we started just over 8 years ago, we are still evolving and growing! This role requires constant pivoting, strategy, and figuring out how to make it work best no matter the odds! A go-getter attitude, fast paced project manager, that shares our start-up and entrepreneurial spirit is essential to help us grow Artisan 34!

Job Overview

The Product Development and Buying Associate supports leadership by focusing on competitive value buying merchandise to drive sales and profitability for our off-price channel. Working closely with overseas factories, design, and sales, they curate a distinguished off-price assortment to satisfy customer demand. Focusing on achieving sales, gross margin, turnover, and pricing execution in the assigned area of the business, the Associate develops and implements strategies by vendor, collaborating with planning to analyze and respond to sales trends.

An Associate Buyer is known as a trusted, collaborative, and results-oriented leader, serving as a key business partner and change agent with the ability to lead through influence. Demonstrating professional maturity and industry credibility, the ideal candidate must navigate and lead effectively through significant complexity. Equally valued is the candidate's reputation for visionary thinking and a strong commitment to swift decision-making.

What You Will Do:

• Curate and execute merchandise buying that satisfies the customer demand to achieves sales, turn, and margin plan.
• Support seasonal market preparation, showroom presentations, customer-specific assortments, and line reviews.
• Understand competitive marketplace and pursues white space opportunities that align with company strategy.
• Competitive shop and determine the action necessary to address competitive challenges. Identify any product opportunities and provide suggestions and input to product development
• Attend customer appointments at our NYC Showroom prepared with an understanding of product to support customer preferences.
• Collaborate with planning partner to develop and execute assortment strategy.
• Provide seasonal data of category sales, and item performance analysis to assist in determining in-season item-level changes to make.
• Keep sample libraries, product files, costing records, calendars, and inventory planning trackers organized and current.
• Communicate factory updates with sales and design on product development projects

Skills You Will Need

• Strong knowledge of textiles, materials, constructions, and manufacturing processes
• Experience communicating and working with overseas factories
• Financial Business Acumen: Ability to understand and analyze financial aspects to make informed strategic decisions.
• Retail Strategy and Tactics: In-depth knowledge of market trends, customer behaviors, and competitive landscapes.
• Change Management: Comfort and effectiveness in leading teams through change ensuring successful adaptation.
• Growth Mindset: A growth-oriented mindset, coupled with the ability to coach teams in embracing growth opportunities.
• Strategic Planning: Experience in driving strategies and plans supporting a compelling core and curated assortment.

Who You Are

• Candidates with a bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience in a related field
• 5+ years of direct experience
• Highly analytical and proficient in mathematical projects
• This role involves performing essential job functions such as communication, collaboration, and use of office and computer systems. Responsibilities include the ability to access and review written and electronic information, and to move within the work environment and interact with workplace materials as needed to carry out job responsibilities.
• Able to work a flexible schedule based on department and company needs.

Artisan 34 offers Health, Dental, and Vision plans, along with other benefits such as Paid Time-Off for Vacation and Holidays, Work-from-Home Friday's, Summer Fridays, and a Business Casual Environment.