Retail Assistant Buyer

American Dream; East Rutherford (NJ); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

American Dream in East Rutherford, NJ, is seeking a Retail Assistant Buyer to support the buying team in planning, purchasing, and managing merchandise to maximize sales and profitability. You will assist with vendor communication, purchase order management, inventory analysis, product selection, SKU setup, and merchandising activities to ensure the right products are available at the right time.

This role requires strong Excel skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred in business/merchandising or related field.
• 2-3 years of retail, merchandising, purchasing, or inventory management experience.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Experience with retail systems preferred.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Detail-oriented with strong problem-solving abilities.

Responsibilities

• Assist Buyers in purchasing merchandise for assigned categories.
• Create, track, and maintain purchase orders and vendor documents.
• Monitor inventory levels and recommend replenishment orders.
• Maintain product data, pricing, and item setup in retail systems.
• Coordinate with vendors on shipments, product availability, and delivery schedules.
• Review and resolve discrepancies related to orders, invoices, and receipts.
• Support development of promotional plans.
• Collaborate with back of house and front of house teams.
• Research competitor offerings, pricing strategies, and industry trends.
• Assist in product presentations, vendor meetings, and assortment reviews.
• Manage inventory count process and assist with receiving as needed.
• Perform cycle counts for inventory accuracy.

Skills

Merchandising

Purchase Orders

Vendor Relations

Data Analysis

Excel

Inventory Management

Communication Skills

Time Management

Attention to Detail

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business, Merchandising, Retail Management, Marketing, or related field preferred

Tools

Retail Systems

Microsoft Excel

Job description

The Retail Assistant Buyer supports the buying team in planning, purchasing, and managing merchandise to maximize sales, profitability, and inventory productivity. This role assists with vendor communication, purchase order management, sales analysis, product selection, sku setup and merchandising activities to ensure the right products are available at the right time.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist the Buyers in purchasing merchandise for assigned categories.
• Create, track, and maintain purchase orders and vendor documentation.
• Monitor inventory levels and recommend replenishment orders.
• Maintain accurate product data, pricing, and item setup in retail systems.
• Coordinate with vendors regarding shipments, product availability, and delivery schedules.
• Review and resolve discrepancies related to orders, invoices, and inventory receipts.
• Support the development of promotional plans
• Collaborate with back of house and front of house teams
• Research competitor offerings, pricing strategies, and industry trends.
• Assist in product presentations, vendor meetings, and assortment reviews.
• Manage inventory count process and assist with receiving as needed
• Perform as needed cycle counts for inventory accuracy

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Merchandising, Retail Management, Marketing, or related field preferred.
• 2-3 years of retail, merchandising, purchasing, or inventory management experience.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel
• Experience with retail systems preferred.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Detail-oriented with strong problem-solving abilities.

KEY COMPETENCIES:

• Merchandise Planning
• Inventory Management
• Data Analysis
• Vendor Relations
• Purchase Order Management
• Time Management
• Communication Skills
• Attention to Detail
• Team Collaboration
• Commercial Awareness
• Entrepreneurial mindset

PERFORMANCE METRICS:

• Inventory accuracy
• On-time purchase order completion
• Sales and margin performance
• Stock availability and fill rates
• Vendor compliance
• Forecast accuracy

PHYSICAL JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• Sit frequently - 80%
• Perform repetitive motion, as with a keyboard - frequently, 80%
• Stand/move about - periodically, 20%
• Kneel/bend - periodically, 10%
• Reach at or above shoulder level - periodically, 10%
• Reach at or below shoulder level - periodically, 10%
• Stoop/squat - periodically, 10%
• Lift up to 15lbs. - periodically, 10%

American Dream is an equal-opportunity employer and is committed to providing a workplace free from harassment or discrimination. All employment decisions are to be made without regard to race, color, age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, pregnancy, national origin/ancestry, citizenship, physical/mental disability, military status, or any other basis prohibited by law.