Senior Buyer & Category Strategy Lead

academy; Katy (TX); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Academy Sports + Outdoors is seeking a driven professional to drive sales, manage inventory, and support strong category performance. You will lead category management, analyze data, and align decisions with financial goals.

Collaboration with merchandising, eCommerce, and sourcing keeps information flowing across teams. You will guide product lifecycles and negotiate vendor terms while staying connected to market dynamics.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of retail or customer service experience preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required.
• Strong communication and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to analyze and interpret complex data.
• Experience mentoring or coaching others.
• Ability to develop strong vendor relationships.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
• A team-first attitude; you’re happy to step in wherever you’re needed.

Responsibilities

• Drive sales, manage inventory, and improve category performance.
• Lead category management processes, analyze data, and align decisions with financial goals.
• Guide product lifecycles and negotiate vendor terms.
• Collaborate with merchandising, eCommerce, and sourcing to align assortment and promotions.
• Work with Assistant Buyers, suppliers, global sourcing, and cross-functional category teams.

Skills

Retail experience

Customer service

Strong communication

Problem-solving

Data analysis

Vendor relationships

Microsoft Office

Team player

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Academy Sports + Outdoors is seeking a driven professional to drive sales, manage inventory, and support strong category performance. You will lead category management, analyze data, and align decisions with financial goals.

Collaboration with merchandising, eCommerce, and sourcing keeps information flowing across teams. You will guide product lifecycles and negotiate vendor terms while staying connected to market dynamics.