Sourcing Assistant

JCPenney; New York (NY); On-site; USD 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) with company match

Associate discount

Job summary

Catalyst Brands is seeking a detail-oriented Sample Intake Coordinator (Sourcing Assistant) in New York. You will manage receipt, logging, storage, and distribution of product samples to merchant and sourcing teams, ensuring timely delivery and accurate records.

The role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to multitask in a fast-paced retail environment. Growth opportunities exist within sourcing, merchandising, and product development teams.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• 1 year administrative/retail/inventory or related experience preferred.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office including Outlook, Excel, Teams.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to prioritize work and manage multiple requests simultaneously.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Receive, inspect, and document incoming product samples from vendors and suppliers.
• Maintain accurate sample tracking records and inventory logs.
• Organize and store samples for easy retrieval and maintenance.
• Coordinate delivery, pickup, and redistribution of samples to internal partners.
• Monitor inventory and follow up on overdue or missing samples.
• Prepare samples for meetings, line reviews, and product evaluations.
• Ensure sample rooms and storage areas are clean and compliant with standards.
• Assist in identifying damaged or excess samples and disposition.
• Support shipping/receiving including packaging and labeling for internal/external distribution.
• Communicate sample status with vendors and internal partners.
• Perform data entry and maintain records in systems and spreadsheets.
• Assist with special projects and administrative tasks for sourcing/merchandising.

Skills

Detail orientation

Organizational skills

Prioritization

Verbal communication

Written communication

Team collaboration

Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel,Teams

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate degree coursework in business/retail/supply chain

Job description

Locations: New York, New York

Overview

The Sample Intake Coordinator (Sourcing Assistant) is responsible for the receipt, organization, tracking, maintenance, and distribution of product samples that support the sourcing, merchandising, and product development processes. This role serves as a key operational partner by ensuring samples are accurately logged, stored, maintained, and delivered to merchant and sourcing teams in a timely manner.

The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced retail environment. This position offers an excellent opportunity to gain exposure to sourcing, merchandising, product development, and cross-functional retail operations.

Responsibilities

• Receive, inspect, and document incoming product samples from vendors and suppliers.
• Maintain accurate sample tracking records and inventory logs.
• Organize and store samples in designated locations to ensure easy retrieval and proper maintenance.
• Coordinate the delivery, pickup, and redistribution of samples to merchant, sourcing, design, and product development partners.
• Monitor sample inventory and proactively follow up on overdue or missing samples.
• Prepare samples for meetings, line reviews, presentations, and product evaluations.
• Ensure sample rooms and storage areas remain organized, clean, and compliant with company standards.
• Assist in identifying damaged, outdated, or excess samples and facilitate proper disposition.
• Support shipping and receiving activities, including packaging and labeling samples for internal and external distribution.
• Communicate professionally with vendors and internal business partners regarding sample status and requests.
• Perform data entry and maintain records within applicable systems and spreadsheets.
• Assist with special projects and administrative tasks that support sourcing and merchandising operations.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 1 year of administrative, retail, inventory, warehouse, logistics, or related experience preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Excel, and Teams.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to prioritize work and manage multiple requests simultaneously.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.

Preferred

• Associate degree or coursework in business, merchandising, fashion, retail, supply chain, or a related field.
• Experience working with inventory tracking systems or retail operations.
• Familiarity with merchandising, sourcing, or product development processes.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift, move, and transport sample packages weighing up to 30 pounds.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and reach throughout the workday.
• Ability to move frequently between office, sample storage, and meeting areas.

What You Get

Enjoy a rewarding career at Catalyst, where we offer a competitive benefits package, a vibrant work environment, and the opportunity to make a difference with America's most iconic retail brands.

• Generous benefits:Medical/dental/vision insurance starting on day one, term life insurance, paid vacation/holidays, 401(k) Savings Plan with company match, and an associate discount on merchandise across all Catalyst Brands.
• Opportunities for growth and development:We are committed to helping our employees grow their careers and develop their skills. We offer a variety of training and development programs, as well as opportunities for advancement.
• Collaborative and supportive culture:We believe in creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We encourage teamwork and collaboration, and we are always looking for ways to support our employees' success.

About Catalyst Brands

Catalyst Brands reflects the bringing together the rich heritages of our brands with modern excitement and a new vision for success. Five iconic brands came together under a unified powerhouse portfolio to celebrate the essence of American style. We will leverage our rich history, resources and best-in-class industry talent to further build the success of our brands. At Catalyst we are united in one shared purpose: We exist to ignite America’s most beloved retail brands to make fashion accessible to all.

Pay Range

USD $20.00 - USD $25.00 /Hr.