Associate Buyer - Women's Designer
Company Background:
Gilt Groupe provides invitation-only access to high-end fashion and luxury brands at highly discounted prices. The company currently works with a roster of nearly 400 up-and-coming and established brands in the women's, men's, children's, beauty, and home fashion categories.
Gilt Groupe was founded by an experienced team with proven track records at successful luxury fashion companies. Gilt Groupe is a fully funded company and is currently based in the vibrant Chelsea neighborhood in New York City.
Job Description:
Gilt Groupe is seeking an experienced Associate Buyer for the Women's Designer team who has the technical and practical knowledge of the buying process in designer apparel. The ideal candidate will have experience from a luxury retailer, be a proven self-starter who has a fashion-forward eye for trends, as well as a business mind for the inner-workings of the changing fashion world. A passion for luxury goods and a “can do” approach are musts.
The Associate Buyer will collaborate with various internal teams and external vendors to create the product selection that sets Gilt Groupe apart from all competition. The Buying team will develop business strategies that drive sales through the assortment of products selected, pricing, promotion and ROI.
Responsibilities:
- Support the Women's Designer team in the product selection that sets Gilt Groupe apart from all competition
- Go on “buys” on a weekly basis
- Establish and maintain vendor relationships and attend buying trips on a monthly basis
- Continually research and explore new trends in marketplace and category
- Assist in negotiating buying terms with vendors (price, quantity, delivery terms)
- Manage the Purchase Order (PO) process between Gilt Groupe and the respective brand as well as the sale process
- Establish cross-functional relationships in order to effectively grow and maintain business and financial expectations
- Develop other junior members of the Merchandising team
- Keeping abreast of industry trends and new product ideas by reading fashion magazines and visiting stores
Requirements:
- 5 years buying experience, preferably in designer apparel
- Strong understanding of merchandising financials, retail math and the ability to manage profitability
- Successful experience in buying in multi brand, multi vendor environment
- Proven experience building profitable business in beauty category
- Self-starter, ambitious in nature
- Knowledge of Open-to-Buy process
- Ability to analyze reports and draw conclusions/recommendations
- Ability to remain flexible and willing to change strategies, as business needs dictate
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment
If interested, please send your resume to careers@gilt.com