Retail Buyer

Retail Buyer

Position Overview
The Retail Buyer is a corporate merchandising partner at SSA, responsible for selecting, sourcing, and pricing the products that fill the assortment in their assigned categories. They report to the Divisional Merchandise Director (DMD) and work as equals with Planners, alongside Merchandise Assistants and cross-functional teams, to put the right product in the right place at the right price. 

Buyers own their vendor relationships and category performance, using sales data, market trends, and guest preferences to refine the assortment, protect margin, and keep inventory balanced. The role blends analysis with creativity — from negotiating terms and reviewing samples to building look books and, in some cases, developing custom or exclusive products for partner accounts. Their core responsibility is translating the DMD's merchandising strategy into a profitable, well-sourced assortment that delights guests and delivers for partners.

Responsibilities

Merchandise Strategy & Product Selection

The Buyer shapes the assortment for their assigned categories, using the DMD's merchandising strategy as the guide and partnering with Planners as equals on what the data says. The work combines hands-on selection with ongoing trend and performance analysis.

• Select and purchase products that align with the DMD's merchandising strategy by researching potential items, evaluating samples, and deciding what belongs in the assortment
• Create look books annually, seasonally, and for special events to showcase product selections and support cohesive merchandising strategies
• Track market trends, consumer preferences, and competitive activity through sales data, trade shows, and store visits to identify emerging trends and opportunities
• Partner with Planners to refine the product mix by assessing product performance, identifying top sellers and underperformers, and shaping future assortments
• Phase out underperforming items and make room for emerging trends, working closely with Planners on the data behind each decision
• Contribute to custom-branded and exclusive products for partner accounts by working with designers, product developers, and manufacturers to meet guest needs and partner preferences

Financial Management

The Buyer is accountable for the financial performance of their categories, from the price on the shelf to the margin it delivers. They work with the DMD and Planners to set direction and draw on planning team data and analysis to turn performance trends into smart decisions.

• Collaborate with the DMD and Planner to set competitive, profitable prices through market research, cost analysis, supplier negotiation, and pricing strategy development
• Analyze sales performance and profitability by tracking sales volume, gross margin, and inventory turnover, and deliver regular reports to the DMD
• Manage category results against key performance indicators, including revenue, cost of goods sold, inventory turn, and SKU count
• Use planning team insights and performance trends to maximize identified opportunities and keep the assortment aligned with financial goals
• Confirm with the Planner that margins and initial order quantities for new items support the financial goals of the account and the organization's overall financial strategy

Operational Intelligence

The Buyer helps keep the right product in the right place at the right time. The Planner leads forecasting and the Merchandise Assistant handles product distribution, while the Buyer supports inventory health by writing orders, placing product with intention, and holding every item to SSA's quality and compliance standards.

• Collaborate with the Planner to analyze sales trends, forecast demand, and set inventory targets and replenishment schedules
• Write orders as needed to maintain balanced stock levels, minimize stockouts, and maximize sales opportunities
• Decide product placement within the store to align inventory strategies with merchandising goals
• Provide complete, accurate, and timely item and vendor setup information to the Planner, and write initial orders for new items
• Coordinate with visual, operations, marketing, IT, and finance teams so merchandising strategy aligns with business goals and operational capabilities
• Ensure all products meet company quality standards and comply with relevant regulations and industry standards
• Work with vendors to resolve product quality and safety issues promptly

Vendor & Supplier Relations

Buyers build and sustain the vendor relationships that make the assortment possible. They negotiate alongside Planners, join forces with other Buyers and DMDs on shared vendors, and bring SSA's commitment to responsible sourcing into every selection.

• Establish and maintain relationships with reputable vendors and suppliers
• Negotiate terms, prices, and contracts alongside Planners to secure the best possible deals for the company
• Support Merchandise Assistants in resolving vendor issues related to product quality, supply chain disruptions, or excessively delayed orders
• Partner with other Buyers and DMDs of similar products to share vendors, streamline processes, and leverage collective buying power for better pricing and terms
• Seek out suppliers that offer responsibly sourced products, emphasizing diverse vendors, local products, and sustainable materials and packaging, and integrate these values into product development

This is by no means an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts or working conditions associated with this job description. SSA Group reserves the right to revise the job description or to require that other or different tasks are performed when circumstances change (i.e. emergencies, changes in personnel, workload, rush jobs or technological developments).

Education & Experience

• At least 5 years of experience in buying, merchandising, or a related role within retail or wholesale
• Proven track record in vendor management, contract negotiation, and pricing strategies
• Experience analyzing sales data and key performance metrics such as revenue, gross margin, and inventory turnover, with familiarity with open-to-buy processes and inventory planning
• Experience working cross-functionally with teams such as merchandising, marketing, and operations, paired with strong business acumen and the ability to manage multiple projects at once with close attention to detail
• Preferred: experience developing exclusive or private-label products, knowledge of retail and e-commerce operations, and knowledge of sustainability practices and working with diverse suppliers; industry-specific knowledge is a plus but not necessary
• Bachelor's degree in business, merchandising, marketing, or a related field preferred; equivalent combination of education and demonstrated buying or merchandising experience considered

Position Requirements

• Previous attraction retail experience
• Must be proficient in Word, Excel, and Power Point
• Ability to quickly learn multiple POS systems
• Experience with cloud-based systems, uploading files and making changes to online documents
• Denver based position
• Travel to store locations may be required during business needs

Compensation and Benefits

• Full-Time, Exempt
• Flex Time Off: no accruals; employees are encouraged to schedule time off as needed within business scope.
• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance and other voluntary benefits for you and your family; employee premiums applicable.
• Participation in a 401(k) program with a 15% company match (must be 21 years or older, eligible after one year of employment with 1,000 hours worked, available to enroll during Open Enrollment Periods).
• Short-Term Disability and Long-Term Disability, employer sponsored; scaled-salary pay following submission and approval of leave.
• Parental Benefits: Birthing Parent Plan covers up to 6-8 weeks of fully paid leave, based on the birthing event.
• SSA Paid Benefit: Up to 120 hours of Paid Leave for qualifying reasons, including Parental Leave and your or your family’s serious medical conditions.
• Up to 5 days of Paid Bereavement.
• On-Demand Pay Program: Get access to a portion of earned wages before payday.
• Meal Plan & Employee Discounts where applicable
• Paid sick leave is provided in accordance with applicable state and local laws. Accrual rates, caps, and usage rules vary by location.   

Locations include: Arizona, California, Chicago, Pittsburgh, Connecticut, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Mexico, New York, Rhode Island, Washington, D.C.. Colorado: Employees accrue 1 hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked, up to 48 hours per year, under the Healthy Families and Workplaces Act (HFWA). Maryland: Employees accrue at least 1 hour of paid sick and safe leave for every 30 hours worked, up to 40 hours per year, as required under the Maryland Healthy Working Families Act. Washington: Employees accrue 1 hour of paid sick leave for every 40 hours worked, in accordance with the Seattle Paid Sick and Safe Time.