RETAIL BUYER, DENIM at L'AGENCE – Los Angeles, California

The Retail Buyer is responsible for the buying, planning, and allocating of products across multiple categories within a designated division or region. This role is critical for ensuring our physical stores have the right products in the right quantities to support in-season replenishment and the long-term brand strategy. The Buyer is accountable for managing the investment and execution of buys within their division to drive retail growth.

Examples of Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manage the placing of buys within the assigned division, focusing on replenishment for area of responsibility (Region/Division/Category)
• Work with the Merchandise Planning team to develop balanced investment and inventory strategies for both the retail and DTC channels.
• Support with business strategies including OTB management, style/product management, promotional strategies, and product presentation for the seasonal assortment.
• Rank styles based on historical and current product performance to inform reorder strategies and identify redundancies in the product assortment.
• Manage the Purchase Order (PO) lifecycle from creation through receipt. Reconcile and report out on monthly receipts, demonstrating financial responsibility for business success.
• Manage weekly reporting and seasonal buys to support in-season strategies related to product presentation, sales targets, and inventory management.
• Work closely with the Production and Sales Ops + Customer Service teams to maintain and pre-distribute POs as needed to manage short shipments and re-allocation requirements prior to the final pick.
• Create and maintain complete and accurate details for all styles within store assortments. Track and follow through on all changes communicated by the brand production and/or merchant teams.
• Collaborate closely with other Buyers, Merchandisers, and Planners to ensure a seamless cross-channel experience for the customer.
• Conduct weekly / bi-weekly in-store meetings with Store Managers to review sales performance, solicit business feedback, and discuss local support and improvement strategies.
• Travel to retail stores out of state on an as needed basis.

Primary Focus

• Providing accurate, detailed weekly reporting and performance summaries.
• Partner with key retail management stakeholders in aligning on regional assortments, identifying opportunities for growth (challenges + risks), and inventory management as it pertains to OTB.
• Review + Execute all weekly store replenishment needs to maintain optimal stock levels.

Qualifications:

• 3+ years of experience in a Retail Buyer or Senior Associate Buyer role, managing a specific product division or region.
• Direct experience managing and accountable for Open-to-Buy (OTB).
• Strong analytical ability with expertise in retail math, sales forecasting, inventory management, and performance ranking.
• Product Merchandising and Planning experience a plus
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel (e.g., pivot tables, analysis) and retail inventory management systems.
• Excellent negotiation and communication skills, with the ability to influence cross-functional teams.
• Experience buying for a multi-channel business that includes both brick-and-mortar retail.
• Bachelor’s Degree

Competencies & Skills

• Strong leadership skills, including the ability to lead and motivate teams. They should also be able to influence and negotiate with others.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral.

Physical Requirements:

• This position requires frequent use of a computer, mouse, and keyboard.
• Frequent sitting.
• Occasional standing, walking, bending, and stooping.
• Must be able to lift up to 20 lbs.
• Must be able to travel to local retail stores.

Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills, and/or abilities. To perform this job successfully, the employee must possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. Continued employment remains on an “at-will” basis.