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Footwear Buyer (Workboots)
A well-established, growing specialty retailer is seeking an experienced Footwear Buyer with strong merchandise buying expertise, excellent product instincts, and a proven ability to drive sales and profitability.
This is an exciting opportunity for a creative, entrepreneurial Buyer to take ownership of a high-volume footwear business, influence product strategy, develop compelling assortments, and build strong vendor partnerships within a successful multistore retail organization.
Compensation & Benefits
- $110,000–$130,000 base salary
- 20% bonus opportunity
- Company-paid medical insurance premiums
- Relocation assistance available
- Significant category ownership and professional growth opportunities
- Onsite position in East Texas
Requirements & Qualifications
- 6+ years of progressive retail merchandise buying experience, ideally within a multistore retail organization
- Proven experience in product selection, assortment development, vendor negotiations, pricing, and merchandise financial management
- Strong understanding of retail financials, including OTB, IMU, AUR, gross margins, and inventory turnover
- Demonstrated ability to analyze sales performance, identify opportunities, and make profitable buying decisions
- Bachelor's degree in Merchandising, Business, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word
- Ability to work onsite and travel up to 20%
Preferred Background & Skills
- Direct buying experience in footwear, workboots, western boots, workwear, apparel, or accessories
- Familiarity with western and work footwear brands, sizing, fit, and product features
- Experience developing private-label products or exclusive merchandise assortments
- Experience supporting both physical retail stores and e-commerce
- Previous merchandising leadership or experience coaching junior associates
- Experience with a multistore retailer operating 50 or more locations
- Strong Associate Buyers with meaningful category ownership and demonstrated readiness to advance may also be considered
Key Responsibilities
- Lead product selection, assortment development, pricing, and promotional strategies across assigned footwear categories
- Develop profitable assortment plans, including style mix, key items, retail pricing, IMU, AUR, and purchasing quantities by style, size, and color
- Manage sales, margins, open-to-buy, and inventory productivity while partnering with Planning to optimize store-level assortments
- Build strategic vendor partnerships, negotiate purchasing terms, analyze market trends, and identify new product opportunities
- Monitor category performance and respond proactively to changes in customer demand, competitive activity, and sales trends
- Partner with Marketing and Merchandising teams to drive omnichannel performance across stores and e-commerce
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams and provide guidance, coaching, and support to junior merchandising associates
- Attend markets, vendor meetings, and store visits as needed
JOB ID: 182421
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Wendy Krepp