The Buyer, Jerseys and Kids Apparel for The Raider Image (RI) is responsible for the development, execution, and management of a product strategy that meets or exceeds financial goals for the Raider Image. They are responsible for building an assortment that is targeted, differentiated, and engaging for fans, while driving appropriate inventory levels, pricing strategies, and merchandising initiatives for their departments. They will create and manage brick & mortar, stadium, and e-commerce business plans – with a focus on the fan, maximizing growth and profitability.
Essential Job Functions
Maintain and manage the open-to-buy (OTB) for the Jersey and Kids Apparel departments, implementing strategies that achieve or exceed financial metrics.
Create seasonal assortment plans and item level distribution plans, maximizing business per location / event.
Develop new product ideas and concepts that are brand and strategy appropriate, evolving key categories within the marketplace and providing incremental sales revenue.
Collaborate with the Senior Buying Manager to develop merchandising and marketing initiatives that improve the customer experience and sales performance.
Implement and track promotional strategies to drive sales, move slow selling goods, and remain competitive within the marketplace.
Identify and analyze sales trends – creating monthly / seasonal financial recaps detailing key metrics, OTB needs, planogram adjustments, and go forward strategy.
Partner with Senior Buying Manager and Creative team on all signage and social opportunities monthly – ensuring the brand POV is consistently executed across all consumer touch points.
Oversee all vendor negotiation, logistics, and communication for assigned categories.
Manage on order process including PO creation in Heartland, monthly replenishment, and weekly updates to reflect short shipments and cancelled orders.
Complete quarterly competitive analysis that includes assessment of The Raider Image strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats compared to the competition.
Work with NFL licensing on any artwork updates and approvals as needed.
Track current and future retail trends through solicited manager feedback, sports retail summits, and league sponsored events.
Assist with special projects as necessary.
All other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
Minimum 5+ years relevant apparel buying experience required.
Bachelor’s degree preferred.
Experience with sports licensing and / or planning and e-commerce preferred.
Exceptional work ethic, personal accountability, critical thinking, and time management skills.
Ability to work well independently and in a team environment.
Ability to organize and execute weekly workload on a calendar approach.
Strong written and oral communication skills.
Experience using Microsoft office and Excel.
Must be flexible regarding work hours including nights, weekends, and holidays.
Physical Aspects of Position (includes but are not limited to):
Frequent walking, standing for long periods of time, sitting and stair climbing
Occasional bending, kneeling, pushing, pulling
Occasional lifting and carrying up to 50 lbs.
The Raider Image provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
