Buyer (Checklane)

JOB SUMMARY

The Buyer (Checklane) plays a critical role in shaping and executing the category strategy for a designated department. With a strong understanding of product development, pricing architecture, and customer behavior, the Buyer is responsible for building a compelling, brand-right assortment that drives both financial results and customer engagement. This role requires a blend of creativity, analytical skills, and market insight to deliver innovative product stories that differentiate the brand and meet evolving customer expectations.

The ideal candidate is a well-rounded merchant with a passion for products and a strong ability to translate insights into strategy. They will lead cross-functional teams, including Planning, Sourcing, and Go-to-Market partners, ensuring each category reflects a clear vision, a strong value proposition, and meaningful differentiation in the market.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Cross-Functional Team Leadership
  Demonstrates the ability to lead and inspire cross-functional teams, including individuals who do not report directly. Success in this role requires strong influence, collaboration, and communication skills to foster alignment and drive high performance across diverse teams. The ability to build consensus and lead through influence is a crucial competency for an At-Home Buyer.

• Category Strategy & Assortment Planning
  Develop and execute customer-focused merchandise strategies and seasonal assortment plans that support financial objectives and reflect brand values.
• Partner with Planning & Sourcing to build season assortment plans; Planning to own input & management of the tool, with support from Buyer on item intent & retail and sourcing for cost confirmation.
• Product Expertise & Development
  Act as the category product expert, with deep knowledge of quality tiers, construction, pricing, and brand-appropriate product selection. Lead curation of newness and product stories that create customer excitement and drive productivity.
• Business & Financial Management
  Partner with Planning to build merchandise financial plans and by-door assortments. Manage Open to Buy and take decisive action in-season to achieve sales, margin, and inventory goals.
• Vendor & Sourcing Collaboration
  Communicate category/item strategy and target expectations to sourcing, ensuring sourcing's ability to negotiate costs, improve margins, and optimize the vendor matrix based on strategic needs of the business. Build and maintain strong relationships with key product partners.
• In-Season Performance Optimization
  Analyze weekly, monthly, and seasonal sales data to identify risks and opportunities. React quickly to trends and adjust strategies to maximize profitability.
• Inventory & Markdown Management
  Collaborate with Planning on assortment intent and season priorities. While planning will manage inventory levels and markdown strategies that balance margin and sell-through, it will be imperative to provide the inputs to ensure strategic goals are met.  
• Market & Competitive Analysis
  Conduct structured competitive shops and gather marketplace intelligence to inform strategy, uncover whitespace, and ensure assortment differentiation.
• Cross-Functional Execution
  Work closely with Marketing, eCommerce/Digital and Visual Merchandising to ensure cohesive go-to-market execution and alignment on brand and business goals.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent experience.  
• 5-7 years of experience in buying, merchandising, or category management in a retail or consumer-focused organization.
• Strong product sensibility and understanding of pricing, quality, and customer value
• Demonstrated ability to build product assortment and deliver financial results
• Strong analytical, negotiation, and communication skills
• Passionate about the customer, brand storytelling, and product innovation