Job Description

At Designer Brands, we are the proud parent company of DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse, The Shoe Company, and Rubino, operating nearly 675 stores across North America and a billion-dollar digital commerce business. We lead the footwear industry with a diverse portfolio of iconic brands, including Topo Athletic, Keds, Vince Camuto, Kelly & Katie, Jessica Simpson, Lucky Brand, Mix No. 6, Crown Vintage, and others. With expertise in design, production, and sourcing, we create on-trend footwear and accessories, delivered through a robust omni-channel infrastructure and national wholesale distribution. At Designer Brands, we are committed to fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity, where each employee’s unique perspective contributes to our success. Anchored by our core values of “We Love What We Do,” “We Own What We Do,” “We Do What’s Right,” and “We Belong,” we continuously drive forward together, building a future where everyone can put their best foot forward.

The Opportunity

The Associate Buyer supports and contributes to the creation and implementation of the merchandise strategy for assigned department. This position also takes responsibility for a sub class or group of sub-classes with Buyer’s oversight. The role partners with Planning and Marketing teams to drive sales; synthesizes information, reaches conclusions and develops a course of action.

This position is HYBRID based in Columbus, OH.

Reporting to: Buyer

What You'll Be Doing

• Analyzes selling reports and recommends actions
• Analyzes assigned business, details actions and responds to current business trends
• Develops and manages detailed stock-to-sales plans, identifying risks and opportunities at the item, brand, and category level to optimize inventory, drive sales, and maximize profitability within footwear.
• Manages assigned business day to day activities including responding to current business trends and financial architecture pre-season and in-season
• Manages manual Open To Buy (OTB) changes
• Works in M.A.P. system managing appropriate product attributes
• Localizes assortment by store DST group, using appropriate historical sales, strategy, vendor and/or trend information. Works with merchandise planner on key item sizing and integrity.
• Researches CIRCANA data competitive intelligence, trend observations and style/color analysis to drive decision making
• Communicates with Purchase Order Management (POM) to track ship and delivery, identifies ship issues and makes recommendations to resolve
• Works cross functionally with Store Planning and Allocation teams to align on distribution strategy, executes both preseason and in season strategy, and ensures key item deliveries are appropriate and timely
• Develops strategy and presents product and brand assortment to leadership
• Prepares for and attends vendor appointments, presents strategy to get the best assortment selections
• Negotiates with the vendor for lower costs and inline/SMU assortments; determines pricing to remain competitive and satisfy customer expectations; processes in MAP accordingly
• Collaborates with Marketing team on selection; collaborates with Assistant Buyer or Merch Clerk on sample management
• Participates in and documents information in monthly and/or quarterly product hind sights
• Works with Senior Buyer or Buyer to strategize the annual and seasonal financial plans; collaborates with Merchandise Planning on product or category direction based on market direction or sales trend
• Identifies key items and collaborates with merchandise planner on sales/receipts and unit flows; references any historical CCs

What You'll Need

Core Skills

• Strong attention to detail and highly organized
• Excellent communication, both written and verbal, and follow up skills
• Strong analytical skills
• Demonstrates strong financial acumen
• Team player
• Developing negotiation skills

Experience

• 4+ years of experience in Buying or a related field

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Retail Merchandising, Marketing, Business or a related field

Preferred (Helpful, Not Required)

• Intermediate to advanced skills in Microsoft Excel and Word.
• Ability and interest in learning MicroStrategy and other merchandising systems.

Perks and Benefits You’ll Enjoy!

• Your Sole Well-Being: Our benefits package is crafted with our associates in mind! We support you with benefits like free virtual health care, robust family/fertility benefits, 401(k) w/ match, and more. Explore our offerings at https://mymobilewalletcard.com/dbi.
• Stride with Flexibility: We offer hybrid and remote work opportunities, giving you the freedom to stay connected, productive, and inspired—wherever you do your best work.
• Stepping Up Your Career: Take advantage of training programs, professional development, and education assistance to advance your career with a company that celebrates bold ideas and fresh perspectives.
• We are Shoe-Obsessed: Because we know a great pair of shoes can change your day, you’ll enjoy 30% off at DSW & com, plus discounts across our family of brands.