AKIRA Director of Buying - Footwear

In 2002, AKIRA opened the doors to its first women's clothing boutique in Chicago. Since then, the company has extended its reach to 35+ stores across the United States, as well as a thriving eCommerce business (shopAKIRA.com.) AKIRA is extremely well-poised for sustained growth as we continue to build a nationally recognized brand.

AKIRA’s culture has one very large, distinct difference from other high fashion competitors: Fanatical, Obsessive Attention to the consumer’s needs and desires. The core principle for all employees at AKIRA is to Act and Think Like an Owner , and this belief can be reflected across all areas of the company.

The Position

Director of Buying - Footwear

Location

Chicago, IL (On-site)

Overview:

This role is responsible for creating and executing product strategies to meet or exceed financial plans. They will lead the Footwear team with vision, structure and clear expectations to optimize all KPIs while elevating assortments and telling compelling brand stories. The Director of Footwear will lead, collaborate, and communicate cross functionally with teams to ensure all projects are moving towards the financial and calendar goals.

Essential Functions:

• Lead team to build financial and product strategies to ensure execution will drive results for brick and mortar and eCommerce businesses
• Understands financial metrics to analyze & can make recommendations on how to drive each business based on sales, history and market trends. Identifies how current trend will impact future results and guides team to adjust as needed
• Leads their team & product teams to evaluate and drive results
• Pushes the teams to reinvent the line, creating volume styles and franchises with a clear consumer POV
• Provides timely direction and clear communication to all team and cross-functional partners
• Cultivate talent & mentor direct reports and assistants – provide feedback regarding growth & development

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Fashion, Business or a related field
• 5+ years in a management role
• 4+ years in Product Development preferred
• Ability to lead and manage a team through a fast-paced environment
• Understanding of overall trends, fit and look of prospective items
• Ability to think strategically regarding to planning, timelines, etc
• Must be able to travel domestically and internationally
• Exceptional work ethic and motivation to meet strict deadlines
• Excellent written and verbal communicator
• Excellent in Excel

Diversity & Inclusion:

At AKIRA we believe that treating everyone in a first-class manner is essential to fostering an inclusive environment that reflects our values and our community. This is deeply rooted in our company's principles, culture, and fashion. We continuously strive to cultivate a company where employees feel a sense of belonging and contribute to a culture that values differences, ideas, and experiences. Our unique workforce is directly linked to our success and makes us stronger collectively.

Benefits and Perks:

AKIRA offers competitive benefits for full time employees, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Pet, Life, LTD, FSA/HSA/Dependent Care FSA, Flex Transit (CTA), 401(k), and employee discount. We are committed to encouraging internal development and providing significant career enrichment opportunities. Most importantly, what has propelled AKIRA’s growth and success over the years has been the dynamic culture within the company - if you’re filled with passion, have a strong desire to get things done, and if you want to go to a place where you know your work matters and where you can implement your ideas and decisions, then AKIRA just might be the place for you.

Job Type: Full Time