Our Associate Buyers assists the buyer in developing and executing product assortment strategies that both align with corporate objectives and deliver required financial results. This individual will effectively exhibit JD Finish Line’s core values of Customer, People, Winning, Community, and Financial Responsibility in everything they do by performing the following main duties:

• Assist the Buyer in developing and executing product assortment strategies that both align with the corporate objectives and deliver required financial results.
• Assist Buyer by attending all appointments, with involvement in selection and editing of product.
• Assists with the planning of seasonal assortments to achieve and or succeed departmental/corporate financial plans.
• Provides weekly reporting of item selling at the style color level.
• Tracks and provides samples for the Visual Planners.
• Identifies current/new trends and applies observations to drive sales and differentiate JD Sports from competition.
• Increase market knowledge, by attending relevant trade shows, markets and retail visits, to gain consumer and competitive insights.
• Assist the buyer in the preparation of presenting ranges for sign offs with relevant functions.
• Preparation and presentation of performance in trade meetings.
• Proposals to assist driving sales in your relevant department by reviewing sales and constantly looking for opportunities (e.g repeat buys)
• Assists the buyer with managing inventory levels through flow of merchandise into or out of the D.C (RTV’s) and also markdowns.
• Complete and present to the Buyer and planograms for relevant categories.
• Regular dialogue with key brands to build relationships.
• Research and be aware of new brands in the market to propose opportunities for relevant categories.
• Drive social/media/marketing content via marketing and multichannel teams to ensure category features across all channels.
• Additional duties and projects as required.

Required Education and/or Experience:

• Relevant branded buying or merchandising experience is advantageous but not essential.
• Associates degree with a focus in the field of merchandising, buying or planning advantageous also but not essential.
• Strong understanding and knowledge of current and upcoming sports fashion trends within the markets.
• Retail experience.
• Fully literate in Microsoft Office: PowerPoint, Word, Excel.
• Organizational skills are essential.
• Must be able to work in a fast-paced buying office environment.
• Internal JD Finish Line experience is a plus.

Required Computer and/or Technical Skills:

Should have basic to intermediate knowledge and abilities with Google Suite, Microsoft, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Sit for more than 6 hours per shift
• Use hands to finger, handle and feel
• Reach with hands and arms
• Talk and/or hear
• Stand for up to 2 hours at a time regularly
• Walk or move from one location to another regularly
• Periodically may need to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, or crouch
• Lift and/or move up to 10 pounds regularly and up to 50 pounds occasionally
• Punctuality and regular attendance consistent with the company’s policies are required for the position.