Vans: Associate Buyer

As the Omni Associate Buyer, you will partner with the Buyer to ensure that Vans product assortments resonate with consumers to meet or exceed sales plan. You will be given the opportunity to plan and execute purchasing style and quantity as well as quality of merchandise in accordance with customer demand, market trends, brand direction and fiscal obligations. Here at Vans, you will be allowed to evoke your drive for results as you ensure that the maximum sales and gross margin performance are coupled with inventory management. This is an analytical job—we need someone who is very detailed oriented and enjoys operating control-related standards and procedures. This role is very impactful for our retail division as you will utilize influential buying strategies in eagerness to see our company grow and to continue our legacy.

Join the Vans Family
Vans ® is the original action sports footwear company, rooted in authenticity and creativity. Founded in 1966, we have thrived on a legacy of impacting our greater community through four pillars: action sports, music, art and street culture. We are constantly inspired by the creative voyagers within our company and community. For them, creativity is about the journey, not just the output. Our mission is to empower everyone to use creativity to discover themselves. Our vision is to create a world where anyone can be their unique self.

At Vans, our culture sets us apart and influences everything we do. We are driven by our five values: We have HEART - also referred to as the “Van Doren Spirit”. We are relentlessly CURIOUS about our consumers and the world around us. We are UNAPOLOGETICALLY AUTHENTIC and whole heartedly believe the most “Off the Wall” thing you can do is be yourself. We are driven by a spirit of INGENUITY. And we are passionate about local COMMUNITIES. And most of all, we are a family that has fun together.

At Vans we empower creative exploration and inspire youth culture through a commitment to inclusivity. We welcome anyone and everyone into our global family and proudly celebrate and environment where individuality is embraced, equal opportunities thrive, and everyone is empowered to reach their greatest potential.

By joining our family, you will be immersed in an environment of incredibly supportive and collaborative people. We work hard across a multitude of initiatives to bring the Van Doren Spirit to life. We live for what we do.

As of October 18, 2021, this position requires proof of being fully vaccinated for COVID-19 on the first day of employment, absent need for medical or religious accommodation or other exemption as allowed by state or local law. Further information provided during the recruitment process.

How You Will Make a Difference

**What you will do**:
Partners with the Buyer to create assortment plan strategy in units and dollars for all stores and Ecom buys and purchases orders each season in accordance with fiscal responsibilities such as sales, margin, turnover, and works alongside the visual and site merchandising teams to keep our business on top.

Partners with the Buyer to balance overall Retail, Outlet store and Ecom inventories for the company through timing the delivery of initial and replenishment distributions between DC, Site Merchandising, Visual Merchandising, IT and Store Operations to achieve the highest return on investment.

Consistently reviews and reacts to sales performance/selling reports and generates pricing and consolidation directives ensuring greatest sales and margin potential.

Evaluates store and Ecom profile by performance of product and communication with cross functional partners to improve our buying strategies. Maximizes sales and inventory turn by coordinating with Planning and Allocations teams on consolidations and model stock levels to drive for continuous results.

Plans and executes markdown strategies through reviewing sales results, researching sales and inventory sales by class each month and draws conclusions about business trends to ensure greatest margin potential for our business. Strategizes opening assortments, quantities, and timing of deliveries for Ecom and new stores in conjunction with Merchandise Managers, Content, Site and Store Operations.

Partners with Assistant Buyer on upcoming tasks and/or projects, as well as due dates. Communicates effectively together before each monthly Close of Sales to ensure all Buy Sheet and Matrices are updated and accurate.

**How you will do it**:
Your diverse experiences and background enable you to provide a unique perspective to fuel our global growth. Additionally, you are inclusive and value differing points of view.

Collaborate with cross functional partners such as Planning, Allocation, and Visual teams, as well as E-commerce to manage product lifecycle across channels. Ensure product and storytelling are coming to life as expected to drive conversion and exceed consumer expectations.

**What success looks like**:
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