Assistant Buyer

** Assistant Buyer**

**Job Category****:** Merchandising, Buying & Product Design **Requisition Number****:** ASSIS002969 Showing 1 location **Job Details**

**Description**

Bluestem Brands primary mission is to serve customers whether that be as the leading provider for consumers seeking to establish, build or rebuild credit through our Fingerhut brand; or being uniquely advantaged at the intersection of value, exclusivity and curated with solutions tailored to the mature market consumer at Orchard Brands.

We are currently seeking an Assistant Buyer to join our Appleseeds Brand Team. This role will be based out of our Middleton, MA office which operates in a Hybrid Work Environment.

As an Assistant Buyer, you will support the buying team in advancing the business while learning key processes and providing comprehensive administrative and operational support to your Buying Team. The Assistant Buyer is a true learning role that allows you to build and grow your skillset in a growing Ecommerce apparel environment.

**DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES**

* Shops the market to identify current and emerging trends and works closely with the Buying Team to select products, negotiate buys, plan and place initial orders, and determine the seasonal assortment plans.

* Partners with the Buyers to present each new Seasonal line and top sellers to the Senior Leadership Team.

* Attends and participates in planning meetings with Senior Leadership, Buyers, Inventory Control, Art Directors, and the Copy Team.

* Analyzes and tracks weekly, monthly, and quarterly sales.

* Collaborates with manufacturers and design teams on private label products to ensure adherence to specs; oversee fit of pre-production merchandise.

* Requests samples and follows up on production schedules with vendors.

* Prepares and maintains advertising boards and control of samples for initial advertising meetings, fit sessions and photoshoots.

* On occasion, travels to vendors, showrooms, and trade shows.

* Partners with Inventory Control to ensure on-time delivery, order updates and inventory levels.

* Works with the Quality Control Team to ensure fit, care label and fabric content accuracy.

* Proofs copy, requests item codes, and performs maintenance on codes as needed throughout the season.

**QUALIFICATIONS**

* BA in Apparel Design or related field AND 1 3 years of experience as an Assistant Apparel Buyer (preferably Ecommerce) OR a combination of Education and Experience.

* Outstanding verbal and written communication skills with the ability to articulate plans and present ideas to Senior Leadership.

* Highly proficient in Retail Math with the ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, markups, and percentages.

* Enthusiasm, creativity, and desire to work on an innovative team that has the strategic focus of overall company growth.

* Ability to effectively manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously in a fast-paced, deadline driven environment.

* Strong skillset in Microsoft Suite (Powerpoint, Excel, Word, Outlook etx).

* Experience in Illustrator, In Design, and PLM preferred but not required.

BLST Operating Company (Bluestem Brands) is a group of eCommerce Retail and FinTech businesses led by our Orchard and Northstar Portfolios. This position falls under our Orchard Portfolio, which is home to four legacy Ecommerce apparel brands Appleseeds, Drapers & Damons, Blairs and Habands.

At Orchard, youll find responsive and supportive leaders who empower our employees, knowing they drive our success. We are continually innovating and improving, challenging ourselves to take risks, learn from mistakes, and celebrate success as a team. We also grow careers, giving employees on-the-job stretch assignments, lateral moves to expand knowledge bases, and promotional opportunities that help to accelerate development.

Youll work hard at Bluestem, so you deserve more than just a paycheck. From great benefits, employee discounts and incentive plans, to a jeans-every-day dress code and the flexibility to balance everyday life with work - this is the place youll want to be. Join our Orchard Team at Bluestem Brands to make an impact, be inspired and be valued, *every day*.

#LI-PD10

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