Buyer, Designer Shoes

Job Description:

WHO WE ARE:

Saks Global is the largest multi-brand luxury retailer in the world, comprising Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, Saks OFF 5TH, Last Call and Horchow. Its retail portfolio includes 70 full-line luxury locations, additional off-price locations and five distinct e-commerce experiences. With talented colleagues focused on delivering on our strategic vision, The Art of You, Saks Global is redefining luxury shopping by offering each customer a personalized experience that is unmistakably their own. By leveraging the most comprehensive luxury customer data platform in North America, cutting-edge technology, and strong partnerships with the world's most esteemed brands, Saks Global is shaping the future of luxury retail.

Saks Global Properties & Investments includes Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus flagship properties and represents nearly 13 million square feet of prime U.S. real estate holdings and investments in luxury markets. 

YOU WILL BE:

As a Buyer, you will be responsible for the overall merchandising strategy and product direction within assigned categories or departments, aiming to meet or exceed sales, margin, and financial objectives. This role focuses on curating the most distinctive and high-quality merchandise that reflects Saks Global’s exceptional standards and aligns with customer needs and preferences. Leveraging competitive intelligence, customer insights, and business analysis, you will ensure a customer-centric assortment that drives performance. In addition to leading the purchasing and negotiation of merchandise, you will partner with Merchandise Planners to develop and execute strategies that maximize business opportunities. As the Buyer, you will also manage and mentor a team of Associate Buyers, Assistant Buyers, and Coordinators, fostering collaboration and ensuring alignment with business goals.

WHAT YOU WILL DO:

Assortment Strategy

• Provide input on category and pre-season planning strategy in collaboration with Planners based on past performance and knowledge on trends/brand insights, and execute on the strategy throughout the season

• Build customer-centered assortment framework and allocation strategy based on customer and trend insights from Stores, Digital, CACI and Fashion and provide guidelines for allocation teams to follow

• Set strategies for product display and flow (e.g., launch dates, weeks of full-price selling, cross-sell opportunities, collection considerations) in alignment with guardrails from Planning and Marketing

Market Activities

• Lead market prep activities and attend market to select the best product in alignment with guardrails from Planning (e.g., Checkbook, OTB) and category direction from BP & Buying Leads (e.g., omni strategy, banner differentiation)

• Coordinate buys with brand partners, collaborate on exclusive merchandise, manage day-to-day communication around in-season brand performance, trending styles, chase opportunities and resolve escalated order management issues

In-Season Management

• Review daily performance reports and work closely with Planner counterparts to gather insights on trending products, categories, brands, etc., pull in-season levers to optimize performance and prepare for monthly OTB meetings to provide bottoms-up context and escalate opportunities and risks to Leads

• Serve as the owner of their business, constantly negotiating with Brand Partners throughout the season to improve performance (e.g., style swaps, capsules, RTVs, matrix expansion, markdowns)

Leadership Development

• Provide mentorship and hands-on training to Associate Buyers, Assistant Buyers, and Coordinators, equipping them with the business acumen and practical skills needed to become successful future Buyers.

WHAT YOU WILL BRING:

Required Qualifications (Minimum Requirements):

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent retail experience.

• 5+ years of experience in a buying office with a strong understanding of buying operations and retail strategy.

• Proven business acumen with strong financial, analytical, and strategic planning skills.

• Expertise in retail math, including markup, margin planning, OTB, WOS, T/O, GMROI, and assortment planning.

• Demonstrated leadership and team management capabilities in fast-paced, dynamic environments.

• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills with the ability to build strong internal and vendor relationships.

• Strong customer focus with a results-driven mindset and ability to manage ambiguity.

• Highly organized with strong planning, prioritization, and conflict management skills.

• Strategic thinker with the agility to adapt to changing business needs.

• Willingness to travel, including internationally, as needed.

YOUR LIFE AND CAREER AT SAKS GLOBAL:

• Opportunity to work in a dynamic fast paced environment at a company experiencing growth and transformation 

• Exposure to rewarding career advancement opportunities across the largest multi-brand luxury retailer from retail to distribution, to digital or corporate 

• Comprehensive benefits package for all eligible full-time employees (including medical, vision and dental)

• An amazing employee discount

Benefits: We offer the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements: medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, 401(k) retirement plan, basic life insurance, supplemental life insurance, disability insurance, and a variety of additional voluntary benefits (such as critical illness, hospital and accident insurance). 

Thank you for your interest with Saks. We look forward to reviewing your application.

Saks provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Saks complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Saks welcomes all applicants for this position. Should you be individually selected to participate in an assessment or selection process, accommodations are available upon request in relation to the materials or processes to be used.

Saks.com is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Compensation for this role varies by geographic location. The listed range reflects multiple markets, including higher-cost areas. Actual starting pay will be determined based on work location, experience, and other job-related factors.