The Footwear, Buyer is responsible for managing sales trends, inventory, and vendor relations across brick-and-mortar and e-commerce platforms. This role involves analyzing performance data, coordinating product launches, and ensuring product availability in line with sales goals. The Buyer will work closely with cross-functional teams to support seasonal planning, fulfillment, and financial targets. Strong analytical skills and experience in inventory management and vendor coordination are essential. Internal candidate has been identified for this role

We believe Running Changes Everything. If you believe that, too, we want to talk. With more than 270 stores and a robust e-commerce site, Fleet Feet is the largest running retailer in the country. Catering to more than runners, we pride ourselves on having an inclusive environment! We believe it’s a privilege to serve and remain committed to delivering unmatched service and support when outfitting customers in everything they need to have a successful run, whether that’s introducing them to their new favorite running shoes, socks, or gear, or inviting them to our next training program run. We like to keep things high-spirited, fast-paced, and fun. We don’t mind wearing more than a few hats and stepping in to help out wherever is needed. We are a group of knowledgeable and hardworking individuals who work, sweat, and live passionately. We run together to solve a problem, reach a goal, get encouraged, and champion our brand every single day. We are in full pursuit to find hardworking people to join us on our quest and bring our core values to life.

Sales & Trend Analysis

• Analyze inventory performance tools, and sales data across brick & mortar, e-commerce, in-store app (special orders), and dropship platforms to identify in-season purchasing opportunities.
• Support bi-weekly meetings with the Buying Team to assess risks, opportunities, and trends, and adjust bulk and DTS open orders accordingly.

eCommerce and Fulfillment

• Partner with the Director of Footwear to propose a phased approach to buying for our e-commerce business through key retail doors and our distribution center.
• Ensure product availability and bulk open orders at vendors are aligned with e-commerce sales goals and fulfillment metrics.
• Be responsible for day-to-day coordination with vendors to ensure timely fulfillment for both e-commerce and retail as needed.
• Support buying teams with retail inventory team collaboration to approve vendor-to-DC reorders based on trends & sales forecasts.

Inventory and Vendor Management

• Partner on weekly reviews of product lifecycle management, escalating any inventory issues to the Director as needed.
• Manage Minimum Advertised Price (MAP) policy execution for seasonal assortment.
• Support vendor relations for product returns (RAs) and return to vendor (RTV) transactions for the retail stores & distribution center.
• Fulfill seasonal open order plan by submitting purchase orders and change requests as needed.

Product Launch and Management

• In partnership with the data management team, create a process for uploading new footwear styles, colorways, etc to fleetfeet.com on a regular basis.
• Support new season product launches for the entire footwear category, ensuring timely execution and alignment with the overall strategy.
• Collaborate with the Merchant to review seasonal assortment strategies and financial targets, ensuring the product lineup aligns with business goals.

Cross-Department Collaboration

• Participate in seasonal handoff meetings with Merchandising and Marketing teams to discuss promotional plans, campaigns, and seasonal initiatives.
• Support pre-season kick-off meetings with Retail Inventory and Operations to review the seasonal calendar, product flow, and forecast.
• Participate in monthly hindsight meetings, presenting on season-to-date performance and forecast product launch calendar with retail inventory & operations teams.

Accountable KPIs (Category-Channel Level)

• Sales $ vP (variance to plan)
• Inv % vP
• WOS (Weeks of Stock)
• Sell-Through %

Experience & Expertise

•  Minimum of 2 years in specialty retail buying or merchandise planning, specifically in footwear.
• Proven ability to analyze sales data, forecast trends, and manage inventory effectively. Proficiency in Netsuite is preferable.

Technical Skills

•  Advanced skills in data analysis and management tools. Proficiency in Excel and retail management software.
•  Experience with managing and analyzing sales channels

Leadership & Collaboration

• Ability to work collaboratively with various teams (e.g., Marketing, Operations) to share insights and develop strategies.
• Experience managing vendor relationships, including performance analysis and day-to-day interactions.

Performance & Inventory Management

•  Expertise in conducting performance reviews, analyzing promotional success, and monitoring product life cycles. Ability to propose actions for optimizing inventory.
•  Experience in managing seasonal MAP updates, vendor reorders, and ensuring product movement aligns with planned rates.

Communication & Adaptability

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
•  Demonstrated ability to address issues proactively and implement solutions effectively.

Education

•  Bachelor’s degree in Business, Retail Management, or a related field. Advanced degrees or certifications are a plus.

Travel

• 25% travel required

Perks

• High energy and fun atmosphere
• Training and advancement opportunities within the Fleet Feet brand
• Exciting professional development opportunities, including a mentorship program, talent development initiatives, employee resource groups, a monthly learning opportunities on diverse topics.
• Robust benefits package (medical, dental, vision, FSA, HSA, Employee Assistance Program, and more)
• 401(k) Retirement Plan for all part and full-time employees (Age 21+) with 4% employer matching and immediate vesting (company-owned stores)
• Community involvement and community service activities
• Training Program and Product Discounts
• Passionate team members
• Check out our Fleet Feet Benefits Summary for full-time employees averaging 30+ hours/week at company-owned stores

We are an equal opportunity employer and believe having diverse teams in which everyone brings their whole self to Fleet Feet is key to our success. We welcome people of different backgrounds, experiences, abilities and perspectives. That is why we value diversity and inclusion in our hiring practices, our culture, and our engagement with the community.  Learn more about our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives. 

Additional Requirements:  Position requires occasional moving around with light (1-10lbs.) carrying, lifting, pushing or pulling.  The position needs to occasionally move about inside the office to access files, office equipment, etc.  The position is mostly sedentary and requires the employee to have close visual acuity to perform job requirements.  The position requires frequent communication with team members and repetitive motion with the hands, wrists and/or fingers while constantly utilizing a computer. This position is located within an office environment and is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions.

Fleet Feet utilizes E-Verify in all corporate and company-operated stores as part of the hiring process.