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:

• Identifies current trends and applies observations to assortments to drive sales and differentiate The Finish Line from the competition.
• Assists with the Planning of seasonal assortments to achieve and or succeed departmental/corporate financial plans.
• Assists with the purchasing of merchandise to satisfy corporate financial plans that include but are not limited to Retail Sales, Gross Margin Percent, Gross Margin Dollars, Inventory Turn and GMROI.
• Assists the Buyer with managing inventory levels through flow of merchandise into or out of the D.C. (RTV’s) and also markdowns.
• Provides weekly reporting of item selling at the style color level.
• Tracks and provides samples for the Visual Planners and Magalogs.
• Assists the Buyer with vendor communication, requests, and negotiations.
• Additional duties and projects as required.

Required Education and/or Experience

Associate’s degree with a focus in the field of merchandising, buying, or planning and 2-4 years applicable experience in merchandising, buying, or planning at a multi store retailer or equivalent combination of education and experience. Solid knowledge of retail math, forecasting, and negotiation skills are required. Working knowledge of the sports industry is preferred. 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
• Walk or move from one location to another
• 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.
• Average work week is 40-45 hours, which can vary depending on business need.
• The work environment for this position is a moderately noisy office setting.
• Spending less than 15% time traveling (by air or land).

The company reserves the right to modify this job description with or without notice. Employees may be asked to perform additional duties outside of normal job scope on a temporary basis per company policy.