Senior Product Developer

AKIRA Senior Buyer - Product Development

In 2002, AKIRA opened the doors to its first women's clothing boutique in Chicago. Since then, the company has extended its reach to 35 stores across the United States, as well as a thriving eCommerce business (shopAKIRA.com.) AKIRA is extremely well-poised for sustained growth as we continue to build a nationally recognized brand. AKIRA’s culture has one very large, distinct difference from other high fashion competitors: Fanatical, Obsessive Attention to the consumer’s needs and desires. The core principle for all employees at AKIRA is to Act and Think Like an Owner, and this belief can be reflected across all areas of the company.

The Position

Senior Buyer - Product Development

Location

Chicago, IL (On-site)

Overview:

AKIRA is searching for an experienced Senior Buyer to join our Product Team in Chicago! In this role, you will be instrumental in driving product development and shaping our assortment to align with brand strategy, market trends, and customer preferences. You will collaborate closely with Design and Technical Design teams to bring innovative styles to life, ensuring that product quality, fit, and construction meet brand standards. Leveraging your expertise in trend forecasting, fabric sourcing, and vendor partnerships, you will oversee the end-to-end product development process, from concept through final production. Working cross-functionally with Planning, Merchandising, and Marketing, you will ensure our product not only resonates with our customers but also drives sales and strengthens our brand presence. The ideal candidate is a strategic, trend-savvy leader with strong negotiation skills, a deep understanding of the fashion market, and a passion for delivering exceptional products in a fast-paced retail environment.

Essential Functions:

• Deeply understand the target audience and drive product development by curating innovative styles that resonate with our customers.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with vendors, scheduling regular meetings to review new samples, discuss product enhancements, and explore emerging materials.
• Partner closely with the design and technical design teams to ensure product concepts are successfully translated into production-ready styles that align with brand strategy.
• Provide vendors with clear brand strategy guidance and timely design direction while collaborating with technical design to ensure fit, construction, and quality meet brand standards.
• Oversee the end-to-end product development process, from initial concept through final production, ensuring seamless execution across teams.
• Set and achieve monthly goals for introducing new styles, leveraging trend research, customer insights, and cross-functional input to drive innovation.
• Make strategic decisions on fabric selection, product construction, and design adjustments in collaboration with design and technical teams to optimize quality, cost, and commercial appeal.
• Conduct in-depth trend and fabric research, integrating insights into product development decisions to maintain a competitive edge.
• Review, refine, and approve vendor samples in partnership with technical design, ensuring consistency, durability, and adherence to fit and brand expectations.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Apparel/Fashion Merchandising, Business Administration, or related field preferred.
• 5 years of experience in apparel product development and buying, with a strong focus on understanding customer preferences, market trends, and the end-to-end development process in collaboration with design, technical design, and vendors.
• Strong negotiation skills and the ability to build and maintain relationships with vendors
• Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret sales data and make informed buying decisions.

Diversity & Inclusion:

At AKIRA we believe that treating everyone in a first-class manner is essential to fostering an inclusive environment that reflects our values and our community. This is deeply rooted in our company's principles, culture, and fashion. We continuously strive to cultivate a company where employees feel a sense of belonging and contribute to a culture that values differences, ideas, and experiences. Our unique workforce is directly linked to our success and makes us stronger collectively.

Benefits and Perks:

AKIRA offers competitive benefits for full time employees, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Pet, Life, LTD, FSA/HSA/Dependent Care FSA, Flex Transit (CTA), 401(k), and employee discount. We are committed to encouraging internal development and providing significant career enrichment opportunities. Most importantly, what has propelled AKIRA’s growth and success over the years has been the dynamic culture within the company - if you’re filled with passion, have a strong desire to get things done, and if you want to go to a place where you know your work matters and where you can implement your ideas and decisions, then AKIRA just might be the place for you.

Job Type: Full Time