Buying Coordinator

Overview:

At Fleet Feet Chicago, we believe that running changes everything
. For over 30 years, we have curated and created products, programs, and experiences that inspire and empower runners in the Chicagoland area. We believe it’s a privilege to serve and remain committed to delivering unmatched service and support when outfitting customers with the gear they need to be successful in their active endeavors. 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. Our team is a group of knowledgeable and hardworking individuals who work, sweat and live passionately. We run together to solve a problem, reach a goal, get inspired, and champion our brand each day. We are in full pursuit to find passionate people to join us on our quest and bring our core values to life.

Joining Fleet Feet Chicago is joining a team and a community that ignites and promotes running and fitness. We pride ourselves in putting people first and know that what we do each day does not happen anywhere else, for staff or customers. We truly believe that running changes everything.

The Buying Coordinator provides operational support to achieve Fleet Feet Chicago’s merchandise strategy. This position is responsible for in-season accessory management and ordering. This includes purchase order entry, order maintenance, managing models and monitoring sell-through. Other responsibilities include assisting with expos, open-to-buy entry and e-commerce product management.

What You’ll Do:

• Meet sales targets and store budgets to reach category goals
• Curate a successful product selection based upon anticipated customer needs and interests
• Responsible for accurate purchase order entry across categories
• Manage seasonal assortment, inventory levels and sell-through within accessory categories
• Audit e-commerce assortment by coordinating product info, pricing, and availability across teams
• Work with Visual Merchandiser on product presentation
• Coordinate relative product training for retail store employees
• Assist with store inventories in conjunction with the operations team
• Monitor back-end operations – inventory levels, receiving, shipping, transfers, return to vendors, fulfillment/e-commerce/etc. orders and other operational tasks
• Audit outstanding vendor receivers and credits
• Manage expo inventory process in partnership with the Director - Merchandise
• Oversee transfers and stock balances between stores
• Assist with product marketing for company newsletters and social media
• Assist with in-store events promoting our vendors and products
• Understand and continuously improve processes and systems
• Know and monitor competitive specialty stores and industry trends
• Support all Fleet Feet initiatives, activations and functions
• May be required to drive company vehicle to support key events and activations
• Work schedule will be based upon the demands of the business and the stores. In a typical week, this position will work 4-5 days out of the business office with some days in the retail stores. Work from home will be approved on an as needed basis. In addition, during key company events additional time in the retail stores and/or offsite will be required

• 2+ years of retail/merchandising experience recommended, but not required
• Strong business acumen and retail industry knowledge
• Strong ability to coach and influence others without direct authority
• Ability to think strategically about issues and opportunities to properly assess impacts
• Problem-solver who enjoys challenges and takes pride in creating the right solution
• Excellent communicator with the ability to listen and adapt
• Communicate professionally with the team, staff, vendors and customers
• Builds and maintains trust by using sound judgment
• Proficiency using Microsoft Excel and pivot tables
• Experience with RICS software recommended, but not required
• Collaborative and customer-centric
• Willing to go above and beyond when needed
• Must have a valid driver’s license
• Must lead an active lifestyle
• Out of state travel 1-2 times per year

• Medical, Dental, Vision and Life Insurance provided the first…