Senior Buyer - Branded & Partner Store Channel

Reports to:

Omnichannel Buying Manager

Contract:

Permanent

Location:

EU HQ, Geneva, Switzerland

Work mode:
Hybrid (2 days/week home-office)

Start date:

at the earliest convenience

Columbia Sportswear is expanding its Retail network – Branded and Partner Store - across Europe. These stores are operated by independent partners who run the stores locally while selling Columbia products directly to consumers.

In this model, partners purchase Columbia assortments and operate the stores, while Columbia supports them with product expertise, brand guidance and merchandising direction.

To support the development of this growing channel, we are looking for a Senior Buyer – Partner Stores to join our European Headquarters in Geneva.

You will be part of the Buying team (6 people) and report to the Omni Channel Buying Manager, working closely with Sales Representatives and cross‑functional leaders across Europe.

The Partner Store network is currently developing across several European markets, including France, Spain, Italy, Czech Republic, Poland and Ireland, with additional growth planned in the coming years.

The mission of this role is to bring structure and scalability to how assortments are built across the Retail full price channel.

You will define a common assortment framework for Branded and Partner Stores, while allowing local adjustments based on store profile, location and consumer needs. Your objective is to move from a case‑by‑case approach to a scalable buying structure that supports the long‑term growth of the channel.

Because this role supports a partner‑operated channel, it combines merchandising expertise with the ability to guide partners toward the best buying decisions for their stores.

One of your first priorities will be to structure how assortments are defined across the Partner Store network.

You will:

• Cluster Stores based on size, location and consumer profile
• Define a core assortment structure shared across the network
• Develop complementary assortment modules to adapt to different store types

• Build and manage strategic assortments to achieve financial KPI goals:
  Net revenue, Margin and inventory management
• Be responsible for all facets of buying, including the financial investments of each item, sell out analysis, in‑season price and inventory management

Working closely with Sales Representatives who manage partner relationships, you will provide product expertise and assortment guidance.

You will:

• Propose assortment recommendations aligned with Columbia’s product strategy
• Support partners in building their seasonal unit projections based on their Business plan and store Open‑To‑Buy
• Balance brand priorities with local market realities. Ensure alignment between Columbia’s product strategy and store‑level execution

As the Retail Full Price network expands, you will contribute to building the processes and tools needed to scale the channel.

You will help:

• Move from case‑by‑case assortment decisions to a structured buying framework
• Improve clarity and consistency in how assortments are defined across markets
• Support the long‑term development of the Partner Store business across Europe

• A product‑driven merchandising professional who enjoys working at the intersection of product strategy and retail realities.
• You are comfortable navigating environments where structures are still evolving and enjoy helping build new frameworks that can scale.
• You combine strong product understanding, business thinking and the ability to influence stakeholders, including external partners.
• Collaborative and pragmatic, you know how to balance brand vision with local market needs.

Experience that allows you to connect product strategy with real retail environments.

• Around 8–10 years of experience in buying, merchandising or assortment planning within the apparel, footwear or sportswear industry
• Strong understanding…