Watch Buyer

Brief Description

The Watch Buyer is responsible for developing and executing merchandising and buying strategies for the luxury watch category. This role manages product assortments, inventory performance, vendor partnerships, and financial objectives to ensure a compelling assortment that meets client demand and supports company sales and profitability goals.

The Watch Buyer collaborates closely with merchandising leadership, sales teams, marketing, inventory operations, and brand partners to maximize inventory productivity, identify market opportunities, and maintain the company's position as a premier luxury watch retailer.

Weekend, holiday, and peak-period availability may be required.

• Develop and execute buying strategies for assigned luxury watch brands and categories to achieve sales, margin, and inventory objectives.
• Manage purchase orders, replenishment, special orders, and delivery schedules to ensure optimal inventory availability.
• Monitor inventory levels, open purchase orders, aging inventory, sell-through, and allocations; recommend transfers, markdowns, or inventory adjustments as needed.
• Partner with brand representatives to secure product allocations, support new product launches, and maximize inventory opportunities.
• Analyze sales performance, gross margin, GMROI, inventory turn, and sell-through rates to identify trends and make data-driven buying decisions.
• Develop seasonal assortments and manage open-to-buy budgets to align inventory investments with business objectives.
• Maintain accurate product information, pricing, specifications, images, and online assortment data across all systems.
• Visit store locations to evaluate assortment presentation, inventory opportunities, merchandising standards, and product performance.
• Gather and analyze feedback from sales associates and clients to identify emerging trends and customer preferences.
• Partner with Marketing to identify products for promotional campaigns, new launches, and seasonal initiatives.
• Attend domestic trade shows, vendor meetings, and industry events to evaluate new collections, emerging brands, and market trends.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with luxury watch brands and vendor representatives while negotiating delivery schedules, inventory allocations, cooperative marketing support, and business opportunities.
• Support product knowledge and sales training by communicating new product introductions, technical features, and brand updates to store teams.
• Ensure inventory accuracy and maintain organized product assets, including images and product documentation.

• Strong knowledge of luxury watches, watchmaking, and premium timepiece brands.
• Understanding of merchandising and inventory metrics including GMROI, inventory turn, gross margin, sell-through, and open-to-buy planning.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent negotiation and relationship management abilities.
• Effective communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel; experience with ASC or comparable retail management systems preferred.
• Ability to prioritize multiple projects while maintaining strong attention to detail.
• Willingness to travel for store visits, trade shows, and vendor meetings.

• 3–5 years of experience in buying, merchandising, or inventory management, preferably within luxury watches, jewelry, or luxury retail.
• College degree preferred.
• Experience working with luxury brands and managing vendor relationships.
• Strong knowledge of Swiss watch brands, mechanical timepieces, and current watch industry trends preferred.
• Familiarity with luxury retail environments and exceptional client service standards.

• Ability to perform physical activities including reading, writing, walking, standing, sitting, climbing stairs, kneeling, and occasionally lifting up to 25 pounds.