Lead Buyer (Kids Footwear and Core)

Job Title: Lead Buyer (Kids Footwear and Core)
Location: Beaverton, OR 97005
Duration: 06+ Months (Possibilities of Extension)

Who We’re Looking For:
The ideal candidate is consumer-obsessed, combining a passion for product with sharp retail acumen and strong analytical ability. You understand the evolving landscape of brick-and-mortar and digital commerce, using consumer insights, historical data, and in-season feedback to inform smart, agile assortment strategies. You thrive in cross-functional environments, bring a strategic mindset, and take full ownership of your business unit.
This role is perfect for someone excited by both streetwear and sport, with a finger on the pulse of youth culture and a drive to shape how Client Brand Kids Footwear shows up in our Owned Store and Digital channels.
 
What You’ll Work On:

• Own seasonal assortments for Client Kids Footwear, primarily focused on digital commerce.
• Analyze consumer data, market insights, and real-time selling feedback to guide in-season reactions and future seasonal strategy.
• Collaborate on seasonal buy reviews and in-season trading sessions to maximize growth and consumer engagement.
• Develop and submit assortment plans, manage system entries, and support allocation and planning decisions.
• Integrate consumer trends, brand stories, and sales performance to optimize product curation across genders and categories.
• Balance Client and Jordan brands, aligning assortments with broader strategic direction.
• Stay attuned to competitive positioning and performance benchmarks in the kids’ footwear space.

 
Who You’ll Work With:

• Report directly to the Client North America Direct Merchandising Director.
• Work closely with key teams across Merchandising, Buying (Digital & Stores), Planning, Allocation, Visual Merchandising, Brand Marketing, and Analytics.
• Engage with Finance, Operations, and Insights teams to interpret and act on business data.
• Collaborate across functions to bring consumer-right assortments to life, ensuring alignment from product selection to in-store/digital execution.

 
What You Bring:

• Bachelor’s degree in Merchandising, Business, Marketing, or related field.
  (OR an additional 5 years of relevant experience in lieu of a degree.)
• 5+ years of experience in product merchandising (footwear/apparel/equipment) in a retail, digital, or multi-brand environment.
• Solid understanding of retail KPIs: sell-through, margin, AUR, UPT, etc.
• Strong analytical skills and comfort with data-driven decision-making.
• Experience in building consumer-informed assortment strategies.
• Comfortable presenting to large groups and leading strategic discussions.
• Knowledge of youth and family shopping behaviors is a plus.
• Experience in project management or cross-functional project ownership is preferred.

 
Preferred Qualities:

• Consumer-first mindset with a passion for youth footwear trends.
• Ability to work both strategically and tactically.
• Creative problem-solver who can pivot quickly in fast-paced environments.
• Collaborative, curious, and confident in leading through influence.