Talent.com
Footwear Buyer

Footwear Buyer

JD Finish LineIndianapolis, IN, US
6 days ago
Job type
  • Temporary
Job description

Position Summary :

We are seeking an experienced and passionate Footwear Buyer to join our dynamic merchandising team. The ideal candidate will be responsible for sourcing, selecting, and purchasing a diverse range of footwear products that align with our brand aesthetic, target customer, and financial goals. This role requires a keen eye for trends, strong negotiation skills, and a deep understanding of the sports fashion market. This individual should effectively exhibit JD Finish Line's core values of Customer, People, Winning, Community, and Financial Responsibility in everything they do by performing the following main duties :

Key Responsibilities :

Product Sourcing and Selection

  • Identify and evaluate new suppliers, brands, and product opportunities that align with company strategy and customer preferences.
  • Conduct market research to stay abreast of current and emerging footwear trends, competitor activities, and consumer demands.
  • Attend trade shows, fashion events, and vendor meetings to discover new products and build relationships.
  • Curate a compelling and balanced footwear assortment across various brands & categories (e.g., classics, seasonal, basketball, running) ensuring a fresh and relevant offering.
  • Analyze product performance and customer feedback to inform future buying decisions.

Vendor Management and Negotiation

  • Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with new and existing suppliers.
  • Collaborate with brand partners to gain access to relevant, unique products, categories to position JD to gain market share.
  • Collaborate with brand partners to introduce new products, and / or create exclusive styles / collections, as well as position early / lead time in the market.
  • Negotiate favorable terms, pricing, payment schedules, and delivery agreements with vendors to maximize profitability.
  • Monitor vendor performance, ensuring adherence to quality standards, delivery timelines, and ethical practices.
  • Resolve any issues or discrepancies with suppliers promptly and effectively.
  • Partner with brands to assess performance and take action to maintain company profitability and credibility in the US market.
  • Inventory Management and Financial Performance

  • Develop and execute seasonal buying plans, including open-to-buy (OTB) and inventory forecasts.
  • Monitor inventory levels, sales performance, and markdown strategies to optimize stock turnover and minimize liabilities.
  • Collaborate with the planning and allocation teams to ensure optimal product distribution across channels.
  • Analyze sales data, margins, and other key performance indicators (KPIs) to identify opportunities for growth and improvement.
  • Manage budgets effectively to achieve sales and profit targets.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration

  • Work closely with the planning, marketing, and digital teams to develop and execute promotional strategies and campaigns for footwear.
  • Collaborate with visual merchandising to ensure effective product presentation in-store and online.
  • Partner with the digital operations & brand team to optimize online product presentation, descriptions, and customer experience.
  • Provide product knowledge and training to retail, visual merchandising, and allocation as needed.
  • Trains, develop Associate Buyer to position them for a future buying or lead role within JD Group.
  • Qualifications :

    Required Education and / or Experience

  • Bachelor's degree in Merchandising, Business Administration, or a related field.
  • 4-7 years of experience as a Footwear Buyer, Assistant Buyer, or similar role in a retail environment.
  • Proven track record of achieving sales and profit targets.
  • Internal JD Finish Line experience strongly preferred.
  • Skills and Competencies

  • Strong understanding of footwear, apparel, & accessories trends, materials, construction, and market dynamics.
  • Excellent negotiation and communication skills, both written and verbal.
  • Highly analytical with the ability to interpret sales data and market trends.
  • Proficiency in retail math and inventory management principles.
  • Ability to build and maintain strong vendor relationships.
  • Detail-oriented with strong organizational and time management skills.
  • Proficiency in Google & Microsoft Office Suite (especially Excel) as well as retail management software.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
  • Passion for sports, fashion, and retail, with a keen eye for style.
  • Ability to work in a fast paced environment, with competing priorities
  • Ability to work independently, as well as part of a team, with multiple dynamics
  • Ability to work up, down, and across levels within the JD Group, and our brand partners
  • Physical Demands

    The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • Sit for more than 6 hours per shift
  • Use hands to finger, handle and feel
  • Reach with hands and arms
  • Talk and / or hear
  • Walk or move from one location to another
  • Occasionally may need to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, or crouch
  • Lift and / or move up to 10 pounds regularly and up to 25 pounds occasionally
  • Punctuality and regular attendance consistent with the company's policies are required for the position.
  • Average work week is 45-50 hours, which can vary depending on business need.
  • The work environment for this position is a moderately noisy office setting.
  • Spending less than 20% time traveling (by air or land).
  • The company reserves the right to modify this job description with or without notice. Employees may be asked to perform additional duties outside of normal job scope on a temporary basis per company policy.

    Create a job alert for this search

    Buyer • Indianapolis, IN, US

    Related jobs
    • Promoted
    P / T Retail Store Associate - Edinburgh Premium, 6167, Edinburgh IN

    P / T Retail Store Associate - Edinburgh Premium, 6167, Edinburgh IN

    AdidasEdinburgh, IN, United States
    Part-time
    We believe sport has the power to change lives.To bring this mission to life we foster a culture centered on creativity, confidence, and collaboration, and while we will never rest on our laurels, ...Show moreLast updated: 30+ days ago
    • Promoted
    Lead Associate, Footwear PT

    Lead Associate, Footwear PT

    Under ArmourEdinburgh, IN, US
    Part-time
    At Under Armour, we are committed to empowering those who strive for more, and the company's values - Act Sustainably, Celebrate the Wins, Fight on Together, Love Athletes and Stand for Equality - ...Show moreLast updated: 30+ days ago
    Flatbed O / O and Fleets

    Flatbed O / O and Fleets

    American Trucking GroupNoblesville, IN, USA
    Full-time
    Quick Apply
    Opportunity for Independent Success : Owner Operators and Fleets Wanted.Are you an owner operator or manage a fleet seeking a partnership that prioritizes your profitability and operational efficien...Show moreLast updated: 30+ days ago
    • Promoted
    Want to earn extra money? Drive with Uber

    Want to earn extra money? Drive with Uber

    UberWaldron, IN, US
    Full-time +1
    Driving with Uber is an alternative to a part-time or full-time job and can get you earning cash on the road quickly.Driving with Uber allows you to earn quick cash while maintaining the flexibilit...Show moreLast updated: 7 days ago
    • Promoted
    Want Cash Jobs? Earn With Uber Instead

    Want Cash Jobs? Earn With Uber Instead

    UberMartinsville, IN, US
    Full-time +1
    Driving with Uber is an alternative to a part-time or full-time job and can get you earning cash on the road quickly.Driving with Uber allows you to earn quick cash while maintaining the flexibilit...Show moreLast updated: 9 days ago
    • Promoted
    Indirect Buyer (US)

    Indirect Buyer (US)

    Cadillac Formula 1 TeamFishers, IN, US
    Full-time
    Cadillac Formula 1 Team Opportunity.The Cadillac Formula 1 Team is what happens when history, purpose and daring talent come together. Backed by TWG Global and GM, our team is uniquely positioned to...Show moreLast updated: 5 days ago
    • Promoted
    Buyer II

    Buyer II

    Shorr Packaging Corp.Fishers, IN, United States
    Full-time
    Together, We Own it! Start your employee owner journey with Shorr Packaging.As a Buyer II you will manage program details, the integrity of the programs and the termination of the programs if neces...Show moreLast updated: 7 days ago
    • Promoted
    Sr. Blaster

    Sr. Blaster

    Austin PowderColumbus, IN, United States
    Full-time
    To manage location assets and personnel at the customer site to meet established customer requirements in support of the location's strategic plan. Must be certified by Austin Powder Company to blas...Show moreLast updated: 30+ days ago
    • Promoted
    Admin-Purchasing Direct Buyer- 1st shift - Columbus, IN

    Admin-Purchasing Direct Buyer- 1st shift - Columbus, IN

    NTN Bearing of AmericaColumbus, IN, United States
    Full-time
    Job Title : Purchasing Direct Buyer.Administrative Building - Columbus, Indiana.This role ensures timely, cost-effective purchasing decisions that support manufacturing schedules, quality standards,...Show moreLast updated: 30+ days ago
    • Promoted
    Retail Sales Lead Footwear - Key Holder

    Retail Sales Lead Footwear - Key Holder

    Dick's Sporting GoodsAvon, IN, US
    Full-time
    Retail Sales Lead Footwear - Key Holder.At DICK'S SPORTING GOODS, we believe in how positively sports can change lives.On our team, everyone plays a critical role in creating confidence and excitem...Show moreLast updated: 28 days ago
    • Promoted
    Uber - Sign Up to Drive and Earn

    Uber - Sign Up to Drive and Earn

    UberWaldron, IN, US
    Full-time +1
    Driving with Uber is an alternative to a part-time or full-time job and can get you earning cash on the road quickly.Driving with Uber allows you to earn quick cash while maintaining the flexibilit...Show moreLast updated: 9 days ago
    • Promoted
    FT Supervisor

    FT Supervisor

    Levi Strauss & Co.Edinburgh, IN, US
    Full-time +1
    Supervisor Position at Levi Strauss & Co.We've been pushing boundaries since 1873, inventing the blue jean, redefining khakis, and breaking barriers with size-inclusive activewear.We champion susta...Show moreLast updated: 30+ days ago
    • Promoted
    Need Cash for the Holidays? Drive with Uber

    Need Cash for the Holidays? Drive with Uber

    UberPendleton, IN, US
    Full-time +1
    Driving with Uber is an alternative to a part-time or full-time job and can get you earning cash on the road quickly.Driving with Uber allows you to earn quick cash while maintaining the flexibilit...Show moreLast updated: 5 days ago
    • Promoted
    Alternatives To Cash Jobs - Drive with Uber

    Alternatives To Cash Jobs - Drive with Uber

    UberHope, IN, US
    Full-time +1
    Driving with Uber is an alternative to a part-time or full-time job and can get you earning cash on the road quickly.Driving with Uber allows you to earn quick cash while maintaining the flexibilit...Show moreLast updated: 9 days ago
    • Promoted
    Drive with Uber - Drive anytime, get Instant Pay

    Drive with Uber - Drive anytime, get Instant Pay

    UberWaldron, IN, US
    Full-time +1
    Driving with Uber is an alternative to a part-time or full-time job and can get you earning cash on the road quickly.Driving with Uber allows you to earn quick cash while maintaining the flexibilit...Show moreLast updated: 9 days ago
    • Promoted
    Truck Driver Company - 1yr EXP Required - OTR - Flatbed - $89.7k - $104k per year - Hogan Transports

    Truck Driver Company - 1yr EXP Required - OTR - Flatbed - $89.7k - $104k per year - Hogan Transports

    Hogan TransportsGreenfield, IN, US
    Full-time
    CDL A Flatbed Truck Driver – Earn $1,725+ Weekly!.CDL A Flatbed Truck Driver – Earn $1,725+ Weekly!.Earn $89,700-$104,000 Annually. Unlimited Driver Referral Program ($2,000-$3,000 per referral, pai...Show moreLast updated: 3 days ago
    Indirect Buyer (US)

    Indirect Buyer (US)

    Cadillac Formula 1® TeamFishers, IN, US
    Full-time +1
    Quick Apply
    Team is what happens when history, purpose and daring talent come together.Backed by TWG Global and GM, our team is uniquely positioned to disrupt Formula 1. We have the energy of a start-up, with t...Show moreLast updated: 7 days ago
    • Promoted
    Outside Insurance Sales - Vehicle Required

    Outside Insurance Sales - Vehicle Required

    Platinum Supplemental InsuranceAnderson, Indiana
    Full-time
    Ready to jump-start your career and take charge of your earning potential?.At Platinum Supplemental Insurance, we’re looking for motivated individuals ready to learn, grow, and thrive in a fast-pac...Show moreLast updated: 30+ days ago