Associate Buyer

Our Associate Buyers assists the buyer in developing and executing product assortment strategies that both align with corporate objectives and deliver required financial results. This individual will 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:

• Assist the buyer in developing and executing product assortment strategies that both align with the corporate objectives and deliver required financial results.

• Assist buyers by attending all appointments, with involvement in selection and editing of product.

• Assists with the planning of seasonal assortments to achieve and or succeed departmental/corporate financial plans.

• Provides weekly reporting of item selling at the style color level.

• Tracks and provides samples for the Visual Planners and Magalogs. - BAA

• Identifies current/new trends and applies observations to drive sales and differentiate JD Sports from competition.

• Increase market knowledge, by attending relevant trade shows, markets and retail visits, to gain consumer and competitive insights.

• Assist the buyer in the preparation of presenting ranges for sign offs with relevant functions.

• Preparation and presentation of performance in trade meetings.

• Proposals to assist driving sales in your relevant department by reviewing sales and constantly looking for opportunities (e.g. repeat buys)

• Assists the buyer with managing inventory levels through flow of merchandise into or out of the D.C (RTV’s) and also markdowns.

• Complete and present to the buyer the planograms for the relevant category.

• Regular dialogue with key brands to build relationships.

• Research and be aware of new brands in the market to propose opportunities for relevant categories.

• Drive social/media/marketing content via marketing and multichannel teams to ensure category features across all channels.

• Provides weekly reporting of item selling at the style color level.

• Tracks and provides samples for the Visual Planners and Magalogs. - BAA

• Additional duties and projects as required.

Required Education and/or Experience

• Relevant branded buying or merchandising experience is advantageous but not essential.

• Associates degree with a focus in the field of merchandising, buying or planning advantageous also but not essential.

• Strong understanding and knowledge of current and upcoming sports fashion trends within the markets.

• Retail experience.

• Fully literate in Microsoft Office: PowerPoint, Word, Excel.

• Organizational skills are essential.

• Must be able to work in a fast-paced buying office environment.

• Internal JD Finish Line experience is a plus.

Core Competencies

• Strong awareness of product files to a line level detail.

• Extensive knowledge of our store base and website.

• Awareness of incoming stock and ability to manage the file in Buyer absence.

• Confidence in building relationships with brands and internal departments with the business.

• Acts as the lead partner between the Buyer and marketing/multichannel departments driving change and growth within social media.

• Proactive and confident in suggesting changes.

• Confidence to challenge and influence at all levels.

Required Computer and/or Technical Skills

Should have basic to intermediate knowledge and abilities with Google Suite, Microsoft, Excel, and PowerPoint. 

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

• Periodically may need to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, or crouch

• Lift and/or move up to 10 pounds regularly and up to 50 pounds occasionally

• Punctuality and regular attendance consistent with the company’s policies are required for the position.

• The average work week is 40-45 hours, which can vary depending on business needs.

• The work environment for this position is a moderately noisy office setting. 

• Spending less than 15% 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.

#LI-DNI

This job description is not intended to cover all aspects, duties, and/or responsibilities required of employees.  Employees may be asked to perform additional duties outside of normal job scope on a temporary or permanent basis per company policy. ​The company reserves the right to modify this job description with or without notice. 

EEO Statement:

The Finish Line, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and is committed to complying with all federal, state, and local EEO laws.  The Finish Line, Inc. prohibits discrimination against employees and applicants for employment based on race or color, religion or creed, national origin, alienage or citizenship status, marital status, sex, pregnancy status, age, military status, disability, or any other characteristic or class protected by law.  The Finish Line, Inc. provides reasonable accommodations in accordance with applicable laws, including for disabilities, pregnancy, and religious practices.

Need accessibility assistance to apply?
Applicants who require accessibility assistance to submit an employment application can either call Finish Line at  (317) 613-6890 or email us at talentacquisition@finishline.com.  A member of our Talent Acquisition team will respond as soon as reasonably possible. (This email address and phone number is only for individuals seeking accommodation when applying for a job.)