At Lakeshore, we create innovative learning materials and world-class guest experiences for teachers, parents and children. Since 1954, we’ve grown into a global community—with a thriving e-commerce business, multiple catalogs, 60+ retail stores, a peerless national sales force, plus international offices that support our preeminent supply chain division. But today we’re working better, smarter and faster than ever—and setting our sights even higher. We’re building an infrastructure designed for scalability, embracing data-driven decision-making and using technology to improve efficiency and ensure the best tools for the best work. Most importantly, we continue to invest in a diverse team of inquisitive top talent who fuel each other’s passions and curiosity, take risks, try new things and believe that every new day brings opportunities for growth.

In a time of unprecedented expansion, we are seeking a Buying Manager-Direct to join our team. In this role, you will leverage competitive analysis and consumer-led data to translate market trends and consumer needs into actionable recommendations for merchandising. The position also presents key product, category and trend investments to the Merchandise Strategy department. The ideal candidate has buyer management experience, as well as a proven record of driving business growth via data-led consumer and product storytelling, merchandising strategies and consumer journeys. Successful candidates also have excellent negotiation and vendor communication skills. And we’re here to help you succeed—Lakeshore recently earned its Great Place to Work® Certification™ and is proud to put its associates first.

A day in the office looks like this: 

• Consistently bringing new vendors and products to the table in line with our strategic line-plan architecture 
• Critically analyzing our business to provide new ideas and opportunities for growth 
• Owning product assortment strategy and curation for both catalog and digital channels of distribution 
• Presenting new products and assortment strategies to leadership and other departments 
• Identifying micro and macro trends on a quarterly basis and presenting opportunities to Merchandising and Buying leadership 
• Working alongside Merchandising Operations to streamline and digitize current processes 
• Setting challenging and productive goals for direct reports; fostering career growth and development 

Got the skills and experience? Here’s what we’re looking for:

• 7-10 years of relevant experience with at least 2 managing a team of three or more 
• Excellent leadership, facilitation and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work across departments 
• Product knowledge of children’s toys preferred; passion for children’s products a must 
• Strong interpersonal skills with proven ability to communicate and share information with diverse groups of customers and peers 
• Resourceful self-starter who works well independently and as part of a team; ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities 
• Strong leadership abilities in managing and developing a high-performing team 
• Demonstrated knowledge and proficiency with Microsoft Office, Mac and Google products 
• Knowledge of standard applications (Slack, Workfront) 
• Strong analytical skills; demonstrated proficiency working with large data sets 
• Demonstrated catalog experience a plus 

And here’s our end of the bargain! 

• Hourly/Salary: $135,000-$145,000 with an annual bonus of up to 15%
• Excellent medical/dental and vision coverage—EPO, PPO and HSA
• 401(k) retirement plan with company contribution (because you will retire someday)
• Flexible benefits—choose what you like, ignore the rest
• On-site preschool for our employees’ children
• On-site employee gym for all levels/fitness needs
• Generous employee discount on products that make you smarter
• Casual dress…and we really mean it

At Lakeshore, we know our diversity makes us stronger, and when everyone feels included and valued, we all win. We strive to embrace our differences and create an intentionally diverse and inclusive community that is representative of the teachers, families and children we serve.

We know we couldn’t do the extraordinary things we’re doing without the people on our team. Thanks to the passion and enthusiasm of this spectacular group, Lakeshore is more than a great place to work—it’s a great experience to be part of. Day in and day out, we give everything we’ve got to create products that instill a sense of wonder and foster a true love of learning. To help maintain this high bar for success, we’re constantly on the lookout for people to join us. So if you’re a down-to-earth professional who shares our desire for making a difference, we’d love to hear from you. 
 
To learn more about Lakeshore, visit www.lakeshorelearning.com/careers 
 
Equal Employment Opportunity Policy
People are selected to become members of the Lakeshore family based on skill, merit and mind-boggling talent—not based on race, color, creed, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity, marital status, domestic partnership status, military status, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, alienage, AIDS or AIDS-related complex status, genetic information, predisposition or carrier status, status as a victim of domestic violence, physical or mental disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. If things aren’t equal, we all lose.

To learn about how we collect and use Applicant information, please visit our Employee/Applicant Privacy Policy. INDRLL11