At rue21, we believe fashion should be fun and accessible to all. As a leading specialty retailer, we’re different, we’re unique—just like you. rue21 combines a shopping experience designed to fit the individuality of our customers with a community to foster love, advocate change and empower each other through what we wear and what we do. Join our team and be #YOUinrue.

The Associate Buyer contributes to rue21’s results by supporting the Buyers in all product selection, price negotiation and purchasing decisions of the Merchandising Department. Manage formal communication i.e. purchase orders and changes thereon to vendor community.

Responsibilities

What will a day in the life look like as our Associate Buyer? Below is just a small sample of the contributions this key role will do to support our business.

• Commits to supporting rue21’s vision, mission, and values of an inclusive environment and sets an example for their team or sphere of influence.
• Coordinates requirements, specifications, timing, and distribution for merchandise selection
• Develop strategies and criteria for negotiations
• Evaluate competitive offerings to determine the overall best offer for a product/service
• Resolve quality problems with suppliers and user department
• Lead and participate in cross-functional team meetings
• Manage and develop Assistant and/or Associate Buyers
• Develop/manage/evaluate relationships with other internal departments
• Build the Brands in all activities; inclusive of quality and timely execution
• Be customer centric, build the assortment focused around the customers point of view maintaining value and quality
• Maintain and update open-to-buy daily, weekly and monthly.
• Develop and present department/category strategies and assortments to Sr Buyer and Director/VP for alignment and sign off

Education and Experience

• Degree in Fashion Merchandising, Marketing or Business
•  4+ years' experience in assistant buying
• Buying internship required
• Prior retail experience preferred
• Individuals who do well in fast paced environments who are detail oriented and organized.
• Passion for fashion
• Relevancy in pop culture
• Inclusivity: our brand is inclusive and so is our team
• Evolving mindset: team player who can drive a business forward
• Great teammate. You know how to work with and influence those around you, and you don’t hesitate to roll up your sleeves and help when others need it.
• Engaging interpersonal and presentation skills.
• Efficient organization, prioritization, and time management skills.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to draw conclusions to make recommendations.
• Ability to operate independently while establishing strong working relationships with co-workers and cross-functional teams
• Ability to work with and influence senior management
• Strong, professional and effective verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to foster a positive and motivating work environment, encouraging feedback and innovation
• Self-motivated with critical attention to detail and deadlines
• Ability to adapt well to change in direction and priority in a fast- paced and deadline-oriented environment
• Ability to multitask     
• Ability to adapt well to change in direction and priority in a fast- paced and deadline-oriented environment.
• Great teammate. You know how to work with and influence those around you, and you don’t hesitate to roll up your sleeves and help when others need it.
• Engaging interpersonal and presentation skills.
• Efficient organization, prioritization, and time management skills.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to draw conclusions to make recommendations.
• High degree of proficiency in MS Office Suite, Outlook & Internet applications.