JD Finish Line · 1 day ago
Associate Buyer (Accessories - Headwear)
Customer Central - Indianapolis, IN
Full-time
Onsite
New Grad, Entry LevelJD Sports is a leading global omnichannel retailer of branded sports and casual wear, and they are seeking a passionate Associate Buyer to join their Accessories team with a focus on Headwear. The role involves supporting the Buyer in curating a trend-driven assortment of headwear, managing vendor relationships, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure product performance and representation.
ApparelRetail
Responsibilities
Support the Buyer in curating a balanced, trend-driven headwear and accessories assortment across multiple brands
Conduct market, competitor, and store visits to stay informed on current and emerging trends
Research new brands, suppliers, and product opportunities aligned with company strategy and customer preferences
Maintain strong awareness of competitor activity and consumer demand within the US sports-fashion market
Assist in preparing range presentations and materials for internal sign-off meetings
Attend trade shows, fashion events, and vendor meetings to identify new products and strengthen brand relationships
Analyze sales performance and customer feedback to inform future buying decisions
Maintain detailed and accurate product files at line-level detail
Monitor incoming stock and manage product files in the Buyer’s absence as required
Build and maintain collaborative relationships with new and existing suppliers
Monitor vendor performance against quality, delivery, and compliance standards
Support order placement, order tracking, and management of delivery or quantity changes
Proactively resolve order, delivery, or product issues in partnership with vendors
Work with brand partners to assess performance and recommend actions that support profitability and brand credibility in the US market
Assist in the development and execution of seasonal buying plans, including open-to-buy (OTB) and inventory forecasts
Propose repeat buys and new opportunities by reviewing departmental performance
Support inventory management, markdown strategies, and stock optimization to minimize risk and maximize sell-through
Partner with Planning and Allocation teams to ensure optimal product distribution across channels
Analyze sales, margins, and key performance indicators (KPIs) to identify growth opportunities
Prepare trade reporting and present performance data with recommendations and action plans during trade meetings
Partner with Marketing and Multichannel teams to ensure category representation across digital and social platforms
Collaborate with Integrated Marketing to brief seasonal assortment plans at category and brand levels
Work closely with Visual Merchandising to ensure effective in-store and online product presentation
Participate in internal presentations and product training sessions for retail, visual, and allocation teams as needed
Qualification
Required
Retail buying or merchandising experience preferred but not essential
Associate degree in merchandising, buying, planning, or a related field advantageous
Prior retail experience required
Internal JD Sports or Finish Line experience is a plus
Strong understanding of current and emerging sports-fashion trends, particularly within accessories and headwear
Solid commercial awareness with an interest in retail math and financial performance
High proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) and Google Suite
Strong organizational and critical-thinking skills with excellent attention to detail
Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven buying environment
Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate cross-functionally
Company
JD Finish Line
We are JD Finish Line, a premium retailer providing the latest and most exclusive athletic sneakers, apparel and accessories since 1976.
Founded in 1976
10001+ employees
Funding
Current Stage
Public CompanyTotal Funding
unknown2018-03-26Acquired
1992-06-21IPO
Leadership Team
Michael Grimes
Senior Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer JD NORTH AMERICA
Adela Zyniak
Talent Acquisition Partner
Recent News
BizTimes Milwaukee
2025-08-29
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