Skechers Buyer, International - Manhattan Beach, CA

Role Overview

The International Buyer at Skechers plays a pivotal role in shaping the product assortment for European retail stores and e-commerce platforms. This position requires a strategic thinker with a keen eye for market trends and a deep understanding of retail mathematics. The International Buyer is responsible for curating optimal product assortments, evaluating existing styles, and maintaining a balanced inventory flow. This role ensures that the global brand message is consistent across all product offerings in the international market. The ideal candidate possesses a strong analytical aptitude, excellent communication skills, and a global mindset. Collaboration is key, as the buyer works closely with various teams including Planning, Allocations, Production, E-commerce, Visual Merchandising, Marketing, and Store Operations. The primary goal is to achieve sales and profitability targets by consistently reviewing and refining product lines to align with both global initiatives and local market needs.

A Day in the Life

A typical day for the International Buyer involves a mix of strategic planning, data analysis, and collaborative meetings. Here’s a glimpse into the daily activities:

• Data Analysis: Analyzing sales data, market trends, and customer feedback to identify opportunities and inform assortment decisions.
• Product Selection: Evaluating and selecting products to meet the demands of the European market, ensuring alignment with global brand strategies.
• Inventory Management: Monitoring inventory levels, managing stock flow, and coordinating with the Planning and Allocations teams to optimize inventory turnover.
• Collaboration: Participating in meetings with cross-functional teams to align on product strategies, marketing campaigns, and visual merchandising plans.
• Vendor Relations: Communicating with vendors and suppliers to ensure timely delivery of products and resolve any issues.
• Market Research: Staying up-to-date with the latest fashion trends, consumer preferences, and competitive landscape in the European market.
• Financial Management: Managing the “open to buy” budget, tracking expenses, and ensuring adherence to financial targets.

Why Manhattan Beach, CA

Manhattan Beach, California, offers an exceptional quality of life and a thriving business environment. Here’s why working in Manhattan Beach is a great opportunity:

• Location: Situated in the heart of Southern California, Manhattan Beach boasts beautiful beaches, a vibrant community, and easy access to Los Angeles and other major cities.
• Lifestyle: Known for its relaxed, beach-town atmosphere, Manhattan Beach offers a wide range of outdoor activities, including surfing, volleyball, and cycling.
• Business Environment: Manhattan Beach is home to a diverse mix of businesses, from tech startups to established corporations, providing a dynamic and innovative work environment.
• Culture: The city has a strong sense of community, with numerous local events, farmers markets, and cultural festivals throughout the year.
• Amenities: Manhattan Beach offers excellent schools, healthcare facilities, and a variety of shopping and dining options.

Career Path

The International Buyer position offers numerous opportunities for career advancement within Skechers. Here are some potential career paths:

• Senior Buyer: With experience and proven performance, the International Buyer can advance to a Senior Buyer role, taking on more responsibility for strategic planning and product assortment decisions.
• Buying Manager: A Buying Manager oversees a team of buyers and is responsible for managing the overall buying strategy for a specific product category or region.
• Director of Merchandising: This leadership role involves developing and implementing merchandising strategies, managing a team of buyers and planners, and ensuring alignment with the company’s overall business goals.
• Vice President of Merchandising: The VP of Merchandising is responsible for the overall merchandising strategy of the company, overseeing all buying and planning activities and working closely with senior management to drive business growth.

Salary and Benefits

The salary range for the International Buyer position at Skechers in Manhattan Beach, CA, is typically between $75,000 and $120,000 per year. In addition to a competitive salary, Skechers offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation, sick leave, and holiday pay.
• Retirement Plan: 401(k) plan with company match.
• Employee Discounts: Significant discounts on Skechers products.
• Wellness Programs: Access to on-site fitness centers, wellness programs, and employee assistance programs.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, development, and career advancement.

Skechers Culture

Skechers is known for its dynamic and collaborative work environment. The company values innovation, creativity, and teamwork. Here are some key aspects of the Skechers culture:

• Innovation: Skechers encourages employees to think outside the box and develop new and innovative products and strategies.
• Collaboration: Teamwork is essential, with employees working closely together to achieve common goals.
• Diversity: Skechers embraces diversity and inclusion, creating a welcoming and supportive environment for all employees.
• Growth: The company is committed to providing opportunities for employees to grow and develop their careers.
• Community: Skechers is actively involved in the community, supporting various charitable organizations and initiatives.

How to Apply

To apply for the International Buyer position at Skechers, follow these steps:

1. Visit the Skechers Careers Page: Go to the Skechers website and navigate to the careers section.
2. Search for the Job Posting: Search for the International Buyer position in Manhattan Beach, CA.
3. Review the Job Description: Carefully review the job description to ensure that you meet the qualifications and requirements.
4. Submit Your Application: Click on the “Apply Now” button and follow the instructions to submit your application, including your resume and cover letter.
5. Prepare for the Interview: If your application is selected, you will be invited to participate in an interview. Prepare by researching Skechers, practicing your interview skills, and preparing questions to ask the interviewer.

FAQ

1. What is the primary responsibility of an International Buyer at Skechers?

   The International Buyer is responsible for strategic merchandise selection and inventory management across European retail stores and e-commerce platforms.

2. What qualifications are required for this position?

   A Bachelor's degree in Business or Fashion-related field and 3+ years of buying experience with a medium to large apparel retailer are required.

3. What skills are essential for success in this role?

   Strong numerical analysis skills, retail mathematics knowledge, organizational skills, and communication skills are essential.

4. What is the salary range for the International Buyer position?

   The salary range is typically between $75,000 and $120,000 per year.

5. What benefits does Skechers offer to its employees?

   Skechers offers comprehensive health insurance, paid time off, a 401(k) plan, employee discounts, and wellness programs.

6. What is the company culture like at Skechers?

   Skechers has a dynamic and collaborative work environment that values innovation, teamwork, and diversity.

7. What career paths are available for an International Buyer at Skechers?

   Potential career paths include Senior Buyer, Buying Manager, Director of Merchandising, and Vice President of Merchandising.

8. How can I apply for the International Buyer position?

   Visit the Skechers careers page, search for the job posting, review the job description, and submit your application online.

9. What should I expect during the interview process?

   Prepare to discuss your experience, skills, and qualifications, and be ready to answer questions about your knowledge of the retail industry and Skechers products.

10. Is this position remote?

    No, this position is based in Manhattan Beach, CA.