Associate Buyer

**Grafton Apparel believes everyone deserves to look great We fit your body, we fit your budget, we fit your style and we fit you with the confidence you get when you look and feel great**

We do this by: Working Hard, Making it easy, Keeping it real, Having fun

Grafton Apparel Ltd. is a Canadian company that has been in business for over 100 years and operates through its retail chains, Tip Top Tailors, George Richards & Mr. Big & Tall. Taking its strength from over a century of heritage, today Grafton Apparel remains committed to the retail clothing industry by responding to the ever-changing demands of the market. Not only do we understand the needs of our customers, but we also understand the needs of our people too We are truly committed to both our employees and our customers - a company that you will be proud to work for. Come join the team at Grafton Apparel where we are always looking for motivated, collaborative, and product-driven individuals who are passionate about fashion and looking to grow and develop within our company.

**What we can offer you**:

- _A hybrid work model that allows you to work a combination of days in the office and remotely._
- _A fun environment We like having a casual vibe while we take care of business._
- _Giving back is important to us. We support amazing charities by doing what we can to fundraise through events or just by helping._

As an _**Associate Buyer**_, you will work in the world of Buying with one of the longest standing menswear retailers in Canada. In this role you will maintain a strong knowledge base for your category, and balance analytics and creative abilities to positively manage the merchandising strategy by finding merchandise that fits our customers’ needs while delivering profitable sales.

**What you will do in this role**:

- Build product assortments that fit our customers’ style, body, and budget _
- Select and procure merchandise for the assigned category and track trends in consumer fashion demands that are suited for our business needs
- Assist in the development of seasonal strategies
- Build assortment plans, including pricing and space allocation within stores
- Participate in weekly Merchandising meetings
- Create and read sales and inventory reports, provide support on weekly analysis
- Create purchase orders, pre-product specifications and maintain samples
- Conduct regular store visits to understand considerations for buying decisions based on store feedback, opportunities and performance
- Manage the financial performance for the assigned category _
- Prepare and facilitate pre and post-season line reviews
- Assess product sell-through performance and take action to proactively address any issues
- Work to increase inventory productivity through analysis and collaboration with business partners
- Partner with the Planning team on merchandise allocation and replenishment buy strategies
- Analyze performance to identify trends, work with Marketing and Planning teams to capitalize on opportunities and minimize risks
- A passion for product and people including the ability to work cross-functionally
- Strong negotiation skills
- A solid understanding of the merchandising procurement process
- A strong desire to win, focused on results
- Confident and effective communicator
- High service-oriented with exceptional organizational and follow up skills

**Your qualifications include**:

- Post Secondary education ins Fashion Merchandising, business or a related field
- 1- 2 years of buying experience in a related field (retail, apparel)
- Proficient in Microsoft Office: Word, Excel. PowerPoint and Outlook
- Knowledge of purchasing principles, practices and retail math
- Retail experience an asset

**What’s In it for you**:

- Freedom You will be empowered to make decisions based on your expertise and supportive data.
- Unbeatable employee discount. So great we can’t print it.
- Comprehensive benefits package including dental care, extended health care, life insurance, and a health spending account
- The best team in town. We may not be the biggest team, but we are mighty. We work as partners and help each other. You’re gonna love it here

**Job Types**: Full-time, Permanent

Schedule:

- Monday to Friday

Application question(s):

- Please describe your retail buying experience?

**Experience**:

- retail buying: 2 years (required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Concord, ON L4K 5C1