Softgoods/clothing Buyer

**Who We Are**:
Trailhead Paddle Shack has been an Ottawa institution since 1972, combining a bricks and mortar retail store with an ever-expanding online sales presence. We offer the best outdoor gear from top suppliers as well as our own house designed, custom line of products. Our brand is famous for knowledgeable, friendly customer service and a high level of expertise.

We offer a safe working environment with priority on taking all possible measures to keep our staff healthy. Trailhead Paddle Shack offers competitive wages, opportunity for advancement, benefits, and a flexible schedule that gives you time to get outside. If you have a love of the outdoors, a drive to succeed, and a talent for customer service, this could be your next adventure.

**About This Position**:
We are looking for a Softgoods/Clothing Buyer. This position really defines the atmosphere of the store and speaks to the quality of products we provide our customers. The Softgoods Buyer is responsible for the purchasing of all Softgoods products within Trailhead. This position involves identifying trends and forecasting sales, working with existing suppliers and identifying opportunities for new suppliers, understanding Trailhead customers needs, creating appealing product collections and managing products and inventory.

At Trailhead, we value lifelong learners and outdoor enthusiasts. As the outdoor industry is ever-changing, we are looking for employees who are adaptable, eager to learn and are excited about the outdoors as much as we are

**Key Responsibilities**:

- Purchasing of all clothing seasonally (Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter) as well as all accessories throughout the year and working within a set budget
- Ordering products that best fit Trailhead’s requirements in a timely and cost-effective manner/meeting booking deadlines
- Regularly review performance indicators such as sales, turns, GMROI, inventory levels and warranties
- Managing inventory
- Reacting to changes in demand and logistics
- Conducting market research and retail landscape awareness including positive/negative business trends to manage risk
- Monitoring competitors products/sales
- Analyzing consumer buying patterns and anticipating future trends
- Creating and maintaining relationships with suppliers
- Negotiating prices, discounts, credit terms and transportation arrangements with suppliers
- Delegating tasks to staff and ensuring tasks are completed daily
- Resolving daily issues by handling invoice discrepancies, replacements for canceled or rejected products, and missed and late deliveries
- Managing and maintaining products on the Trailhead ecommerce website
- Managing special orders and creating a positive experience for customers
- Creating purchase orders and ensuring that they are received and inventoried properly
- Obtaining feedback from sales associates about products and sales
- Working closely with the Clothing Supervisor and Merchandiser to create an appealing collection in store
- Training and mentoring staff on new products, technologies and selling techniques
- Adhering to compliance with purchasing policies and procedures

**Qualifications**:

- 3+ years experience in retail
- Strong understanding of outdoor retail environment
- Knowledge of Lightspeed POS and retail analytics is considered an asset
- Exceptional computer skills, specifically with Microsoft Office and Google suites
- Familiar with using B2B platforms to order and track deliveries
- Experience forecasting sales and trends
- Experience training and accurately articulating Softgoods technologies
- Merchandising experience is an asset
- Ability to work under tight deadlines
- Independent worker who’s not afraid to ask questions

Schedule:

- Monday to Friday

Work Location: One location