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About the Role

The Associate Buyer, Merchandise Operations supports the Merchandising team across multiple product categories and brands. This role combines traditional buying and merchandise administration with digital tools and AI solutions to enhance efficiency and decision-making throughout the product lifecycle. The successful candidate will support product assortment development and execution, while coordinating operational processes such as purchase orders, sample management, and cross-functional project support.

Responsibilities

• Support Category Managers in developing product assortments aligned with departmental objectives.
• Assist in product development activities from concept through production, meeting timelines, quality standards, and cost objectives.
• Collaborate with Design, Vendors, Quality Assurance, and Sourcing teams for product development and execution.
• Partner with Sourcing on factory coordination, lead time management, costing, and product readiness.
• Maintain accuracy of style, costing, delivery, and product information across merchandising systems.
• Support in-season business management, including reorders, cancellations, markdowns, and inventory management.
• Collaborate with Planning to monitor inventory flow, buy quantities, and department performance.
• Analyze sales performance, product trends, and market opportunities to support assortment planning.
• Maintain buying documents, product development trackers, assortment plans, and merchandising reports.
• Coordinate purchase order information and support system entry, validation, and maintenance.
• Assist with monthly purchase order controls and verification against financial plans.
• Maintain fabric, trim, colour, and lab dip libraries and associated records.
• Ensure product information is complete, accurate, and maintained throughout the product lifecycle.
• Coordinate product samples across Merchandising, Design, Technical Design, Marketing, and eCommerce teams.
• Manage sample inventory and organization for all brands and categories.
• Support cross-functional timelines to ensure on-time delivery of products and product information.
• Coordinate and schedule product samples for eCommerce photography, marketing campaigns, and promotional initiatives.
• Support monthly, seasonal, and special project photoshoots by ensuring product readiness, sample management, and styling coordination.
• Provide outfit styling recommendations and product insights to support marketing and digital content development.
• Serve as a key contact for product information and content inquiries from internal partners.
• Support Marketing and eCommerce teams with product launches, campaigns, and special projects.
• Coordinate product-related requirements and timelines across Marketing, eCommerce, and Merchandising teams.
• Utilize AI-powered tools and technology solutions to improve product data accuracy, content management, reporting, and workflow efficiency.
• Participate in process improvement initiatives across merchandising, buying, and product development functions.
• Assist in maintaining data integrity within merchandising, PLM, ERP, and related business systems.
• Identify opportunities to streamline processes and improve operational effectiveness.
• Support adoption of new tools and technologies that enhance team productivity and decision-making.

Requirements

• Undergraduate degree or diploma in Fashion Merchandising, Business, Retail Management, Marketing, or a related field.
• Minimum 2 to 3 years of experience in merchandising, buying, product development, retail operations, or a related field.
• Experience within a private-label apparel or fashion retail environment is considered an asset.
• Knowledge of merchandise trends, garment construction, fabrications, quality standards, and product development processes.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
• Experience working with PLM systems and Microsoft Dynamics NAV is considered an asset.
• Experience using AI tools and digital technologies to support business processes is preferred.
• Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Collaborative team player with strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Passion for fashion retail and curiosity about how technology is shaping the future of the industry.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, evolving environment with a willingness to learn and grow.

Skills

• Merchandising
• Buying
• Product Development
• Retail Operations
• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft PowerPoint
• Microsoft Word
• PLM systems
• Microsoft Dynamics NAV
• AI tools
• Digital technologies
• Analytical skills
• Critical-thinking
• Organizational skills
• Project management
• Attention to detail
• Communication skills
• Interpersonal skills
• Relationship-building

Location

• Canada

Work Type

• Full-time

Experience Level

• 2-3 years

Education Level

• Undergraduate degree or diploma

About the Company

• Northern Reflections, Ricki's, and Cleo are united by a shared vision to inspire and empower women through fashion that fits their lives.
• They have a proud legacy in Canadian retail, bringing together decades of expertise, a passionate team, and a commitment to delivering exceptional style, quality, and service.
• The company provides an environment of empowerment where cross-functional teams collaborate and support each other.
• They value high-performing teams where Associates passionately engage in building relationships that foster loyalty and trust.
• They pride themselves on building lasting relationships with Customers through an exceptional experience.
• Their vision is devoted to customers, passionate about brands, and inspired by people.