Assistant Buyer, Kids Footwear + NA

About the Role

Stitch Fix is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Assistant Buyer to join our dynamic Kid’s Footwear and Non Apparel team. In this role, you will play a vital part in supporting our buying and planning activities to ensure a seamless operation, collaborating closely with cross-functional partners like Planning, Styling, and Marketing to align strategies and maximize departmental goals. You will be responsible for analyzing performance, driving seasonal line plans, and curating assortments from vendor partners and market brands. By translating client feedback and market trends into actionable strategies, you will directly impact our inventory success and play a key role in delighting our clients.

Responsibilities:

• Own a specific portion of the business within the Kid's Footwear and Non Apparel category, developing and executing merchandising and financial strategies to maximize departmental opportunities.
• Curate and drive seasonal line plans and product assortment, presenting strategies to leadership and cross-functional partners to gain alignment.
• Analyze sales data, inventory levels, and client feedback on a weekly, monthly, and quarterly basis to responsibly manage the open-to-buy budget alongside Planning partners.
• Manage the vendor matrix strategically, negotiating terms, contracts, and pricing with suppliers to optimize profitability, product quality, and timely delivery.
• Conduct continuous market research and competitive analysis to identify industry trends, spot risks, and uncover new opportunities appropriate for Stitch Fix clients.

How AI and tools show up in your day-to-day work:

• Use AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Google Gemini) to improve efficiency and outcomes when summarizing client feedback trends, drafting vendor communications, or conducting market research.
• Work with core tools and systems relevant to the role, including Google Workspace Suite, Microsoft Office Suite (advanced Excel), and internal inventory/PLM systems.
• Comfort learning and applying new technologies to analyze data and streamline the product lifecycle from initial concept to delivery.

About You

This is what you’ll need to succeed in this role from day 1.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience.
• A minimum of 3+ years of experience in a retail buying or merchandising role (experience with Kids / Footwear/ Non Apparel  is preferred).
• Deep knowledge of retail math, business metrics, financial planning, and managing the end-to-end product lifecycle.
• Have Market buying experience - history managing a multi-vendor matrix and  supporting negotiations for margin/AUC
• A solution-driven, analytical mindset with the ability to take calculated, data-driven risks in a fast-paced, constantly changing environment.
• You have a keen eye for product and experience spotting and reacting to trends across the market
• Strong oral and written communication skills, with a thrive-in-a-feedback-driven environment mentality and the ability to confidently present to leadership.
• You are detail oriented, organized and possess effective time management skills and have proven you can thrive in a fast paced, nuanced environment where bold and proactive decision making is essential
• Proficiency in Google Workplace Suite and Microsoft Office Suite (especially Excel). Familiarity with leveraging data analytics tools to inform buying decisions.
• This position may require the ability to sit for extended periods of time, use a computer or other office equipment, communicate effectively (verbal and written), and travel up to 30% of the time.

Nice to Have:

• Specific product experience in Kids, Footwear, or Non Apparel
• Advanced negotiation skills and experience optimization of vendor matrices.
• Exposure to AI-driven retail forecasting tools or trend-prediction software.
• Above all else, you are Bright, Kind, and Motivated by Challenge!