Full-time · Los Angeles, United States
Job Title: Assistant Buyer
Location: Los Angeles
Reports to: Buying Director
Job Summary:
The Assistant Buyer / Production Coordinator supports the buying and production teams by managing product procurement and overseeing the production process. This role requires strong organizational skills, the ability to manage vendor relationships, and a keen understanding of production timelines and apparel trends. The role works closely with suppliers, production facilities, and internal teams to ensure product quality and timely delivery.
Key Responsibilities:
Assist in Product Selection: Collaborate with the buying team to research and select products or fabrics, ensuring alignment with trends and customer preferences.
Vendor Communication: Maintain strong relationships with vendors, negotiating prices, delivery schedules, and other terms to ensure profitable purchasing.
Trend and Market Research: Stay up-to-date on industry trends, customer needs, and competitive products to assist in strategic buying decisions.
Inventory Management: Assist the team in monitoring stock levels, assisting in replenishment planning, and managing purchase orders to ensure product availability.
Prepare Purchase Orders: Accurately create and issue purchase orders based on procurement requests, ensuring correct quantities, specifications, and prices.
Track Orders: Monitor the status of purchase orders, track deliveries, and maintain accurate records of purchase transactions and supplier communications.
Costing and Pricing: Help to negotiate product costs and maintain budgets, working to maximize profitability and ensure competitive pricing.
Production Planning: Coordinate production schedules to ensure products are made on time and meet quality standards. Liaise between the design, buying, and production teams to ensure smooth operations.
Vendor Management: Work closely with manufacturers and suppliers to track the production process, ensuring adherence to deadlines and product specifications.
Quality Control: Assist in the quality assurance process by conducting inspections of samples, managing approvals, and ensuring finished goods meet company standards.
Sample Management: Coordinate the review of product samples, ensuring they meet design and production specifications before approval. Coordinate sample reception and send backs to vendors in an organized and timely manner.
Production Tracking: Maintain detailed records of production timelines, including fabric sourcing, cut dates, and delivery schedules, and communicate status updates to relevant stakeholders.
Issue Resolution: Address any issues or delays in production, working with vendors and internal teams to find solutions and keep the production on track.
Qualifications:
Strong organizational and project management skills.
Understanding of apparel production processes, timelines, and technical aspects.
Strong negotiation and communication skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel, and familiarity with inventory management systems.
Ability to multitask and manage competing priorities.
Analytical skills for data interpretation and decision-making.
Basic understanding of cost management and budgeting.