Assistant Buyer

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:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Fashion, Merchandising, Business, or a related field.
• Experience: 1-3 years of experience in buying, production coordination, or related fields within the apparel industry.
• Skills:

  • 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.