Retail Buying Assistant

Reports to: Omni-Channel Buying Manager

Permanent contract

EMEA HQ, Geneva, Switzerland

‍ Hybrid mode (2 days/week home-office)

Start date: at the earliest convenience

OUTGROWN YOUR OWN BACKYARD? COME PLAY IN OURS.

At Columbia Sportswear, we’re as passionate about the outdoors as you are. And while our gear is available worldwide, we’re proud to be based in the Pacific Northwest, where natural wonders are our playground.

Every product we make and every task we undertake is inspired by the famous words of our founder Gert Boyle: “It’s perfect. Now make it better.” As pioneers of relentless improvement, we are constantly evolving

Discover a world of diversity within our team of 700+ across 13 European countries, united by the common goal of elevating Columbia to the pinnacle of outdoor brands in Europe. Our omnichannel approach seamlessly integrates Columbia and Sorel brands' engaging in-store and online experiences.

Nestled at the heart of the Alps in Geneva, Switzerland, our European headquarters hosts the Executive Committee, go-to-market functions, and Planning and Logistics teams. In Schiltigheim, near Strasbourg, our shared services center thrives with over 100 professionals managing Finance and Operations/Customer Service. Our distribution center in Cambrai ensures swift delivery to customers, while our 30+ Columbia stores adorn major European outlet centers. Finally, the Sales and Trade Marketing teams are displayed in 3 regions across Europe, close to their customers and markets.

We believe the outdoors is ours to protect and strive to keep our planet healthy. We believe in empowering people to experience the outdoors to the fullest.

And we believe in you.

ABOUT THE TEAM

Located in our European Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, the Buying team supports and coordinates the implementation of our Buying and Retail Merchandising strategy for the pan-European Retail Outlet, Branded stores, and eCommerce businesses. The overall Retail Team includes Buying, Marketing, Operations and Store staff - around 120 people across 8 countries.

Columbia Sportswear has an ambitious plan to increase the number of Columbia stores across Europe, and the Buying team is key to delivering that growth and satisfying consumer needs through effective merchandising and excellent service.

This objective requires our team to strategically purchase our collection, closely manage inventory, and implement pricing strategies.

ABOUT THE POSITION

To support the growth of our retail expansion, we are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Retail Buying Assistant to join us.

You will assist the team in listing, buying and pricing products for our Columbia Stores, ensuring that our product offerings meet customer demands and market trends. Reporting to the Senior Retail Buyer, your role will be pivotal in ensuring the efficiency of our back-office operations, directly impacting store performance and customer satisfaction.

HOW YOU’LL MAKE THE DIFFERENCE
- Assist the buying team in selecting and purchasing products that resonate with our brand values and meet our customers' expectations.
- Help prepare purchase orders and manage the buying process using SAP, ensuring accuracy and efficiency.
- Manage the sample order process, ensuring timely and organized handling.
- Prepare and maintain precise records of pricing activities within our cashier system, ensuring consistency and transparency.
- Support the planning and execution of promotional activities and sales launches, contributing to successful campaigns.
- Help create assortment overviews that are aligned with our Visual Merchandising guidelines, enhancing in-store presentation.
- Coordinate product flows with Retail Operations and Retail Allocators to guarantee timely delivery of merchandise and promptly resolve any issues.
- Collaborate with planning and inventory teams to maintain optimal stock levels and ensure product availability.
- Prepare detailed reports and presentations on buying activities and sales performance, offering valuable insights.
- Analyze sales trends to identify potential products, contributing to our continuous growth and adaptation to market demands

YOU ARE
- Someone who ensures accuracy in every aspect of the buying process, and demonstrates structure, rigor as well as a keen attention to detail
- At ease working with numbers, and managing raw data and you can demonstrate strong analytical abilities.
- Highly organized, efficiently managing multiple tasks and keeping the buying process smooth and streamlined.
- An effective communicator, collaborating seamlessly with various teams to ensure clear and concise communication.
- A proactive problem-solver, quickly resolving issues in a timely and efficient manner

YOU HAVE
- Diploma or Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, or a related field
- Previous experience in retail buying, merchandising, or similar function
- Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including