The North Face: Buyer, Outlet (Americas)

At The North Face we dare to lead the world forward through Exploration. We were born to Explore, Disrupt and to Lead. We were born to Love Wild Places and to Spark Curiosity. We believe that exploration is a mindset - both on the mountain and off the mountain - and it infuses everything we do. As a community of explorers, we stay curious about new ideas, places, and people.

So, before we get to the job details, take a minute to learn a little more about us – our values and our culture. If you can see yourself working side-by-side with a team of adventure-loving people, The North Face just may be the place for you.

To learn more about our values and our culture, visit The North Face Careers or www.thenorthface.com.

Buyer, Outlet (Americas)

What will you do?

A day in the life of an Outlet Buyer at The North Face looks a little like this. 

The Outlet Buyer is responsible for building and executing strategic seasonal buys that deliver on brand priorities, outlet channel initiatives and financial targets. This role plays a critical part in driving sales and profitability through demand forecasting, buy generation, and margin management, while ensuring the right balance of made-for-outlet product and excess inventory.

The Buyer partners closely with Merchandising, Planning, and Supply Chain to deliver compelling assortments that resonate with the outlet customer and align to pre-season financial targets. This role requires strong analytical skills, trend awareness, strategic capabilities to drive sales and profitability and strong collaboration with cross-functional teams.

Let’s break down that day-in-the-life a bit more.

• Drive buy generation based on target sales and inventory levels (sell-through goals), ensuring alignment with the merchandise financial plan across sales, discount, margin and sell-through

• Analyze market trends, customer preferences and historical sales data to forecast demand at style-color, while optimizing inventory flow. Improve forecast accuracy through end-to-end forecast management. Balance short-term excess opportunities with long-term made-for-outlet product

• Collaborate closely with Merchandising to ensure buy delivers the Channel product priorities and Merchant assortment strategy.

• Track product performance and adjust buying strategies to maximize sales and minimize markdowns.

• Line Plan analysis and support, providing analytical view and strategic targets to merchandising by evaluating the line to ensure it meets productivity goals, sales objectives and brand/regional growth strategies.

• Lead Buy Review meetings to share each season's key product strategies, revenue  and investments with store, visual, and marketing partners.

What do you need to succeed?

We all have unique skills that we bring to work and celebrate every day. For this role, there are foundation skills you’ll need to succeed and excel. Additionally, while formal education in a related field is great to have, we are most interested in your 3-5 years of experience and professional achievements. 

The foundation skills you will need in this position are:

• Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Merchandising, Business, Marketing, or related field

• Buying experience in footwear, apparel and/or fashion retail

• Strong analytical, communication and problem solving skills

• Proficiency in Excel

• Deep understanding of retail math, consumer behavior, and analyzing data trends

There are also a few skills that are not required but preferred.

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment

• Passion for fashion and trend forecasting

Now WE have a question for YOU.

Are you in?

#LI-DD1

Hiring Range:

$73,440.00 USD - $91,800.00 USD annually

Incentive Potential: This position is eligible for additional compensation awards that may include an annual incentive plan, sales incentive, or commission potential. Specific details of the additional compensation eligibility for this position will be provided during the recruiting and interview process.

Benefits at VF Corporation: You can review a general overview of each benefit program offered, including this year's medical plan rates on www.MyVFbenefits.com  and by clicking Looking to Join VF? Detailed information on your benefits will be provided during the hiring process.

Please note, our hiring ranges are determined and built from market pay data. In determining the specific compensation for this position, we comply with all local, state, and federal laws.

At VF, we value a diverse, inclusive workforce and we provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. All qualified applicants for employment will be considered without regard to an individual’s race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws. If you require accommodations during the application process, please contact us at peopleservices@vfc.com. VF will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals to the extent required by applicable law.

Pursuant to all applicable local Fair Chance Ordinance requirements, including but not limited to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, VF will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.