Assistant Buyer - Handbags

WHO WE ARE:

Exemplar Luxury Group, formerly Saks Global, is the luxury collective uniting coveted brands with unrivaled customer experiences across Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and Bergdorf Goodman. Driven by a relentless devotion to our customers and powered by our talented colleagues, we offer expertly curated product assortments, unparalleled service and personalized experiences across our integrated retail model. Through strong partnerships with the world's most desired luxury brands and deep customer relationships enhanced by data-rich insights, Exemplar Luxury Group is committed to setting the standard of excellence for luxury retail.

Job Description:

YOU WILL BE:

As the Assistant Buyer at Bergdorf Goodman, you will support directly with the Buyer to execute strategic merchandising plans across order management, market preparation, and in-season analysis. In this role, you will collaborate with key brand executives, merchandise planners, store/digital teams, and offshore merchandise assistants to manage purchase order accuracy, optimize pricing and markdown cadences, coordinate market and style-out logistics, and deliver actionable bottoms-up insights to achieve sales and growth targets.

YOU WILL DO:

Order Management

• Partner strategically with Buyers, Associate Buyers, and key brand executives to align on seasonal delivery strategies, drive order execution, maintain buy sheet integrity, and proactively resolve complex assortment discrepancies.
• Evaluate style level performance data to identify sales trends and action ATS (Available to Sell) inventory reorders or style swap opportunities to maximize sales.
• Collaborate with Planners to evaluate financial impacts and inventory targets and prepare purchase orders for the designated business segments as needed. 
• Oversee offshore Merchandise Assistants in the creation, transmission, and tracking of purchase orders, ensuring data accuracy, clear vendor communication, and prompt escalation/resolution of issues.
• Manage receipt flow changes and lead offshore teams in maintaining POs to ensure an accurate real-time view of ship windows, order quantities, and on-order inventory.

Market Preparation

• Collaborate with Planners to synthesize comprehensive historical performance metrics (e.g., best/worst sellers by door), customer preferences, and emerging trends in preparation for market.
• Coordinate market appointments and represent the team at NY market as needed.
• Lead logistics and analytical preparation for style-out sessions to support compelling assortment presentations.
• Initiate and drive the development of strategic product assortments to stimulate sales and accelerate brand growth.

Bottoms-Up In-Season Analysis

• Serve as the central point of contact for execution feedback and questions across cross-functional partners, including brand partners, visual merchandising, site merchandising, store operations, digital, marketing (promotions), and planning (pricing).
• Continuously track performance alongside Merchandise Planners, delivering style-level insights to Buyers, recommending proactive in-season actions (such as vendor reorders/ATS requests), and supporting monthly Open-to-Buy (OTB) preparation.
• Direct markdown cadences, overseeing the offshore execution of price changes, Return to Vendors (RTVs), and promotional adjustments while resolving escalated issues.
• Collaborate with the offshore reporting team to design and generate custom buying reports, manage structural view updates, and maintain strict cadence timelines.

YOU WILL BRING:

Required Qualifications (Minimum Requirements):

• Manages ambiguity well, self starter, and is able to thrive in a fast paced environment
• Strong accountability, and ability to multitask and prioritize independently 
• Generates a variety of approaches to problem solving quickly including new and novel ideas. 
• Strong interpersonal skills and can be both direct but diplomatic and gain trust from others quickly. 
• You are a consistent performer with a proven track record in driving positive outcomes through objectives and measures within a large complex organization.
• Open to new perspectives and is willing to try new ways of working in our evolving business 
• Strong knowledge of and ability to apply retail math concepts, including elements of markup, margin planning, open to buy, and inventory productivity measures (WOS, T/O, GMROI).
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Strong ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing 
• Excellent computer skills including MS Word and Excel, Powerpoint, Google Sheets/Docs/Slides
• Proficiency in systems (RFS, AMS, PCW, NuOrder)
• 1 - 2 years' experience as an Assistant Buyer, preferably in a major department store
• Location: NYC (onsite/hybrid)

YOUR LIFE AND CAREER AT EXEMPLAR LUXURY GROUP:

• Opportunity to work in a dynamic fast paced environment at a company experiencing growth and transformation 

• Exposure to rewarding career advancement opportunities across the largest multi-brand luxury retailer from retail to distribution, to digital or corporate 

• Comprehensive benefits package for all eligible full-time employees (including medical, vision and dental)
• An amazing employee discount

Benefits: We offer the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements: medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, 401(k) retirement plan, basic life insurance, supplemental life insurance, disability insurance, and a variety of additional voluntary benefits (such as critical illness, hospital and accident insurance).

Thank you for your interest with Exemplar Luxury Group. We look forward to reviewing your application.

Exemplar Luxury Group is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you are interested in applying for employment with Exemplar Luxury Group and would like to request special assistance or an accommodation, please contact [email protected].

Salary Range $59,000 - $79,000*

Compensation for this role varies by geographic location. The listed range reflects multiple markets, including higher-cost areas. Actual starting pay will be determined based on work location, experience, and other job-related factors.