Merchant/Buyer, International

Job Description

Company Description

Job Description

The Buyer, International will lead and develop local product strategy for the A&F and/or Hollister Brands. They will drive product strategy across channels. They will work directly with the corporate product team and the territory Franchise Partner to create the local version of our brand aesthetic. Success in this role will be highly dependent upon building and maintaining exceptional relationships with the Global Brands Product team, the local Territory Partner, as well as having a strong understanding of the desired Brand aesthetic.

This job is located at our Global Home Office in Columbus, Ohio.

What Will You Be Doing?

Oversee territory product strategy for A&F and/or Hollister.

Partner closely with Global Brands and Regional Buying/Planning teams to develop regional strategy and drive significant growth.

Influence the selection, plans, and allocation of all product in the territory.

Ensure consistency of all territory buys with brand identity and integrity.

Leverage regional Trend Forecasting and Customer Insights to shape assortment distortions according to territory consumer preferences.

Partner with Territory Franchise Brand Manager, Buyers, Planner, Marketing and Visual Merchandising team to strategize and execute on regional business goals, increase brand awareness, and improve brand positioning in the territory.

Lead seasonal hindsight process to inform future strategy and line list needs.

Participate in selling / monthly business meetings working with Territory Franchise team to identify strengths, opportunities and recommended actions.

Participate in Annual and Quarterly Strategy meetings as well as any Onboarding/Training efforts for Territory Franchise team.

What Do You Need To Bring?

Strong academic credentials from a top tier university/college or equivalent.

Minimum of four (4) years of retail experience in apparel Buying or Merchandising.

Significant familiarity and experience working on a global brand.

Significant experience working internationally with strong knowledge of how to meet the needs of a local consumer while maintaining the integrity of a Brand.

Passion for customer centricity and continued understanding of evolving customer needs.

Experience managing seasonal product development process.

Strong eye for trend and quality as it relates to the A&F brands aesthetic.

Proven critical thinking and analytical ability through department/category growth.

Successful track record for product sales growth and/or brand market penetration.

Preferred Qualifications

High-level acumen and appreciation for fashion retail excellence.

Experience working on multiple fashion product categories.

Work experience with bringing a US Brand to life within an international region.

Our Company

Abercrombie & Fitch Co. is a global, digitally led omnichannel specialty retailer of apparel and accessories catering to kids through millennials with assortments curated for their specific lifestyle needs.

The company operates a family of brands, including Abercrombie & Fitch, YPB, abercrombie kids, Hollister and Gilly Hicks, each sharing a commitment to offer products of enduring quality and exceptional comfort that support global customers on their journey to being and becoming who they are. Abercrombie & Fitch Co. operates over 750 stores under these brands across North America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East, as well as the e-commerce sites abercrombie.com, abercrombiekids.com, and hollisterco.com.

At Abercrombie & Fitch Co., we lead with purpose and always put our people first. We’re proud to offer equitable compensation and benefits, including flexibility and competitive Paid Time Off, as well as education and engagement events, including various Associate Resource Groups, volunteer opportunities and additional time off to give back to our global communities.

Benefits & Perks

As an Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (A&F Co.) associate, you’ll be eligible to participate in a variety of benefit programs designed to fit you and your lifestyle. A&F Co. is committed to providing competitive and comprehensive benefits that align with our company’s culture and values, but most importantly – with you! We also provide competitive incentives to reward the commitment our associates have for moving our global business forward:

Incentive bonus program

Annual companywide review process

Flexible spending accounts

Medical, dental and vision insurance

Life and disability insurance

Associate assistance program

Paid parental and adoption leave

Access to fertility and adoption benefits through Carrot

Access to mental health and wellness app, Headspace

Paid time off and one paid volunteer day per year, allowing you to give back to your community

Work from anywhere (Mondays and Fridays are “work from anywhere” days for most roles and six work from anywhere weeks per year)

Seven associate wellness half days per year

Merchandise discount on all of our brands

Opportunities for career advancement, we believe in promoting from within

Access to multiple Associate Resource Groups

Global team of people who will celebrate you for being YOU! Additional Information

ABERCROMBIE & FITCH CO. IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Full-time