Purpose & Overall Relevance for the Organization
Own and drive the buying strategy, assortment execution, and commercial performance of assigned categories. Accountable for translating consumer, product, and financial insights into profitable assortment and inventory decisions that support market growth objectives. Lead the end-to-end buying process, including seasonal planning, OTB management, assortment execution, and in-season trading, while developing a high-performing team and fostering strong cross-functional partnerships.
Key Responsibilities
- Own the commercial performance of assigned categories, driving assortment, inventory, and financial decisions to achieve sales, margin, and inventory productivity targets.
- Lead the seasonal buying process, ensuring optimal volume investment aligned to OTB plans, consumer demand, assortment strategies, and business objectives.
- Prepare and manage the size breakdown process, ensuring assortments reflect market needs and are fully incorporated into the buying process.
- Collaborate closely with retail, marketing, and operations teams to ensure product presentation in stores aligns with overall brand and channel strategies.
- Drive in-season trading activities, including timely sales forecasting by product, stock intake management, and in-season markdown optimization.
- Provide input and recommendations to Business Units and cross-functional partners regarding assortment and range needs.
- Execute assortments to align with strategy and business needs, in collaboration with Planning and Allocation teams.
- Lead team strategy, processes, and best practices while coaching and developing direct reports and creating opportunities for growth and career progression.
- Foster a culture of open, constructive feedback that drives engagement, performance, and continuous development.
- Provide team members and direct reports with clear directions and targets aligned with business needs and objectives.
Key Relationships
Concept Store Buying Team, Allocation Team, Planning Team, Visual Merchandising, Business Units, Retail Operations, and Demand Planning.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Relevant buying experience with a strong understanding of buying processes, procedures, and systems.
- Broad theoretical and practical knowledge, including company policies, practices, and business processes.
- Customer-centric mindset and a deep understanding of consumer behaviors and preferences.
- Strategic and analytical skills, with the ability to analyze data, identify trends, and make data-informed decisions.
- Cross-functional leadership skills and the ability to influence and collaborate across teams, navigate competing priorities, and deliver results in a fast-paced environment.
Minimum Qualifications
- 5+ years of relevant buying, merchandising, planning, or retail experience.
- University degree in business, ideally with a marketing and sales focus, or equivalent professional experience.
- Ability to alternate between sitting and standing for extended periods of time.
Work Policy and Location
This is a hybrid position based in Portland, OR. The policy requires attendance in the office Monday through Thursday, with flexibility to work remotely on Friday. In-office attendance is required on Friday when the work involves a high degree of collaboration or an in-person presentation.
Benefits and Culture
adidas offers medical, dental, vision, prescription drug, disability, life and AD&D insurance, 401(k) and Stock Purchase Plans with employer match, education assistance, paid parental leave, flexible time off, paid holidays, Service Time Off, and annual bonus eligibility. adidas is an equal opportunity employer that supports diversity, inclusion, accessibility, and individual expression.
adidas fosters an athlete's mindset through courage, ownership, innovation, teamplay, integrity, and respect.