Let’s get started
By clicking ‘Next’, I agree to the Terms of Service
and Privacy Policy
Jobs / Job page
Buying Manager, A&F Men image - Rise Careers
Job details

Buying Manager, A&F Men

Company Description

Job Description

 

What Will You Be Doing? 

 

  • Within a single gender, act as owner for a full merchandise brand/gender/key focus departments within brand/gender for Abercrombie & Fitch.
  • Lead merchandise buys and distortions for relevant department, leveraging APAC customer preferences and advancing regional business strategy while preserving brand identity and priorities
  • Create the high-level architecture for a APAC-exclusive product assortment (expected to be 10-20% of total APAC assortment by SKUs) while ensuring items are consistent with overall brand strategy and identity, and also will be top volume drivers in the APAC assortment.
  • Be the expert in current selling analysis and historical selling knowledge for the region
    • Leverage financial and strategic capabilities to influence promotions, pricing, product placement, etc. as well as product development and assortments
  • Intimately understand APAC customers’ preferences and interests by observing shopping patterns, regularly shopping competitors, and monitoring media platforms
  • Execute against key milestones / seasonal processes:
    • Following each season, execute a detailed hindsight / strategic line review process at the department level to inform future strategy and identify line list needs for design
    • Present weekly selling / business updates as part of a regular Monday review process, evaluating performance, proposing tactical improvements, and consolidating results into a summary to be shared with the Home Office
    • Participate in central assortment reviews on a seasonal basis, contributing ideas, identifying top items, and preparing for seasonal buys
    • Participate in monthly Chase / Buy / Cut reviews to provide a regional perspective on key products and fine-tune assortments
    • Participate in monthly MPC meetings, working with team to identify upsides and risks to the plan
    • Connect remotely and in-person with Home Office Visual Merchandising teams to coordinate floorsets
  • Partner with Home Office teams to ensure APAC-exclusive assortment is on track throughout the product development process, carrying out consistent updates and communicating effectively both remotely and in-person

     

 

What Do You Need To Bring? 

 

  • Bachelor’s or undergraduate University degree equivalent
  • 6-8 years of Merchandising or Buying experience, preferably in apparel
  • Proven leadership experience and ability to thrive in team-based settings
  • Passion for the merchant role, fashion retail, customer research, and the Abercrombie & Fitch Co. brands
  • Desire to take ownership for a portion of a global multi-billion-dollar business
  • An acute eye for product and trend
  • A deep understanding of sales analysis and financial metrics that relate to your business
  • Strong presentation skills and the ability to communicate confidently to leadership
  • Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as needed by the department
  • A high comfort-level with analytical sales tools and proficiency in Microsoft Office applications
  • A collaborative approach to working with cross-functional partners to achieve the vision of the brand

      

Our Company 

Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (A&F Co.) is a global retailer of five iconic, omnichannel lifestyle brands catering to the kid through millennial customer: Abercrombie & Fitch, abercrombie kids, Hollister, Gilly Hicks and Social Tourist. At A&F Co., we’re here for our associates, customers and communities on the journey to being and becoming who they are – and because no journey is the same, we strive to create an inclusive culture, where everyone is free to share ideas.  

Our Values 

We lead with purpose and always put our people first, which is evidenced by our Great Place to Work™ Certification, as well as being a 2021 recipient of Fortune’s Best Workplaces in Retail, and named a Best Place to Work for LGBTQ+ Equality by the Human Rights Campaign for 16 consecutive years. 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.  

What You'll Get

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 is committed to providing simple, 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 Caregiver Leave
  • Mobile Stipend
  • Paid time off & 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 & 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

    Average salary estimate

    $100000 / YEARLY (est.)
    min
    max
    $80000K
    $120000K

    If an employer mentions a salary or salary range on their job, we display it as an "Employer Estimate". If a job has no salary data, Rise displays an estimate if available.

    What You Should Know About Buying Manager, A&F Men, Abercrombie and Fitch Co.

    Are you ready to take on an exciting challenge as a Buying Manager at Abercrombie & Fitch in Shanghai, China? In this pivotal role, you'll be the driving force behind our men's merchandise strategy, ensuring we reflect APAC customer preferences while staying true to our brand's core values. You'll lead insightful merchandise buys and work closely with cross-functional teams to curate product assortments that capture attention and drive sales. Your leadership will shine as you analyze sales data, monitor market trends, and translate insights into actionable strategies. With your deep understanding of fashion retail, you'll conduct thorough sales analyses and present updates to leadership, influencing key decisions that shape our offerings. Plus, your acute eye for trends will be crucial for developing APAC-exclusive products, setting us apart in a competitive market. If you're someone who thrives in dynamic team environments and has a passion for retail, this role could be just what you’re looking for. Join Abercrombie & Fitch and help us craft unforgettable shopping experiences for our customers while fostering an inclusive culture that celebrates individuality.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Buying Manager, A&F Men Role at Abercrombie and Fitch Co.
    What responsibilities does the Buying Manager have at Abercrombie & Fitch in Shanghai?

    As a Buying Manager at Abercrombie & Fitch in Shanghai, your key responsibilities include leading merchandise buys, creating APAC-exclusive product assortments, analyzing sales data, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure perfect alignment with brand strategy. You'll also play a critical role in conducting market research, participating in assortment reviews, and executing strategic line reviews to optimize merchandise offerings tailored to APAC consumers.

    Join Rise to see the full answer
    What qualifications do I need to become a Buying Manager at Abercrombie & Fitch?

    To qualify for the Buying Manager position at Abercrombie & Fitch, candidates should possess a bachelor’s degree along with 6-8 years of experience in merchandising or buying, preferably within the apparel sector. Strong leadership capabilities, presentation skills, and proficiency in analytical tools are essential, alongside a proven passion for fashion retail and in-depth knowledge of customer preferences in the APAC region.

    Join Rise to see the full answer
    What is the company culture like at Abercrombie & Fitch in Shanghai?

    Abercrombie & Fitch prides itself on creating an inclusive culture that encourages creativity and individuality. Team members collaborate to achieve a shared vision, and the company actively promotes employee wellbeing and career advancement. With accolades like Great Place to Work™ Certification and recognition for LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion, the culture at Abercrombie & Fitch is centered on putting people first.

    Join Rise to see the full answer
    Will the Buying Manager need to travel for the position at Abercrombie & Fitch?

    Yes, as the Buying Manager at Abercrombie & Fitch, you will need to be willing to travel domestically and internationally as required by the department. This travel is essential for collaborating with the Home Office and participating in key merchandising events that are crucial to the successful execution of our strategies.

    Join Rise to see the full answer
    How does Abercrombie & Fitch support employee development for a Buying Manager?

    Abercrombie & Fitch is committed to promoting from within and provides numerous career advancement opportunities for its associates, including the Buying Manager role. The company offers comprehensive training programs, mentorship opportunities, and access to various Associate Resource Groups to foster personal and professional development.

    Join Rise to see the full answer
    Common Interview Questions for Buying Manager, A&F Men
    Can you describe your experience with merchandising and buying in apparel?

    In answering this question, highlight your relevant experience, focusing on specific achievements in previous roles related to merchandise planning, inventory management, or vendor negotiation. Use data to illustrate your impact on sales or customer satisfaction, demonstrating both your skill set and passion for the merchant role.

    Join Rise to see the full answer
    How do you analyze customer preferences, and how would you apply that to your role at Abercrombie & Fitch?

    Discuss your methods for analyzing customer preferences, such as utilizing sales data, conducting market research, and observing competitors. Explain how these insights can shape product assortments and promotions at Abercrombie & Fitch, emphasizing the importance of aligning offerings with customer needs.

    Join Rise to see the full answer
    Describe a time when your leadership made a difference in a team project.

    Provide an example where your leadership skills were crucial to the project's success. Focus on how you identified challenges, motivated your team, and worked collaboratively to achieve goals, emphasizing outcomes and learnings that can be applied to the Buying Manager role.

    Join Rise to see the full answer
    What strategies do you use to stay updated on market trends?

    Mention various methods like attending trade shows, subscribing to industry publications, and utilizing digital tools to track trends. Emphasize the importance of this knowledge in making informed decisions about product assortments and staying competitive as Buying Manager.

    Join Rise to see the full answer
    How do you prioritize tasks when managing multiple product lines?

    Discuss your approach to prioritization, such as assessing project urgency, potential impact on sales, and alignment with strategic goals. Illustrate how you effectively balance competing demands and keep your team focused on critical initiatives.

    Join Rise to see the full answer
    What financial metrics do you consider most important in merchandising?

    Discuss key financial metrics like gross margin, sell-through rates, and inventory turnover that are critical for effective merchandising. Explain how you would apply these metrics to make data-driven decisions in the Buying Manager role at Abercrombie & Fitch.

    Join Rise to see the full answer
    Can you provide an example of a successful product assortment you developed?

    Share a specific instance where you successfully developed a product assortment that exceeded sales targets, explaining your thought process behind selection, collaboration, and any challenges faced, highlighting how these experiences will contribute to your success as Buying Manager.

    Join Rise to see the full answer
    How do you communicate and collaborate with cross-functional teams?

    Detail your communication style and tools you use for effective collaboration. Provide examples of how you have successfully worked with design, marketing, and sales teams to drive product launches, helping to demonstrate your team-oriented mindset as a Buying Manager.

    Join Rise to see the full answer
    What role does data play in your decision-making process?

    Explain how you leverage data in your merchandising approach, from sales analysis to customer feedback. Discuss how data informs your decisions regarding product assortments and pricing, showcasing your analytical skills and methodology.

    Join Rise to see the full answer
    Why do you want to work for Abercrombie & Fitch as a Buying Manager?

    Express your enthusiasm for the Abercrombie & Fitch brand and culture. Share your alignment with the company's values, and how your skills and aspirations fit perfectly into the role and contribute to the organization's success in the apparel market.

    Join Rise to see the full answer
    Similar Jobs
    Photo of the Rise User
    Posted yesterday
    Photo of the Rise User
    Posted 7 days ago
    Photo of the Rise User
    Posted 8 days ago
    Photo of the Rise User
    Huckberry Remote No location specified
    Posted 4 days ago
    Photo of the Rise User
    Posted 4 days ago
    Mission Driven
    Social Impact Driven
    Passion for Exploration
    Reward & Recognition
    Photo of the Rise User
    Posted 2 days ago

    Founded in 1892, Abercrombie & Fitch Co (A&F) through its subsidiaries, is a specialty retailer of casual apparel for men, women and kids. Through stores and direct-to-consumer operations, the company is engaged in selling an array of products, in...

    376 jobs
    MATCH
    Calculating your matching score...
    FUNDING
    DEPARTMENTS
    SENIORITY LEVEL REQUIREMENT
    TEAM SIZE
    EMPLOYMENT TYPE
    Full-time, hybrid
    DATE POSTED
    December 19, 2024

    Subscribe to Rise newsletter

    Risa star 🔮 Hi, I'm Risa! Your AI
    Career Copilot
    Want to see a list of jobs tailored to
    you, just ask me below!