Bluestem Brands primary mission is to serve customers whether that be as the leading provider for consumers seeking to establish, build or rebuild credit through our Fingerhut brand; or being uniquely advantaged at the intersection of value, exclusivity and curated with solutions tailored to the mature market consumer at Orchard Brands.

We are currently seeking an Assistant Buyer to join our Appleseed’s Brand Team. This role will be based out of our Middleton, MA office.

As an Assistant Buyer, you will support the buying team in advancing the business while learning key processes and providing comprehensive administrative and operational support to your Buying Team.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work closely with buyers assisting in selecting brand right products using appropriate analytics.
• Shop the market to identify and understand current and emerging trends.
• Assist presentation of the new line (fall or spring) with the buyer to company executives with new merchandise that will be top sellers for the upcoming season.
• Work closely with buyers on planning and placing the initial order and determining the seasonal assortment plan. Inputs assortment information into line review sheets and other reporting tools; maintain tools and their accuracy.
• Attend and participate in planning meetings with executives, buyers, inventory control, art directors, and the copy team.
• Analyze and track weekly, monthly, and quarterly sales.
• Collaborate with manufacturers and design teams on private label products to ensure adherence to specs; participate in fit of pre-production merchandise.
• Request samples and follows up on production schedules with vendors.
• Prepares and maintains advertising boards with buyers.
• Prepares and maintains control of samples for initial advertising meetings, fit sessions, and photoshoots.
• Partner with inventory control to ensure on-time delivery, order updates, inventory levels.
• Work with the quality control team to ensure an accurate fit, care labels, and fabric content is correct.
• Proof copy, request item codes, and perform maintenance on codes as needed throughout the season.
• Additional duties and responsibilities as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s Degree; Apparel catalog or retail experience preferred.
• Assistant Buyer experience for 1 to 2 years.
• Good communication skills. Ability to read, analyze and interpret general business documents. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of the organization.
• Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, markups, and percentages.
• Ability to multi-task and manage time in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Ability to work effectively and creatively within a team environment as well as independently.
• Strong math and computer skills in Microsoft Windows, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Experience in Illustrator, In Design, and PLM preferred.

BLST Operating Company (Bluestem Brands) is a group of eCommerce Retail and FinTech businesses led by our Orchard and Northstar Portfolios. This position falls under our Orchard Portfolio, which is home to four legacy Ecommerce apparel brands – Appleseed's, Draper's & Damon's, Blair and Haband.

At Orchard, you’ll find responsive and supportive leaders who empower our employees, knowing they drive our success. We are continually innovating and improving, challenging ourselves to take risks, learn from mistakes, and celebrate success as a team. We also grow careers, giving employees on-the-job stretch assignments, lateral moves to expand knowledge bases, and promotional opportunities that help to accelerate development.

You’ll work hard at Bluestem, so you deserve more than just a paycheck. From great benefits, employee discounts and incentive plans, to a jeans-every-day dress code and the flexibility to balance everyday life with work - this is the place you’ll want to be. Join our Orchard Team at Bluestem Brands to make an impact, be inspired and be valued, every day.

#LI-PD10