ASSOCIATE BUYER

Reporting to the Category Manager, the Associate Buyer, Merchandise Operations plays an integral role within the Merchandising team, supporting Northern Reflections, Ricki's, and Cleo across multiple product categories and brands

This role sits at the intersection of merchandising, product development, operations, and technology, combining traditional buying and merchandise administration responsibilities with modern digital tools and AI-driven solutions to improve efficiency, accuracy, and decision-making across the product lifecycle.

The successful candidate will support the development and execution of product assortments from concept through production while coordinating critical operational processes including purchase orders, sample management, product information management, photoshoots, marketing initiatives, and cross-functional project support. This is an excellent opportunity for an individual looking to build a career in merchandising and buying while gaining exposure to multiple brands, categories, and all aspects of the product journey within a leading Canadian fashion retailer.

Support Category Managers in developing product assortments that align with departmental financial, sales, inventory, and strategic objectives.

Assist in product development activities from concept through production, ensuring timelines, quality standards, and cost objectives are achieved.

Work closely with Design, Vendors, Quality Assurance, and Sourcing teams to support product development and execution.

Partner with Sourcing on factory coordination, lead time management, costing information, and product readiness.

Maintain accuracy of style, costing, delivery, and product information across merchandising systems.

Support in-season business management activities including reorders, cancellations, markdowns, and inventory management.

Collaborate with Planning to monitor inventory flow, buy quantities, and department performance against plan.

Analyze sales performance, product trends, and market opportunities to support assortment planning and business decisions.

Maintain buying documents, product development trackers, assortment plans, and merchandising reports.

Coordinate purchase order information and support system entry, validation, and ongoing maintenance.

Assist with monthly purchase order controls and verification against department financial plans.

Maintain fabric, trim, colour, and lab dip libraries and associated records.

Ensure product information is complete, accurate, and maintained throughout the product lifecycle.

Coordinate product samples across Merchandising, Design, Technical Design, Marketing, and eCommerce teams.

Manage sample inventory and organization for all brands and categories.

Support cross-functional timelines to ensure on-time delivery of products and product information.

Coordinate and schedule product samples for eCommerce photography, marketing campaigns, and promotional initiatives.

Support monthly, seasonal, and special project photoshoots by ensuring product readiness, sample management, and styling coordination.

Provide outfit styling recommendations and product insights to support marketing and digital content development.

Serve as a key contact for product information and content inquiries from internal partners.

Support Marketing and eCommerce teams with product launches, campaigns, and special projects.

Coordinate product-related requirements and timelines across Marketing, eCommerce, and Merchandising teams.

Utilize AI-powered tools and technology solutions to improve product data accuracy, content management, reporting, and workflow efficiency.

Participate in process improvement initiatives across merchandising, buying, and product development functions.

Assist in maintaining data integrity within merchandising, PLM, ERP, and related business systems.

Identify opportunities to streamline processes and improve operational effectiveness.

Support adoption of new tools and technologies that enhance team productivity and decision-making.

At Northern Reflections, Ricki's, and Cleo , you'll have the opportunity to work alongside experienced merchandising, design, planning, marketing, and eCommerce professionals while gaining hands-on exposure to the full product lifecycle.

This role offers a unique opportunity to gain experience across three distinct Canadian retail brands while developing expertise in merchandising, buying, product development, marketing, and retail operations.

The successful candidate will build a strong foundation for future growth into roles such as Buyer, Category Manager or Merchandise Planner.