Join the Swimco Team!
Swimco is looking for a highly organized, analytical, and detail-oriented Assistant Buyer to support our Buying Team at our Calgary Head Office. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced retail environment, enjoys working with data and product, and has a passion for delivering exceptional customer experiences through great merchandising.
As the Assistant Buyer, you'll play a critical role in supporting the buying process—from creating purchase orders and managing inventory to coordinating with vendors, stores, and internal teams. You'll help ensure our customers find the right products at the right time while contributing to the success of our merchandising strategy.
What You'll Do
As an Assistant Buyer, you will:
- Create and manage purchase orders with a high degree of accuracy.
- Maintain product information, pricing, SKUs, and inventory records.
- Review supplier order confirmations and resolve discrepancies.
- Monitor purchase orders to ensure timely delivery and follow up with vendors as needed.
- Generate, review, and analyze weekly buying and inventory reports.
- Allocate inventory to stores based on sales performance, demographics, and buyer direction.
- Monitor inventory levels and product performance across retail locations.
- Communicate with stores regarding product requests, quality concerns, and sales performance.
- Coordinate product recalls and returns with the warehouse and suppliers.
- Assist with markdown planning and seasonal clearance distribution.
- Organize product samples for photoshoots, line reviews, and vendor meetings.
- Attend supplier meetings and contribute to product selection discussions.
- Participate in apparel and swimwear fit sessions by modeling samples and providing fit and quality feedback.
- Support the warehouse during peak periods by assisting with receiving, inspecting, and ticketing merchandise.
- Maintain website product information and perform weekly online merchandising updates.
- Visit retail stores to gather feedback and support merchandising initiatives.
What We're Looking For
Required Qualifications:
- Post-secondary education in Business, Retail Management, or a related field.
- Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
- Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
- Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office.
- Excellent communication and time management skills.
- Ability to multitask and adapt in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
- Collaborative team player with a professional approach to internal and external relationships.
- Valid passport and willingness to travel to stores and trade shows as required.
Nice to Have:
- Previous retail experience, preferably in apparel or specialty retail.
- Experience with Shopify, Inventory Planner, or similar retail inventory management systems.
- Familiarity with merchandising, purchasing, or inventory planning.
Working Conditions
- Full-time position averaging 40 hours per week (Monday–Friday).
- Based at Swimco's Calgary Head Office.
- Office-based role requiring extended computer work.
- Occasional overtime during seasonal peak periods.
- Some travel to stores and trade shows may be required.
- Fast-paced environment requiring flexibility, adaptability, and strong prioritization skills.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to work at a computer for extended periods throughout the day.
- Ability to travel when required.
Why Join Swimco?
At Swimco, you'll become part of a collaborative team passionate about delivering exceptional products and customer experiences. You'll have the opportunity to work closely with experienced buyers, gain exposure to merchandising strategy, and contribute to the success of a respected Canadian retail brand.
If you're detail-oriented, thrive on organization, enjoy working with numbers and products, and are excited to build your career in retail buying, we'd love to hear from you.
Job Types: Permanent, Full-time
Pay: $45,000.00-$50,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental care
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- Store discount
Work Location: In person
