Lead Buying Assistant - Women’s Footwear, Nike Factory Stores

About the Role

This is a 6-month contract position based in Beaverton, OR, primarily onsite Monday through Thursday, with hybrid work options available. Nike, Inc. is renowned for more than just outfitting elite athletes—it is a dynamic environment that encourages exploration, creativity, and breaking boundaries. The culture embraces diversity and rewards innovation, seeking individuals who display leadership, vision, and passion for progress.

Position Overview

This role is focused on women's footwear within Nike Factory Stores, emphasizing consumer-centric retail. The Lead Buying Assistant works closely with cross-functional teams across Planning, Allocation, Operations, and senior executives. They provide critical expertise by analyzing sales data, inventory status, and customer behavior metrics to influence tactical business decisions that fuel growth and consumer demand.

Responsibilities

• Convert strategic plans into actionable steps regarding current and future in-season product assortments.
• Collaborate across gender, brand lines including Nike, Jordan, and external partners, to understand product interactions and business impacts.
• Function as a systems expert, managing a balanced and revenue-positive merchandise portfolio aligned with brand standards.
• Engage in quarterly assortment and purchase reviews and continuously adjust strategies through in-season trading to optimize sales and growth.
• Partner with various teams for seamless execution of pricing, inventory management, promotions, and tactical initiatives.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent by education, experience, and training.
• 1-2 years of buying or merchandising experience in footwear, apparel, or related consumer products, preferably in multi-brand or digital retail environments.
• Strong passion for and understanding of current fashion trends and how Nike products can lead in style.
• Proficient knowledge of retail and digital profit metrics such as sell-through, stock turnover, average selling price, and units per transaction.
• Proven ability to translate strategic priorities into effective operational actions.
• Capable of traveling up to 20% as part of job responsibilities.