Associate Buyer

United States·LarchmontFull-Timemid

OtherBuyerProcurement & Purchasing

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Overview

We’ve built Rowan by rethinking the ear piercing experience from the ground up—prioritizing safety, clinical expertise, and a customer experience that feels both celebratory and trusted.

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We’ve built Rowan by rethinking the ear piercing experience from the ground up—prioritizing safety, clinical expertise, and a customer experience that feels both celebratory and trusted. Every piercing is performed by licensed nurses and guided by our Rowan Clinical Piercing Standard® and paired with our hypoallergenic products, setting a clear standard that is differentiated from traditional retail models. Our goal is to create a destination where customers feel confident, cared for, and excited to participate.

The Associate Buyer is detail-oriented and responsible for managing assortment and selection recommendations for jewelry and ear piercing products. This role reports directly to the CSCO and requires a strong understanding of consumer preferences, and quality materials, metals and gemstones in the jewelry space. The ideal candidate will play a key role in supporting the curating of a compelling product assortment that aligns with our brand identity and incorporates a deep understanding of our customer—not just market trends, but the specific styles and preferences of those we serve through our piercing services. By leveraging direct customer interaction and store team insights, this individual will make informed, customer-first buying decisions that reflect customer demand and enhance the post-piercing experience.

Execute the approved seasonal buying strategies that align with company revenue goals and fashion trends partnering with vendors to produce the best products at targeted company costs

Analyze and report sales data, competitive market trends, and customer insights to guide product decisions and potential style pricing strategies that align with company margin and sales targets

Validate piercing ramp style compliance by reviewing studio ramp photos with each new roll out

Monitor inventory levels and coordinate restocks, seasonal updates, and new product launches.

Inform studio operations, marketing and creative teams about delivery timing for both new deliveries and key replenishment, keeping the teams updated to any changes to assortment strategy or deliveries on a weekly basis

Analyze ramp selling thru DOMO reporting and report out on performance monthly

Analyze customer buying behavior and sales trends leveraging DOMO reporting to help inform product selection and purchasing strategy

Plan and execute customer feedback sessions / with appropriate customers for new products - report on these efforts to help inform best options in order to hit sell through targets and improve jewelry percentage to topline

Build and maintain strong relationships with jewelry vendors and piercing suppliers, and negotiate costing and delivery timing

Work with closely with vendors on translating inspiration decks into assortments either thru vendor line sheets or thru development and approval of CAD’s

Track and maintain spending within sample budget

Maintain accurate tracking of all product samples, ensuring timely check-in and that the sample closet remains organized, well-maintained, and easily accessible at all times.

Support the sourcing for new vendors to cast a wider net on suppliers

Gain a deep understanding of our customer—not just general trends, but the specific styles and preferences of those we serve—by working directly in our studios, hosting customer focus groups, and analyzing insights from our marketing CRM data.

Stay at the forefront of jewelry and ear piercing trends, scouting emerging designers, and monitoring competitor assortments online and in stores.

Provide insights and recommendations to inform future collections and exclusives.

Stay ahead of jewelry and piercing trends by researching fashion forecasts, visiting Rowan studios monthly to elicit customer feedback on assortment and opportunities, competitive shopping once a quarter to ensure Rowan continues to take market share.

Work closely with marketing and visual merchandising teams to support product campaigns and in-store/online displays. Driving the product used in marketing campaigns.

Ensure all piercing jewelry meets safety, material, and regulatory standards (e.g., hypoallergenic metals, ASTM, or FDA compliance).

Track KPIs such as sell-through rate, margin, and stock turnover to drive performance and make data-informed decisions.

Prepare buying reports and presentations for internal stakeholders.

Prepare PK knowledge decks and videos for Studios teams for each new collection launch

Prepare executive presentations and decks for the CEO and other leadership team members on product strategies inclusive of but not limited to classification,age demographics, metal types and vendor roadmap

Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Merchandising, Business, or a related field.

2+ years of experience in retail buying, ideally in fashion accessories, jewelry, or piercing-related products.

Strong knowledge of jewelry materials (e.g., gold, titanium, stainless steel) and piercing industry standards.

Strong negotiation and vendor management skills.

Highly organized with strong analytical and Excel skills.

Passion for fashion trends and jewelry design.

Strong organizational and multitasking abilities.

Knowledge of health and safety regulations, particularly related to piercing, is a plus.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Proficient working in Google Suite (Calendar, Gmail, Sheets, and Documents).

Analytical skills, including basic retail math,calculating margin, inventory on-hand, tracking sales.

Experience working with global jewelry suppliers or independent designers.