At Designer Brands, we are the proud parent company of DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse, The Shoe Company, and Rubino, operating nearly 675 stores across North America and a billion-dollar digital commerce business. We lead the footwear industry with a diverse portfolio of iconic brands, including Topo Athletic, Keds, Vince Camuto, Kelly & Katie, Jessica Simpson, Lucky Brand, Mix No. 6, Crown Vintage, and others. With expertise in design, production, and sourcing, we create on-trend footwear and accessories, delivered through a robust omni-channel infrastructure and national wholesale distribution. At Designer Brands, we are committed to fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity, where each employee’s unique perspective contributes to our success. Anchored by our core values of “We Love What We Do,” “We Own What We Do,” “We Do What’s Right,” and “We Belong,” we continuously drive forward together, building a future where everyone can put their best foot forward.

The Opportunity

This role is where data, product, and customer insight come together. As an Assistant Buyer, you’ll play a critical role in helping shape the assortments customers see and love—supporting buying decisions that directly impact sales, inventory flow, and in-store experience.

Partnering closely with the Buyer, you’ll turn strategy into action by managing day-to-day execution in the buying office. You’ll analyze performance, track orders, support vendor communication, and help the team stay agile as the business evolves. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys working behind the scenes of merchandising, is curious about retail trends, and wants to grow toward owning a piece of the business over time.

This position is HYBRID based in Columbus, OH.

Reporting to: Sr Buyer

What You’ll Be Doing

You’ll support the business across analytics, execution, and collaboration. Responsibilities are grouped below to show how your work connects across teams.

Business Analysis & Performance Insights

• Analyze selling reports and share insights by style and color to support buying decisions.
• Prepare recaps of business performance, including recommended actions, for weekly share-outs and hindsight meetings.
• Support the buying team in reacting to current business trends with timely insights.
• Provide competitive intelligence, trend observations, pricing insights, and style analysis.

Buying Execution & Order Management

• Manage Open to Buy (OTB) changes and maintain accurate tracking.
• Partner proactively with the buying team to meet vendor order deadlines.
• Enter orders accurately, selecting appropriate product attributes and following assortment strategy.
• Support shifts, reorders, and cancellations in partnership with the Buyer or vendor.
• Process closeout orders, including competitive analysis, suggested cost and retail, and OTB management.

Assortment & Distribution Support

• Localize assortments by store group using relevant sales trend information.
• Work cross-functionally with Planning to align on distribution strategy.
• Support both preseason and in-season execution to ensure key item deliveries are timely and appropriate.
• Manage and support the outdate (markdown) process with data-driven recommendations.

Vendor & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Communicate directly with vendor partners on:
• Purchase order deliveries
• Style details
• Sample management
• Review PO tracking reports to ensure shipments align with marketing timing.
• Identify and recommend solutions for shipping issues.
• Maintain the Marketing sample document and coordinate sample requests with vendors.
• Collaborate with Marketing on sample submissions and timelines.
• Prepare reports and documentation and attend vendor appointments as needed.

Growth & Development

• Partner with the buying team to understand annual and seasonal financial planning.
• With guidance from the Buyer, work toward “owning” a subclass within a larger category over time.

What You’ll Need

Core Skills

• Strong attention to detail with an organized, methodical approach.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills with reliable follow-up.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Collaborative mindset and comfort working across teams.

Experience

• Previous retail experience (a plus).

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Retail Merchandising, Marketing, or a related business field.

Preferred (Helpful, Not Required)

• Intermediate to advanced skills in Microsoft Excel and Word.
• Ability and interest in learning MicroStrategy and other merchandising systems.

Perks and Benefits You’ll Enjoy!  

• Your Sole Well-Being: Our benefits package is crafted with our associates in mind! We support you with benefits like free virtual health care, robust family/fertility benefits, 401(k) w/ match, and more. Explore our offerings at https://mymobilewalletcard.com/dbi.
• Stride with Flexibility: We offer hybrid and remote work opportunities, giving you the freedom to stay connected, productive, and inspired—wherever you do your best work.
• Stepping Up Your Career: Take advantage of training programs, professional development, and education assistance to advance your career with a company that celebrates bold ideas and fresh perspectives.
• We are Shoe-Obsessed: Because we know a great pair of shoes can change your day, you’ll enjoy 30% off at DSW & com, plus discounts across our family of brands.