Assistant Buyer - Footwear

In 2002, AKIRA opened the doors to its first women's clothing boutique in Chicago. Since then, the company has extended its reach to 30+ stores across the United States, as well as a thriving eCommerce business (shopAKIRA.com.) AKIRA is extremely well-poised for sustained growth as we continue to build a nationally recognized brand.

AKIRA’s culture has one very large, distinct difference from other fast-fashion competitors: Other-Worldly Customer Service and Fanatical, Obsessive Attention to the consumer’s needs and desires. The core principle for all employees at AKIRA is to Act and Think Like an Owner, and this belief can be reflected across all areas of the company.

Overview

The role of Assistant Buyer - Footwear is to support the Buying and Merchandising team. This role is ideal for someone looking to build a career in buying, product creation, or production within a fast-paced retail/fashion environment. We are looking for someone that is extremely detail oriented, organized and has great work ethic.

Location: Chicago, IL - Onsite (Not a remote role)

Responsibilities

Vendor Communication & Relationship Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with vendors and suppliers

• Communicate clearly with vendors on order status, product availability, delivery timelines, and issue resolution

• Maintain and monitor Email & Wechat communication and management

• Review vendor invoices daily and ensure all data entry of purchase orders are accurate. Flagging discrepancies with the buying team to resolve asap

Purchase Order & Inventory Management

• Accurately enter and track purchase orders, reviewing all attributions are correct. Ensuring all orders are processed efficiently and on time

• Monitor and follow up on open orders to address discrepancies, delays, or adjustments

• Assist in managing inventory levels, ensuring stock aligns with sales forecasts and customer demand

Product Data & SKU Maintenance

• Support the Buyer in managing a broad assortment of SKUs, ensuring product information is accurate and up-to-date

• Organize and maintain product databases, ensuring all footwear items are properly set up and tracked

• Provide Sales & Trend Analysis & recommendations to optimize the footwear assortment based on performance data

Sample Coordination

• Sample coordination and management – maintain sample displays and seasonal walls

• Manage sample information related to cost and minimums

• Generate, photograph and name samples

• Ordering and tracking top of production and presale samples

• Review QC reports and flag issues to buyers

• Market and Trend Research through comp shopping presentations and trend analysis

Cross-functional Collaboration

• Partner with allocation, planning, and logistics teams to ensure timely product delivery and smooth inventory flow

• Coordinate with internal departments to support key merchandising and operational initiatives

• Assist buyers with AI photo edits

Qualifications

• 1–3 years of experience in buying, merchandising, product coordination, or vendor management, preferably in footwear or fashion

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment

• Analytical mindset with an understanding of sales data and fashion trends

Benefits and Perks

AKIRA offers competitive benefits for full time employees, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Pet, Life, LTD, FSA/HSA/Dependent Care FSA, Flex Transit (CTA), 401(k), and employee discount. We are committed to encouraging internal development and providing significant career enrichment opportunities. Most importantly, what has propelled AKIRA’s growth and success over the years has been the dynamic culture within the company - if you’re filled with passion, have a strong desire to get things done, and if you want to go to a place where you know your work matters and where you can implement your ideas and decisions, then AKIRA just might be the place for you.

Job Type: Full-time, Onsite

We are committed to fair and transparent compensation practices. Compensation for this position will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and other job-related factors. Additional compensation and benefits may also apply and will be discussed during the hiring process.

We may utilize AI-assisted and automated tools as part of the recruiting and hiring process. All employment decisions are made in compliance with applicable laws and without discrimination.