A Purchasing Assistant assists buyers and staff in the purchasing or procurement department of a business or store. Assists with checking and completing purchase orders, communicates with vendors and suppliers, maintains records and provides data entry.
Chicago, IL Job Details Full-time $50,000 - $70,000 a year 12 hours ago Benefits Health savings account Disability insurance Health insurance Dental insurance 401(k) Flexible spending account Vision insurance Employee discount Opportunities for advancement Pet insurance Qualifications Vendor relationship building Inventory management systems Supplier performance analysis Assortment planning Communication with suppliers Microsoft Excel Microsoft Outlook Marketing Merchandising ERP systems Bachelor's degree in business Retail buying Purchase order management Mid-level Product assortment enhancement Databases Sales data analysis Bachelor's degree in marketing Historical sales data analysis Bachelor's degree Data management Vendor relationship management Organizational skills Logistics order management Order issue resolution Fashion Merchandising 1 year Cross-functional collaboration Business Communication skills Full Job Description AKIRA Assistant Buyer In 2002, AKIRA opened the doors to its first women's clothing boutique in Chicago. Since then, the company has extended its reach to 40+ 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 high 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.
The Position:
Assistant Buyer Location:
Chicago, IL - Onsite (Not a remote role)
Job Overview:
We are looking for a motivated and detail-oriented Assistant Buyer - Apparel to join our growing team. This role supports the buying team in managing vendor relationships, purchase orders, product data, and inventory to ensure the successful execution of our apparel assortment. The ideal candidate is highly organized, proactive, and excited to contribute to a fast-paced, trend-driven environment.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Vendor Communication & Relationship Management Build and maintain strong relationships with apparel vendors and suppliers. Communicate clearly with vendors on order status, product availability, delivery timelines, and issue resolution. Purchase Order & Inventory Management Accurately enter and track purchase orders, 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 apparel items are properly set up and tracked. Email & Communication Management Handle a high volume of email communications with vendors and internal teams. Respond promptly to inquiries and manage information flow to support efficient collaboration. Sales & Trend Analysis Assist in analyzing sales performance, trend data, and vendor metrics to support product selection and buying decisions. Provide insights and recommendations to optimize the apparel assortment based on performance data. 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. Qualifi cations &
Skills:
Bachelor's degree in Fashion Merchandising, Business, Marketing, or related field (preferred). 1-3 years of experience in buying, merchandising, product coordination, or vendor management, preferably in apparel 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. Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook); experience with retail systems or ERP software a plus. 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 Insurance, Life, LTD, FSA/HSA/Dependent Care FSA, Flex Transit (CTA), 401(k), and a generous employee discount. We're committed to internal growth, providing meaningful development and career advancement opportunities.
Job Type:
Full-Time 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.
