Associate Buyer

Description

Robert Half's retail client is seeking an Associate Buyer for a 3-month contract opportunity with potential for extension or future conversion. This is a 40-hour-per-week opportunity based in the Boston area, requiring 5 days onsite initially with potential flexibility down the road. This role will support the direct-to-consumer buying team with assortment planning, inventory management, forecasting, and product launch coordination. The ideal candidate will bring strong Excel skills, experience in retail buying, planning, or merchandising, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support assortment planning, forecasting, and inventory management activities for a designated product category
• Maintain and validate eCommerce pricing information, ensuring accuracy across systems and channels
• Execute inventory transfers, reporting, and inventory tracking functions using Excel
• Create, monitor, and update purchase orders to support inventory needs and upcoming product launches
• Assist with product launch preparation, including product setup and supporting documentation
• Compile sales data, product information, and visual assets for seasonal reviews, assortment strategies, and business recaps
• Partner with planning, merchandising, allocation, logistics, and other cross-functional teams to support daily business operations
• Assist with product and inventory system maintenance, data management, and item setup activities
• Analyze sales and inventory performance to help identify opportunities and support business decisions
• Ensure accuracy and attention to detail across reporting, inventory management, and operational processes

Requirements

Qualifications:

• 1-3+ years of experience in retail buying, merchandise planning, allocation, inventory management, or a related field
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including working with large datasets, reporting, and inventory tracking
• Experience supporting assortment planning, forecasting, merchandising, or retail operations initiatives
• Knowledge of purchase order management, inventory flow, and product lifecycle processes
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a detail-oriented mindset
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams in a fast-paced environment
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Excel, Outlook, Word, and PowerPoint

Innovation starts with people.

Robert Half is the world's first and largest specialized talent solutions firm that connects highly qualified job seekers to opportunities at great companies. We offer contract, temporary and permanent placement solutions for finance and accounting, technology, marketing and creative, legal, and administrative and customer support roles.

Robert Half works to put you in the best position to succeed. We provide access to top jobs, competitive compensation and benefits, and free online training. Stay on top of every opportunity - whenever you choose - even on the go. Download the Robert Half app and get 1-tap apply, notifications of AI-matched jobs, and much more.

All applicants applying for U.S. job openings must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Benefits are available to contract/temporary professionals, including medical, vision, dental, and life and disability insurance. Hired contract/temporary professionals are also eligible to enroll in our company 401(k) plan. Visit roberthalf.gobenefits.net for more information.

2025 Robert Half. An Equal Opportunity Employer. M/F/Disability/Veterans. By clicking "Apply Now," you're agreeing to Robert Half's Terms of Use and Privacy Notice.