Senior Buyer

Senior Buyer

About AKIRA

In 2002, AKIRA opened the doors to its first women's clothing boutique in Chicago. Since then, the company has extended its reach to 35+ 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.

Position: Senior Buyer - All Categories

Location: Chicago, IL (On-site)

Position Overview

The Senior Buyer – All Categories is responsible for leading the overall procurement and merchandising strategy across all product categories, including apparel, footwear, accessories, and emerging classifications. This role plays a critical part in shaping trend-forward, commercially successful assortments for both retail and eCommerce channels while maintaining alignment with the brand's vision and financial objectives.

The Senior Buyer will own assortment planning, sales forecasting, SKU and pricing strategies, and vendor partnerships, using data-driven insights to optimize performance. This role also provides leadership to the buying team and collaborates cross-functionally with Planning, Marketing, and Finance to drive sales growth, margin optimization, and inventory health across all departments.

Key Responsibilities:Develop and oversee comprehensive buying strategies across all product categories, including Apparel, Footwear, Accessories, and related classifications

• Curate compelling, trend-driven assortments aligned with customer demand, brand positioning, and seasonal direction
• Analyze market trends, sales performance, and customer insights to inform assortment and pricing decisions
• Manage open-to-buy, seasonal inventory planning, and SKU productivity to support business goals
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of Buyers and Assistant Buyers, fostering strong execution and professional growth
• Build and maintain strategic vendor relationships; negotiate pricing, terms, and delivery timelines to maximize margin and efficiency
• Partner closely with Planning and Finance to ensure pricing strategies support profitability and inventory turn goals
• Monitor inventory levels and oversee replenishment strategies to support in-stock positions and reduce risk
• Collaborate with Marketing on product launches, storytelling, and promotional initiatives
• Ensure cohesive alignment between in-store and eCommerce assortments and strategies

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Fashion, Business, or a related field
• 5+ years of buying or merchandising experience across multiple fashion categories
• Proven experience leading and developing a team and managing cross-functional initiatives
• Strong understanding of product development cycles and production timelines
• Exceptional negotiation skills with a track record of building productive vendor partnerships
• Advanced proficiency in data analysis, inventory management systems, and sales forecasting
• Strategic, analytical thinker with a strong fashion sensibility and understanding of consumer trends
• Excellent organizational, communication, and leadership skills
• Ability and willingness to travel if needed

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.

Employment Type: Full-time