Buyer, Womenswear

SSENSE is a global technology platform operating at the intersection of culture, community, and commerce. Headquartered in Montreal, it features a mix of established and emerging luxury brands across womenswear, menswear, kidswear, and Everything Else™. SSENSE has garnered critical acclaim as both an e-commerce engine and a producer of cultural content, generating an average of 100 million monthly page views.

We are seeking a Buyer to join our Womenswear team. This is a pivotal, data-driven position where your expertise will be instrumental in executing the department's strategy, driving maximum portfolio effectiveness, and shattering sales, profit, and market share objectives. You will report directly to the Senior Womenswear Buyer and immediately take ownership of critical business functions.

What You Will Do:

• Financial and Performance Command: Drive the achievement of pre-set targets for budgets, margins, and sell-through goals across the assigned portfolio. This mandates the presentation of comprehensive monthly business reviews, clearly outlining performance metrics, and developing aggressive action plans for future buys.
• Vendor Partnership and Negotiation Excellence: Seize the lead on contract terms and conditions with suppliers. A core directive is to secure top-tier preferential trade terms and aggressively onboard desirable new brands, expanding our market presence.
• Strategic Product Vision and Selection: Own the execution of the seasonal purchasing budget and define the selection strategy for the brand portfolio. This ensures the product mix is consistently cutting-edge and perfectly aligned with the overall brand and department strategy.
• Operational Mastery and Assortment Optimization: Command the day-to-day operations and masterful management of in-season business (RTVs/swaps, etc.). This function requires performing competitive research and price benchmarking to maintain a relentlessly optimized and competitive assortment.
• Unrivaled Collaboration and Global Brand Advocacy: Fortify relationships across all vital departments (e.g., Planning, Marketing, Logistics, Accounts) to guarantee flawless presentation and a smooth merchandise flow. Act as a powerful brand ambassador, forging strong, long-term supplier relationships to unlock preferential terms, exclusive launches, and essential early delivery times.

Requirements: 

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.

• A minimum of 3-5 years experience in a buying role, preferably in a multi-brand environment.

• Must be able to leverage an existing network within the industry.

• Highly analytical with a strong understanding of retail math.

• Excellent skills using Microsoft Excel.

• Good written and verbal communication skills in both French and English.

What Sets You Apart: 

• Negotiation and Credibility: Credibility, and a solid, measurable track record in high-stakes networking and negotiating with external partners.
• Collaboration: Exceptional and proven ability as a high internal collaborator, effective in driving success through cross-departmental teamwork.
• Business Mindset: A potent entrepreneurial spirit and complete comfort in commanding a data-driven, fast-paced environment characterized by exponential growth.
• Problem-Solving: A resourceful, proactive, and solution-oriented drive to tackle complex challenges and successfully propel projects forward.

Why Join Us:

• Extended health and dental benefits, including comprehensive mental health programs and coverage.

• Parental top up program.

• Generous Employee Discount.

• Access to telemedicine and employee and family assistance program.

• Savings and retirement plan matching contributions.

• Gender Affirmation Coverage.

• Opportunity to work with cutting edge technologies and an innovative team that’s pushing the boundaries of technology.

SSENSE is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. If you need special accommodations, let us know. We will do our best to accommodate you!