What are the responsibilities and job description for the Merchandise Assistant Buyer II position at Uniform Advantage Brands?
ABOUT UA/UNIFORM ADVANTAGE BRANDS
For over 40 years, UA Brands has been synonymous with fashion-forward specialty apparel for the medical and culinary professions. We are proud to support our valued customers - true heroes giving back with every shift. Our culture includes a long history of philanthropy and community support. Our strong values and unique culture are built on collaborating not merely as coworkers, but as family and friends. From the beginning, we provide candidates with an authentic look into how UA Brands embraces their skills and perspectives, all in ways that continue to set us apart.
ABOUT THE ROLE
The Assistant Buyer II is responsible for executing core buying and merchandising operations, with a focus on purchase order (PO) management, inventory planning, and demand fulfillment across retail and B2B channels. This role ensures strong in-stock performance for key products, identifies and mitigates inventory risks, and drives clear communication with stores and partners.
You’ll work cross-functionally with Merchandising, Planning, and Store teams to support product flow, improve operational efficiency, and ensure the business is set up to meet customer demand.
WHAT YOU’LL DO
Purchase Order (PO) Management & Inventory Control
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Manage end-to-end purchase order creation, tracking, and maintenance to ensure accurate and timely product flow
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Own inventory levels and in-stock performance for core styles, proactively identifying stock risks, shortages, and overages
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Analyze inventory data and partner with Planning and Merchandising to support demand forecasting and replenishment strategies
Store & B2B Communication
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Lead weekly communication to stores on product priorities, inventory updates, and merchandising direction
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Manage communication for product launches, promotions, and special orders across retail and B2B channels
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Ensure messaging is clear, consistent, and actionable to support execution in stores, field teams, and customer-facing channels
Retail Operations & Process Improvement
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Support retail operations and B2B order management, including special orders and direct-to-customer fulfillment
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Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, order processing, and fulfillment speed
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Develop and refine standard operating procedures (SOPs) to reduce errors, improve workflows, and support scalable growth
Cross-Functional Collaboration
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Partner with Merchandising, Planning, and Store Operations to align on assortment gaps and inventory needs
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Coordinate with internal teams and vendors to ensure on-time delivery, order accuracy, and product availability
Performance Tracking & Business Insights
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Monitor and report on B2B sales performance, special order trends, and inventory metrics
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Identify missed demand, order delays, and process bottlenecks, and recommend solutions to improve conversion, fulfillment speed, and customer satisfaction
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Support continuous improvement initiatives across inventory management
WHAT YOU’LL BRING
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Experience in retail buying, merchandising, inventory management, demand planning, or supply chain operations (store, corporate, or internship level)
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Strong skills in Microsoft Excel (data analysis, reporting, large data sets) and Outlook
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Close attention to detail with the ability to manage purchase orders, inventory data, and operational tasks accurately
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Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects in a fast-paced retail or corporate environment
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Experience working cross-functionally with vendors, supply chain teams, merchandising, or store operations
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Strong written and verbal communication skills with a collaborative, professional approach
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Confidence-building partnerships and influencing outcomes with internal and external stakeholders
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Familiarity with retail and merchandising systems such as Microsoft Dynamics AX (D365), PLM, Workfront, ERP systems, or inventory management tools
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Bachelor’s degree in Merchandising, Business, Marketing, Supply Chain, or a related field
WHERE YOU’LL WORK
HYBRID – The Best of Both Worlds
Have the flexibility to work on-site/in the business and remotely during the week. You’ll spend a few days a week in our office for collaboration/in-person engagement and have the flexibility to work from home on other days. While on-site, join other team members in the spacious Quad for lunch or enjoy our ongoing wellness activities. Employees are expected to be online and available during the core business hours for their team. Company computer is provided for business use.
PLENTY OF BENEFITS TOO
UA BRANDS offers a full range of benefits, allowing you the opportunity to customize a benefits package that addresses both your health and financial needs.
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Medical and Pharmacy Coverage
- Dental and Vision Coverage
- Life/AD&D Insurance
- Employee Assistance Program – self-care and support for life’s everyday challenges
- Extensive 401(k) plan with company matching - Save for your future
- Short & Long Term Disability – Company Paid
- Accident, Hospital Care and Critical Illness Insurance – Protect your Income
- Auto Insurance
- Legal Insurance and ID Theft Protection
- Nationwide Pet Insurance
- Holiday Pay
- Paid Time Off – Life Balance
- Volunteer Time Off – Make an Impact
- Employee Discount Program
- Referral Program - Get paid to work with Friends
- Free Parking at the Downtown Corporate Office
- Regular Social Activities and Events – Mandatory Fun
- See more of the benefits we offer
UA IS AN EQUAL-OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
As an employee of any UA Brands division, you will be part of an established and dynamic organization. We believe that success starts from within, and we are seeking individuals who thrive in an environment that encourages and supports self-management. To provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, employment decisions at UA Brands will be based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. UA Brands does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. UA Brands will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities unless doing so will result in undue hardship.
We are a Drug-Free Workplace.