Footwear Buyer Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the world of fashion and retail, the importance of footwear buyers has never been greater.

As trends evolve and consumer demands shift, the need for skilled professionals who can curate, negotiate, and secure our footwear supply grows.

But let’s step into the shoes of this role: What’s truly expected from a footwear buyer?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the nuances of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply interested in the intricacies of footwear buying,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable footwear buyer job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s step right into it.

Footwear Buyer Duties and Responsibilities

Footwear Buyers play a crucial role in retail and fashion businesses by determining which footwear products will sell, making purchases, maintaining relationships with vendors, and monitoring inventory.

They work closely with the sales and marketing team to ensure the right footwear products are in the right place at the right time.

Footwear Buyers are primarily responsible for:

• Analyzing market trends and customer buying patterns to forecast future product needs
• Identifying and sourcing new footwear products and suppliers
• Negotiating prices, quantities and delivery time-scales with suppliers
• Reviewing the performance of past purchases to inform future purchases
• Attending trade fairs and supplier showrooms to view new products and suppliers
• Maintaining relationships with existing suppliers while seeking new ones
• Working closely with visual display staff and department heads to decide how goods should be displayed to maximize customer interest and sales
• Processing payments and invoices
• Ensuring both quality and quantity of merchandise meet the organization’s needs

 

Footwear Buyer Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated Footwear Buyer to join our team.

The Footwear Buyer will be responsible for identifying and purchasing a variety of footwear that aligns with the tastes and preferences of our customer base.

Footwear Buyer responsibilities include analyzing market trends, maintaining relationships with suppliers, negotiating prices, and selecting the most suitable products.

Our ideal candidate has a keen eye for fashion, a thorough understanding of the footwear market, and excellent communication skills.

Ultimately, the role of the Footwear Buyer is to procure high-quality footwear that meets customer demand and contributes to the profitability and growth of our business.

 

Responsibilities

• Research and analyze market trends, competitor offerings, and product specifications.
• Establish and maintain relationships with footwear suppliers and manufacturers.
• Negotiate prices, quantities and delivery time-scales.
• Select and purchase a variety of footwear to meet customer demand.
• Manage and maintain inventory levels in accordance with sales forecasts.
• Attend fashion shows, trade fairs, and exhibitions to stay up-to-date with the latest trends.
• Work closely with visual-display staff and department heads to decide how goods should be displayed to maximize customer interest and sales.
• Forecast and monitor sales trends and regularly report to management.

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Footwear Buyer or similar role in the retail industry.
• Strong knowledge of the footwear market, including the latest trends, materials, and prices.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and networking skills.
• Good analytical and forecasting skills.
• Ability to make critical decisions and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• Willingness to travel to attend fashion shows, trade fairs, and exhibitions.
• BSc/BA degree in Business Administration, Marketing or relevant field.

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Footwear Buyer
• Work Environment: Office setting with frequent travel to attend trade shows, meet with suppliers, and visit retail locations.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Purchasing Manager or Head of Buying.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $60,000 minimum to $90,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Footwear Buyer Do?

Footwear Buyers work for retailers, ranging from large department stores to small independent boutiques.

They can also work for online businesses.

Their primary responsibility is to select and purchase a range of footwear that matches the tastes and needs of their company’s target customer base.

Footwear Buyers are often required to research and stay updated on current fashion trends, as well as anticipate upcoming styles and materials that might become popular.

They also need to be aware of their competitors’ product range to ensure they maintain a competitive edge.

They work closely with suppliers, negotiating prices and delivery times, and ensuring the quality of the shoes they are purchasing.

They also work with the sales team to monitor the sales performance of the current footwear range and make decisions about future purchases based on these sales trends.

Footwear Buyers may also work with marketing teams to plan promotional activities, and they may be involved in setting retail prices and sales targets.

Overall, Footwear Buyers play a crucial role in a retailer’s success by making sure that their footwear range is attractive, competitively priced, and in line with customer demand.

 

Footwear Buyer Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Footwear Buyer should possess a range of skills and qualifications that align with the demands of the role, such as:

• Strong analytical skills to review and interpret sales data and market trends, and use these insights to make informed purchasing decisions.
• Excellent negotiation skills to secure the best prices and terms with suppliers, balancing the need for quality with the objective of achieving cost efficiencies.
• Deep knowledge of the footwear industry, including current trends, customer preferences, and key suppliers.
• Effective communication skills to clearly articulate requirements to suppliers and present buying strategies to senior management.
• Sound decision-making abilities to choose the most appropriate products to meet customer demands and business objectives.
• Organizational skills to manage multiple orders, ensure timely delivery of products, and maintain accurate inventory levels.
• Problem-solving skills to address issues that may arise with suppliers or within the supply chain.
• Customer service skills to understand and respond to customer feedback, and adjust buying strategies accordingly.

 

Footwear Buyer Experience Requirements

Footwear Buyers typically start their career journey in retail, gaining firsthand experience in customer service, sales, and inventory management.

This initial exposure can range from 1 to 3 years and forms the foundation of their understanding of the industry.

Many Footwear Buyers also have a background in fashion or business, often holding a related bachelor’s degree.

They may have garnered experience in fashion merchandising or retail management roles, which provides them a deeper understanding of market trends and consumer preferences.

Candidates with more than 2 years of experience may have worked in junior buying roles, where they would have gained exposure to tasks such as vendor negotiation, product selection, and pricing strategies.

Those with over 5 years of experience in the industry are likely to have held a Footwear Buyer or similar position already.

They will have a comprehensive understanding of the footwear market, including predicting trends, managing budgets, and establishing relationships with suppliers.

This experience, coupled with demonstrated leadership skills, may qualify them for senior buying or managerial roles.

Professional development courses or certifications in relevant fields like supply chain management, fashion retailing, or market analysis can also enhance a Footwear Buyer’s qualifications and experience.

 

Footwear Buyer Education and Training Requirements

Footwear Buyers typically hold a bachelor’s degree in fashion merchandising, business, marketing or a related field.

It’s crucial for them to have a comprehensive understanding of the fashion industry, including trends, materials, and pricing.

Therefore, coursework in fashion design, textiles, and business management is highly recommended.

Some employers may prefer candidates with a master’s degree in business administration or similar fields, particularly for senior-level positions.

Work experience in retail, sales, or fashion can be advantageous.

Many Footwear Buyers start their careers in entry-level retail positions and work their way up, gaining necessary industry knowledge and experience.

In addition, there are certifications available for aspiring buyers from professional organizations, such as the American Purchasing Society.

Such certifications can enhance a candidate’s credibility and demonstrate their commitment to the profession.

Continuing education is also crucial for Footwear Buyers, as it enables them to stay updated with the latest trends, consumer behaviors, and advancements in fashion technology.

 

Footwear Buyer Salary Expectations

A Footwear Buyer can expect to earn an average salary of $67,396 (USD) per year.

However, this salary can vary based on factors such as industry experience, the size and type of the purchasing organization, and the geographical location of the job.

 

Footwear Buyer Job Description FAQs

What skills does a footwear buyer need?

A Footwear Buyer should possess excellent communication and negotiation skills to deal with suppliers and manufacturers.

They should have a keen sense for fashion trends and customer preferences.

Analytical skills are also crucial as they need to interpret sales data and make suitable purchasing decisions.

 

Do Footwear Buyers need a degree?

While there’s no strict requirement for a degree, most employers prefer Footwear Buyers to have a bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, fashion, or a related field.

Experience in retail, especially in the footwear industry, is often considered more important than formal education.

 

What should you look for in a Footwear Buyer’s resume?

Look for prior experience in retail buying, preferably in the footwear industry.

They should have a track record of successful negotiation with suppliers and a good understanding of the fashion industry and customer preferences.

Skills in data analysis and market research are also desirable.

 

What qualities make a good Footwear Buyer?

A good Footwear Buyer is passionate about fashion and has an excellent understanding of footwear trends.

They should be a good communicator with a knack for negotiation and building relationships with suppliers.

Analytical thinking and decision-making skills are crucial.

They should also be adaptable to changes in market trends and customer preferences.

 

What are the daily duties of a Footwear Buyer?

On a typical day, a Footwear Buyer reviews sales data and market trends to make buying decisions.

They negotiate contracts with suppliers and manufacturers, order new stock, and manage inventory.

They also work closely with sales and marketing teams to plan promotional activities.

They might also visit trade shows or suppliers to see new product lines.

 

Conclusion

And so, we’ve arrived at the finish line.

Today, we’ve tied the laces and ventured into the world of a footwear buyer.

Guess what?

It’s not just about picking out shoes.

It’s about stepping forward into the fashion future, one pair of footwear at a time.

Armed with our comprehensive footwear buyer job description template and real-life illustrations, you’re ready to stride ahead.

But why halt in your tracks?

Go the extra mile with our job description generator. It’s your one-stop-shop to sharp, detailed listings or fine-tuning your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every shoe you select contributes to the larger fashion narrative.

Let’s stride towards that future. Together.

How to Become a Footwear Buyer (Complete Guide)

Crisis-Proof Careers: Jobs That Shine in Economic Hard Times

Flex-Time Triumphs: The Most Adaptive Jobs in the Industry

The Career Olympus: Most Prestigious Jobs for the Gods of Industry

Workplace Wanderlust: Unusual Jobs for the Adventurous