The VP of Buying leads product strategy, develops merchandising strategies, manages the product line, and collaborates with stakeholders to enhance brand performance and achieve financial goals.
SKIMS is a solutions-oriented brand creating the next-generation of underwear, loungewear, and shapewear.
We set new standards with our game-changing product and are a driving force within pop-culture. We are looking for a VP of Buying to join us in advancing the industry forward.
THIS IS A LOS ANGELES BASED POSITION, YOU MUST BE IN LA or WILLING TO MOVE.
Summary
The VP of Buying is a leader of product strategy and brand. The role is responsible for the development of merchandising strategies. This position sets the product line plan vision and leads the line planning process to achieve or exceed annual financial goals. They must ensure that the line plan addresses the divisional vision. Key metrics for success will include retail trend, new product hit rates, style scale and SKU efficiencies.
Responsibilities
· Establish the product vision and merchandising line plan for all markets.
· Collaborate with key stakeholders; influence and drive to consensus all short- and long-range merchandising strategies and objectives for the business.
· Own the product development calendar - directly responsible for managing team adherence to the critical deadlines.
· Bring customer and market prospective to the design and product development process. Thoroughly understands the different brand's target customer by tracking attitude and lifestyle trends.
· Ability to apply trend forecast and influence product POV during development process.
· Ensure the successful implementation of merchandising strategies by providing direction to design and technical teams.
· Collaborate with design and product development partners to meet costing targets on all products developed seasonally.
· Manage/collaborate on product development templates, KPI results and seasonal projection and booking recaps.
· Providing marketing and sales teams with product knowledge and serve as an informational resource. Be present in key account meetings.
· Partner with sourcing team with sample tracking, proto reviews, achieve margins and agree on product changes as necessary
· Work with Creative Teams to identify seasonal brand messaging, product key items, and key looks
Requirements
· 10 + years of product development/merchandising experience
· 5+ years’ experience managing a team of 2 or more people
· Bachelor’s degree in Buying/Merchandising or equivalent
· Strategic thinker who recognizes opportunities and can influence decision makers to move to execution
· Strong product sense with proven experience in driving product assortments and partnering with Design to conceive product concepts that drive business
· Strong problem solving, interpersonal and organizational skills
· High level of analytical skills and conceptual creative ability
· Excellent written/verbal communication and presentation skills
· Ability and willingness to travel when necessary.
· Onsite position located in Los Angeles.
What Success Looks Like
· The VP of Buying will be a strategic and creative force within SKIMS, setting the tone for product excellence and business growth. Success in this role will be defined by:
· Product Performance: High new product hit rates, strong style-level performance, and optimized SKU efficiency.
· Strategic Line Planning: Delivery of cohesive, trend-right line plans that meet or exceed seasonal financial targets.
· Team Leadership: A high-performing, collaborative team that consistently meets key calendar deadlines and delivers innovative assortments.
· Cross-Functional Impact: Effective collaboration with Design, Development, Sourcing, and Marketing to bring compelling product stories to market.
· Customer & Market Insight: A deep understanding of customer behavior and market trends that inform buying decisions and product strategy.
· Margin Achievement: Driving product assortments that meet both creative and margin targets across categories and channels.
· Brand Alignment: Product and merchandising strategies that reflect the SKIMS brand DNA and resonate across all global markets.
Benefits and Culture
· 100% Company Paid Healthcare (medical, dental, vision)
· Kind Body Fertility Benefits
· 401(k) savings plan with up to 4% match
· Unlimited PTO
· Full Access to LinkedIn learning
· Employee Discounts
Perks (HQ Location)
· Free weekly catered lunch at HQ – M/T/W/Th
· Dog-Friendly office on a Thursday and Friday
· Free Swag Giveaways
· Annual Holiday Party
· Annual Summer Party
· Invitations to pop-ups and other company events
· Complimentary daily office snacks and beverages
SKIMS is committed to continuously creating an inclusive environment for all employees and candidates, reflective of the rich diversity of the communities we serve. Equitable workplaces foster innovation and excellence, and in our commitment to culture of belonging qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, or disability.
Skims Culver City, California, USA Office
Culver City, CA, United States, 90232
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