Pro Shop Buyer & Manager

Job Summary

Role Summary

East Bank Club (EBC) is seeking a Pro Shop Buyer to be a part of our incredible team. EBC is Chicago’s premier health and lifestyle club with an astounding array of amenities, state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, and excellent dining options. EBC has set the standard for excellence in the fitness and hospitality industry since opening in 1980, which is exemplified by each employee.

EBC offers a high-end luxury experience, and the Pro Shop is the EBC members’ one-stop place to see and purchase the latest in fashion trends, leisurewear, and athletic wear.

This role is perfect for someone with a deep passion for fashion trends and styles, athletic wear, and fitness. If you would like great work benefits, the chance to work with a terrific team, and the opportunity to find products to help people live a better and healthier life, this position may just be the one for you!

This role reports directly to the Chief Operating Officer and will be responsible for all purchasing, inventory management, merchandising, achieving profitability and revenue goals, while educating the team on new and existing fashion lines, trends, styles and products.

Key Responsibilities

·         Unique purchasing of quality, high-end fashion and styles for men, women and children – apparel, shoes and accessories. Timely order submissions for future merchandise.

·         Stay abreast of current fitness and ready-to-wear market trends to ensure the Pro Shop is stocked accordingly which includes trade show attendance and travel.

·         Develop and sustain strong vendor relations: negotiate terms of pricing, shipping, discounts, promotional opportunities and returns.

·         Maintain inventory levels no more than 25% of our annual revenue budgets and ensure inventory rotation to include donation management of items greater than 5 years.

·         Forecast revenue and expenses for annual budget while maintaining high profitability (minimum goal is 45%), and prepare, implement and promote member and employee sales.

·         Full understanding of Pro Shop daily operations, including the use of POS systems to provide guidance and direction to the Pro Shop team, managers, supervisors and/or clerks.

·         Assist Pro Shop Manager/Supervisor with all personnel related matters included but not limited to: hiring, staffing, disciplinary needs, service expectations, training, reviews, goals, scheduling and payroll.

·         Regular presence on the Pro Shop floor for merchandising and educational needs as well as team camaraderie and support.

·         Provide direct oversight to the store layout with intent - brand, style, and the shopping experience, while mentoring the Merchandiser and Pro Shop team for store appearance, receiving requirements and expectations.

·         Provide education to Pro Shop team on trends, technical product knowledge and overall service standards.

·         Work/partner with department managers for feedback regarding Pro Shop offerings and coordinate departmental trunk shows as needed.

·         Other tasks as assigned by the COO or Senior Leader.

o   This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that may be required by the employee.

Leadership Competencies

·         Ability to effectively influence and motivate others, promote high performance amongst the team, team collaboration, and deliver results.

·         Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills with all levels of employees.

·         Ability to manage multiple priorities, able to work both independently and with others as required, works well under pressure, and can work in a fast-paced environment while prioritizing tasks to maintain deadlines.

·         Must be passionate for the fashion industry and trends with strong analytical, negotiating and decision-making skills.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

·         Regular office work onsite in a work facility with stairs and an elevator. 

·         Ability to work at a computer for extended periods of time, communicate in person, via phone and Zoom.

·         Abilities to lift up to 25 pounds.

·         Possible travel to meetings and conferences in and out of town, which may include overnight accommodations.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

• Minimum of 5 years of retail buying experience.
• Excellent Microsoft Suite skills.
• Demonstrate strong leadership ability and positive team collaboration.
• Strategic thinker; ability to analyze and solve issues quickly.
• Ability to multitask and manage multiple proprieties, works well under pressure and independently, and is able to work in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred/Plus:

• Experience in upscale/high-hospitality environment.
• Prior management or supervisory experience.

·         Bachelor’s Degree; in fashion merchandising.