Associate Buyer - Women's YC bei Tillys

Who We Are

At Tillys, we’re a leading specialty retailer offering casual apparel, footwear, and accessories for young men, women, boys, and girls. Our extensive collection features iconic global brands, emerging labels, and proprietary lines, all rooted in an active and social lifestyle.

Based in sunny Southern California, our Retail Support Center (RSC) is the heart of our corporate operations, dedicated to supporting both our retail and online stores. The RSC is where strategy meets execution. From trend forecasting to tech innovation, our teams work together to bring the Tillys experience to life — both in-store and online.

Position Summary

The following is a brief description of responsibilities to be performed by the Associate Buyer.  Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

Key Responsibilities

A typical day may include:

• Manage a group of specific product classifications in order to achieve sales and profitability goals.
• Ensure proper product in the right time, price, and quantity.
• Support overall area of Buyer’s responsibility.
• Responsible for all fiscal duties consisting of; sales, gross margins, turnover, and management of open to buy.
• Responsible for assortment selection and development consisting of; assortment planning, customer focus, trend awareness, timely interpretation, competitive shopping, and product development.
• Partners with Allocation, Marketing, and Visual teams to ensure correct execution of assortments in store.
• Responsible for the Planning and Execution of buying consisting of; negotiation skills, vendor relations, problem solving, sense of urgency, quick reaction to business trends (reorders, markdowns, cancellations, etc.) and initiative.
• Train and support Assistant Buyer and/or Administrative Assistant.
• Manage departmental work flow in Buyer’s absence.
• Maintains positive working relationships with vendors and internal partners.

Qualifications

Your experience brings:

• Proficient in the use of Excel and  MS Word.
• Ability to perform all essential duties and responsibilities listed above.
• Detail oriented and organized.
• Must be able to communicate in a professional manner and respond with timeliness.
• Able to effectively use common office equipment.
• Resourceful and able to research problems and recommend solutions.
• Numerical and analytical ability required.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Trend and fashion awareness with ability to understand current trends, competition and market.
• Ability to reprioritize projects frequently.
• Must have ability to multitask.
• Independent, self-motivated, team player.
• Able to effectively communicate with all levels of staff and management.

Education & Experience

·       1-2 years minimum of Associate Buying experience required.

·       High School Diploma required.

·       Bachelors Degree preferred.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Professional office setting with low to moderate noise
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods
• Regularly lift/move up to 20 lbs and navigate stairs
• Frequent walking and movement between floors/departments
• Reasonable accommodation is available to support individuals with disabilities

Leadership & Team Development

Non-Management:

While this is not a leadership role, we value team players who embody proactive collaboration, curiosity, accountability, and a growth mindset. Opportunities to grow and develop within the company are strongly supported.

Compensation

Hourly Range: $65,000k-$70,000k 
Final offer will be based on experience, skills, and qualifications.

What to Expect

Schedule: Full-time role with weekday office hours; occasional evening or weekend work may be required during peak retail seasons.
Work Location: Irvine, CA — minimum of 4 days per week in-office.

Why Join Tillys?

At Tillys, we thrive in a creative, collaborative, and high-energy environment where individuality is not just accepted — it’s celebrated. Whether you're brainstorming bold new campaigns or fine-tuning behind-the-scenes processes, your work makes a real impact. We foster a culture of inclusion, innovation, and recognition, where professional growth is supported, wins are celebrated, and having fun is part of the process. Join a team that values authenticity, teamwork, and always strives for excellence.

Perks & Benefits

• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Save for your future with our company-sponsored plan
• Health Coverage – Medical, dental, vision, life, and additional voluntary benefits
• Employee Discount – In-store and online
• Discount Programs – Save on travel, events, and more
• Employee Sample Sales – Major deals on favorite brands
• Wellness & Social Events – Fitness programs, parties, and team outings
• Weekly Office Snacks – Stay fueled with stocked treats

Equal Opportunity Employer & Fair Chance Hiring

Tillys is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Fair Chance Hiring: In compliance with California law, Tillys will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the California Fair Chance Act.

Other Considerations

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time, with or without notice. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to individuals with disabilities to enable them to perform essential job functions.

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