Product Buyer​/Inventory Manager

Overview

The Product Buyer / Inventory Manager is responsible for managing all aspects of product procurement, inventory optimization, and vendor relationships across eyewear and apparel product categories. This role ensures product supply continuity, maximizes inventory performance, and partners closely with vendors and internal teams to align purchasing with sales forecasts and brand strategies.

The role will work to:

• Manage and develop product vendors and ensure timely inventory management and on-time delivery rate to support the needs of the business
• Manage inventory turn and stock accuracy, develop systems for evaluating inventory levels and historical sales data in order to maximize inventory efficiency balancing sales and warehouse capacity
• Foster production partners and vendor relationships, develop new vendor relationships, source blanks, accessories, and other product producing needs
• Work to implement cost savings and manage product costs, help implement pricing based on product development costs, and work with Sales & Marketing to maximize inventory return
• Manage the companies SKU catalog and directory of all inventory, organize inventory SKUs and manage the total product line from an inventory and buyer position

Title: Product Buyer / Inventory Manager

Department: Operations

Location: Gilroy, CA

Reports to: Warehouse Fulfillment Director

• Act as the primary point of contact with all manufacturing partners including Taiwan eyewear production, Made in the U.S. eyewear partner, other off-shore vendors, apparel blanks suppliers, screen-printing and cut-and-sew manufacturers, and accessories suppliers
• Develop and maintain strong vendor relationships, ensuring open communication, on-time delivery, and quality compliance
• Evaluate vendor performance regularly using key metrics (quality, delivery, cost, responsiveness), and drive continuous improvement
• Identify, research, and onboard new vendors where appropriate to support product diversity, cost optimization, and supply resilience

• Create and execute purchasing strategies aligned with product plans, inventory objectives, and seasonal demand
• Analyze sales forecasts, historical data, and trend insights to determine optimal order quantities and timing
• Negotiate pricing, terms, schedules, and contracts to maximize cost efficiency and supplier performance
• Place purchase orders, manage order confirmations, and coordinate delivery schedules with vendors and internal teams

• Monitor inventory levels across all product categories to ensure optimal stock levels, minimize excess, and prevent stock outs
• Develop and implement inventory replenishment models and reporting to support data-informed decision-making
• Collaborate with product design, sales, and operations teams to align inventory strategy with sales forecasts and marketing activities
• Oversee cycle counts, inventory accuracy, and supplier managed inventory processes where applicable

• Work closely with Product Development and Design to integrate material spec needs and lead times into purchasing plans
• Partner with Finance for budgeting, cost variance analysis, and vendor payment forecasting
• Support Marketing and Sales with availability updates, lead time expectations, and promotional inventory planning

• Prepare and present purchasing and inventory performance reports monthly/quarterly and as needed
• Track key metrics including inventory turnover, service level, lead times, vendor performance, and cost savings
• Recommend and execute process improvements to elevate procurement and inventory practices

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Merchandising, or related field (preferred)
• 5+ years of experience in procurement, inventory management, or buying roles within fashion, hard goods, and/or lifestyle brands
• Strong vendor negotiation and relationship management skills
• Excellent analytical skills with experience using inventory or ERP systems to forecast and manage stock (Shopify experience preferred)
• Detail-oriented with ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Solid communication skills for cross-functional collaboration and vendor negotiations
• Experience with international manufacturing partners and import logistics
• Familiarity with both hard goods and soft goods procurement

Upon completion of a 90-day probationary period, eligible for the following benefits:

• 100% employer-paid health insurance through Kaiser Permanente
• Optional dental and vision coverage through Blue Shield of California
• 15 days of paid time off (PTO), accrued on a pro-rata basis
• Paid Holidays as observed by the company

After one year of continuous employment:

• Eligible to participate in 401(k) matching contribution program

• Base Salary: $70K–$110K (dependent on experience)

Email your cover letter and resume to