Geared toward detail-oriented candidates comfortable with sample management and launch coordination, this role is ideal for those with a background in retail or fashion and who thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.
Derived from job-description analysis by Serendipath's career intelligence engine.
Original posting from Shein via Greenhouse
About SHEIN
SHEIN is a global online fashion and lifestyle retailer, offering SHEIN branded apparel and products from a global network of vendors, all at affordable prices. Headquartered in Singapore, with more than 15,000 employees operating from offices around the world, SHEIN is committed to making the beauty of fashion accessible to all, promoting its industry-leading, on-demand production methodology, for a smarter, future-ready industry.
Position Summary
We’re seeking a full-time Associate Buyer (official title: Buyer I) for our Los Angeles-based corporate office. This position offers immense flexibility and excellent long-term growth potential. The ideal candidate will be trained from the ground up on core merchandising and visual workflows. They will own the end-to-end sample lifecycle, assist with product styling and outfit coordination, build photoshoot presentations, and manage new item launch linking systems. This role serves as a dynamic operational backbone, absorbing administrative and logistical workflows to ensure product readiness, data accuracy, and visually compelling launches.
Job Responsibilities
- Styling & Photoshoot Support
Trend & Styling Alignment: Assist the senior buyer with daily product styling, outfit combinations, and visual coordination, developing a strong eye for trend execution from the ground up.
Photoshoot Asset Preparation: Prepare the photoshoot presentation (PPT) at least one week in advance, including finalized product lists and curated outfit pairings for manager review.
Studio Coordination: Coordinate with the Creative and Studio teams to schedule and prepare for upcoming photoshoots based on incoming sample arrivals.
Sample Readiness: Ensure all clothing, shoes, and accessory samples required for photoshoots are organized, labeled, and ready for onset utilization.
Studio Alignment: Partner with the Creative and Studio teams to ensure the photoshoot schedule runs smoothly without delays.
Issue Resolution: Track and communicate any missing or delayed samples to the relevant teams promptly, adjusting shoot schedules as needed to eliminate production downtime.
- New Item Launch & Linking Management
Launch Schedule Oversight: Monitor the weekly new item launching schedule to ensure all SKC targets are met accurately and on time.
Weekly Plan Submissions: Submit the comprehensive launch plan every Wednesday for the following week, integrating new items, recolors, and required outfit linkings.
Pre-Launch Readiness Audits: Review each day’s launch readiness at least one business day prior to going live, double-checking product linking, imagery, measurements, and inventory.
Data Correction: Actively identify and communicate linking errors, missing measurements, or readiness concerns to backend teams before strict deadlines.
Tracking & Reporting: Maintain and update launch trackers with real-time status updates, delays, and revised timelines.
Goal Alignment: Align weekly and monthly launch progress with merchandising goals to share reports with management.
- Sample Room Operations & Inventory Control
Sample Intake & Labeling: Oversee the initial receiving, labeling, organization, and categorization of all seasonal and recutting samples.
Systematic Inventory Categorization: Maintain the sample room inventory structure by grouping styles systematically by category (e.g., tops, dresses, bottoms) and specific launch periods.
Purging & Maintenance: Routine auditing to identify and remove outdated, damaged, or duplicate samples to optimize space.
Photo Documentation: Provide weekly progress updates and clean sample room photo documentation weekly.
- Cross-Functional Coordination & Workflow Optimization
Communication Bridge: Act as a central point of contact across U.S. merchandising and other teams to keep data, measurements, and timelines aligned.
Risk Mitigation: Track and report operational bottlenecks that may delay product launches or shoots, proactively proposing flexible corrective actions.
Digital Archiving: Maintain impeccably organized shared folders and documentation for weekly and monthly launch history records.
Process Efficiency: Support continuous improvement by suggesting workflow efficiencies across launch operations and sample management.
Job Requirements
1-3+ years of experience in retail, merchandising, product development, or production support. (Open to high-potential, entry level candidates possessing a strong desire to learn from scratch).
Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Merchandising, Business, Creative Arts, or a related field is preferred, or equivalent experience.
Highly proficient in Microsoft Excel, shared drive management, and basic product tracking systems.
Strong foundational interest in fashion trends, commercial styling, and visual layout.
Exceptional attention to detail, rigorous organizational habits, and strong communication skills. o Ability to multitask, manage moving parts, and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to work collaboratively throughout the organization.
Able to effectively communicate with all levels of staff and management.
Thrives in a fast-paced environment with short timelines and changing priorities.
Strong sense of urgency balanced with a highly meticulous approach to data and deadlines.
A positive, self-motivated "go-getter" who thrives on taking ownership and troubleshooting within a fast-paced environment.
Benefits and Perks
Healthcare (medical, dental, vision, prescription drugs)
Health Savings Account with Employer Funding
Flexible Spending Accounts (Healthcare and Dependent care)
Company-Paid Basic Life/AD&D insurance
Company-Paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
Voluntary Benefit Offerings (Voluntary Life/AD&D, Hospital Indemnity, Critical Illness, and Accident)
Employee Assistance Program
Business Travel Accident Insurance
401(k) Savings Plan with discretionary company match and access to a financial advisor
Vacation, paid holidays, floating holiday and sick days
Employee discounts
Free weekly catered lunch
Dog-friendly office (available at select locations)
Free gym access (available at select locations)
Free swag giveaways
Annual Holiday Party
Invitations to pop-ups and other company events
Complimentary daily office snacks and beverages
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Pay Range$22.74—$37.35 USD
Source: Shein careers (Greenhouse)