Footwear Buyer/Footwear Department Manager

OVERVIEW The Lead Footwear Buyer / Footwear Department Manager is a pivotal role that combines expertise in product selection, inventory management, sales strategy, customer service, and team leadership. This position is responsible for the overall performance of the footwear department across both Base Camp locations, ensuring that product assortments meet customer needs, align with market trends, and achieve sales and profitability goals. This is an in\-house position that combines dedicated buying and administrative desk time with active sales floor responsibilities. The employee is expected to work on\-site, balancing purchasing, inventory analysis, database management, and vendor communication with customer service, merchandising, and department leadership. This is not a remote or desk\-only position. KEY RESPONSIBILITIESInventory Management Maintain appropriate in\-stock rates, healthy inventory turnover, and strong margins within the footwear department. Actively monitor stock levels between stores and initiate transfers to fill size runs, improve product availability, and maximize sales. Communicate regularly with footwear department leads in both Helena and Billings to evaluate inventory needs, product performance, customer feedback, and ideal assortments for each location. Analyze sales data to forecast demand, identify opportunities, and adjust orders accordingly. Write fill\-in orders as necessary to maintain appropriate inventory levels. Coordinate with vendors and shipping and receiving teams in both stores to ensure timely and accurate product deliveries. Monitor slow\-moving inventory and proactively develop strategies to improve sell\-through. Product Selection, Purchasing \& Procurement Attend trade shows and network with industry peers to stay informed of market trends, product innovations, and emerging brands. Research and identify sales trends in both stores, developing thoughtful, location\-specific assortments that reflect customer needs and buying patterns. Build and maintain strong relationships with vendor representatives, negotiating favorable purchasing terms, pricing, and delivery schedules. Anticipate preseason ordering deadlines and use sales reports, historical performance, and inventory analysis to establish achievable sales goals and purchasing budgets. Monitor upcoming deliveries, communicate with vendors, and make adjustments to purchase orders as needed. Maintain accountability for purchasing decisions, open\-to\-buy budgets, product performance, and overall department profitability. Buyers Database \& Lightspeed Management Take responsibility for accurately and promptly entering all footwear buys into the company's Buyers Database, ensuring purchase orders, vendor information, delivery windows, costs, quantities, and other required details are complete and up to date. Preload footwear purchases into Lightspeed using established company procedures and appropriate product entry methods, ensuring all required product information is accurate and consistent. Verify product descriptions, SKUs, size runs, colorways, costs, retail pricing, margins, and other relevant information prior to product arrival. Work closely with database management and shipping and receiving teams to ensure consistent product entry protocols between locations and systems. Maintain accurate purchase order records, updating changes, cancellations, delivery dates, and adjustments promptly. Coordinate with the appropriate team members to resolve database discrepancies and ensure that incoming merchandise can be received and processed efficiently. Ensure that buying and database responsibilities are completed within established timelines to avoid delays in receiving, inventory availability, and reporting. Footwear Department Communication \& Leadership Maintain frequent, proactive communication with footwear department lead(s) at both store locations,ensuring consistent coordination of inventory, merchandising, staffing needs, product knowledge, and department priorities. Regularly solicit feedback from department lead(s) regarding customer requests, sizing gaps, product performance, and assortment opportunities. Communicate upcoming deliveries, new product introductions, promotions, inventory transfers, and seasonal changes to department leads in a timely manner. Collaborate with department lead(s) to establish consistent footwear merchandising standards, product knowledge, and customer service expectations. Assist with recruiting, training, and supervising footwear department staff in coordination with store management. Organize footwear clinics and product training sessions as needed, utilizing vendor representatives when available. Foster a positive, collaborative environment and encourage professional development. Work together with store leadership and department leads to oversee footwear inventory and performance across both locations. Sales \& Merchandising Develop compelling in\-store displays and merchandising strategies that drive sales and improve the customer shopping experience. Collaborate with marketing and management on promotional initiatives, particularly for slow\-moving or seasonal merchandise. Coordinate promotions and implement merchandising plans that support sales goals and maximize product visibility. Maintain a clean, organized, well\-stocked, and visually appealing footwear department. Ensure merchandise is appropriately displayed, priced, and accessible to customers. Customer Engagement \& Sales Floor Responsibilities Maintain an active and consistent presence on the sales floor as an essential responsibility of this position. Provide exceptional customer service, knowledgeable footwear fitting assistance, and thoughtful product recommendations. Address customer concerns and complaints professionally and promptly. Gather customer feedback to inform future purchasing decisions and improve the overall shopping experience. Stay informed of competing products, industry developments, and customer preferences. Balance desk and buying responsibilities with sales floor coverage according to store traffic, staffing levels, and management priorities. Remain flexible and available to assist with sales, customer service, and general store operations throughout scheduled shifts. Floor Management Duties Assist in managing daily store activities, prioritizing projects and staff responsibilities according to customer traffic and staffing levels. Monitor customer engagement and provide proactive leadership to ensure every customer receives exceptional service. Collaborate closely with the Store Manager and Assistant Manager on crew assignments and project delegation. Monitor music selection to maintain a positive employee and customer atmosphere. Properly use company phone systems, including screening and routing calls and accurately taking messages. Demonstrate proficiency with the POS system, including processing purchases, adding customer information, and handling returns and exchanges. Maintain company expectations for email and phone communication, ensuring timely responses and appropriate follow\-through. Additional Duties \& Expectations Uphold The Base Camp's public image and actively contribute to community engagement initiatives. Establish and maintain personal and departmental performance goals, regularly reviewing progress and identifying areas for improvement. Support management decisions and participate in store meetings, clinics, and training sessions. Share in daily store responsibilities during staff absences to ensure seamless operations and customer satisfaction. Maintain organized purchasing records, accurate reporting, and clear communication with management. Demonstrate initiative, accountability, and follow\-through in all buying, inventory, and sales floor responsibilities. KEY SKILLS \& QUALIFICATIONS Industry Knowledge: Strong understanding of outdoor footwear, current brands, product technologies, and customer preferences. Analytical Skills: Ability to interpret sales reports, forecast demand, manage inventory, and make data\-driven purchasing decisions. Database \& Technical Skills: Proficiency with POS systems, purchasing databases, spreadsheets, and accurate product data entry. Negotiation Skills: Ability to develop strong vendor relationships and secure favorable purchasing terms. Leadership: Ability to train, motivate, and collaborate with department leads and sales associates across both locations. Customer Service: Commitment to providing excellent service and remaining actively engaged on the sales floor. Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills with an emphasis on proactive coordination, responsiveness, and follow\-through. Organization \& Time Management: Ability to balance buying deadlines, database responsibilities, department leadership, and sales floor coverage effectively. GOALS \& OBJECTIVES Sales Growth: Achieve or exceed footwear department sales and profitability targets across both locations. Customer Satisfaction: Maintain high levels of customer satisfaction through excellent service, product knowledge, and thoughtful product assortments. Inventory Efficiency: Optimize inventory levels, improve sell\-through, maintain strong margins, and minimize unnecessary inventory investment. Buying \& Database Accuracy: Ensure all purchases are entered accurately and promptly into the Buyers Database and preloaded into Lightspeed according to established company procedures. Department Communication: Maintain consistent, productive communication with footwear department leads and store leadership, ensuring both locations are supported. Team Development: Build a knowledgeable, motivated, and collaborative footwear team capable of delivering exceptional service. Operational Balance: Successfully balance dedicated buying and administrative responsibilities with consistent sales floor participation. POSITION EXPECTATIONS This position requires a high level of personal accountability, organization, and the ability to manage multiple priorities independently. The Lead Footwear Buyer / Footwear Department Manager is an in\-house position, with scheduled time divided between desk\-based buying responsibilities and active sales floor work. All regular buying, database, and administrative work is expected to be completed on\-site, with travel to approved trade shows or buying appointments as needed. The employee is expected to manage purchasing deadlines, maintain accurate database records, communicate consistently with department leads, and actively contribute to daily sales and customer service. Success in this role is measured not only by effective buying decisions and department performance, but also by consistent communication, accurate and timely completion of administrative responsibilities, and meaningful participation in the overall success of the store. Job Type: Full\-time Pay: $22\.00 \- $25\.00 per hour Benefits: 401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Employee discount Health insurance Paid time off Professional development assistance Vision insurance Work Location: In person