Job Description

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 Buyer. Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

Key Responsibilities

A typical day may include:

• Responsible for meeting planned sales, margin and inventory turnover goals for their designated areas.
• Develop and instill focused merchandise assortment strategies and inventory management.
• Knowledgeable and experienced in branded product and product development.
• Supervise, coach and develop Associate Buyer, Assistant Buyer, and Administrative Assistant (with a fully developed department).
• Partners with Allocation, Marketing, and Visual teams to ensure correct execution of assortments in store.
• Monitors performance versus plan to identify trend opportunities.
• Manages all aspects of the merchandise offering-selection, negotiation, promotion, and disposition.
• Develops customer driven assortments that support departmental goals and key item focus.
• Provides collaborative guidance, direction and support to the planning organization in the development of financial merchandise and key item plans.
• Ensures the merchandise selection matches customer needs.
• Ensures merchandise mix balances quantity, style, size and price consistent with the company and individual market requirements.
• Attend relevant trade shows, markets and events to observe market trends, gather product information, select merchandise, and establish business relationships with viable vendors.
• Visits stores to evaluate merchandise mix, observes competition, weighs individual store needs and translate findings into executable product plans.
• Develops and maintains relationships with vendors and cross functional partners.
• Maintains company’s standards and code of ethics both inside the organization and when dealing with outside vendors
• Partners with the Planner to complete accurate forecasts by evaluating financial information, current trends and anticipated market changes that impact buy decisions and strategies.
• Writes, details and follows up on purchase orders and deliveries.
• Ensures promotional execution accuracy (pricing, signage, etc.)

Qualifications

• Your experience brings:
• Proficient in the use of Excel, MS Word and PowerPoint.
• Strong merchandising, product, and analytical skills.
• Demonstrated leadership and decision making skills.
• Retail math literacy and application of concepts to daily operations.
• Detail oriented and organized.
• Must be able to communicate in a professional manner and respond with timeliness.
• Resourceful and able to research problems and recommend solutions.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Trend and fashion awareness with ability to understand current trends, competition and market.
• Ability to reprioritize projects frequently.
• Independent, self-motivated, team player.
• Able to effectively communicate with all levels of staff and management.
• 2-3 years experience with Product Development

Education & Experience

• 5 years minimum of retail Buying experience in department store or specialty store chain required.
• 2-3 years experience with Product Development.
• High School Diploma required.
• Bachelors Degree from a four year college or university preferred; or four years related experience and/or training, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Category responsibilities include Impulse, Candy, Hydration, Electronics, Seasonal Homegoods, Designer Sunglasses and Watches.
• Licensing experience a plus

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

Management:

As a leader at Tillys, you are expected to set the tone for your team through integrity, inclusion, and a solutions-oriented mindset. We look for individuals who lead by example, inspire collaboration, and consistently align team performance with company goals. Leaders are empowered to mentor talent, drive operational excellence, and cultivate a culture rooted in proactive collaboration, curiosity, accountability, and a growth mindset.

Tillys supports ongoing leadership development through hands-on learning, cross-functional exposure, and advancement opportunities tailored to individual growth paths.

Compensation

Yearly Range: $100k – $115k

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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