Retail Buying Manager

The Retail Buying Manager plays a pivotal role in shaping the merchandise landscape of the Hornets Fan Shop at Spectrum Center. Reporting directly to the Director of Retail, the Retail Buying Manager will be responsible for the strategic procurement of consumer goods and supplies, ensuring a diverse and appealing product assortment that aligns with market trends and increases sales opportunities.

Core Values

The Charlotte Hornets organization embodies the following core values

• Integrity
• Teamwork
• Competitiveness
• Candor
• Accountability
• Resilience
  
  

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Develop and curate on-trend product assortments for the Hornets Fan Shop and Spectrum Center kiosks.
• Cultivate and maintain strong vendor relationships, ensuring performance expectations are consistently met.
• Write and issue purchase orders for both imported and domestically sourced goods.
• Accurately input SKU data into RetailPro POS software.
• Attend in-person and virtual product line reviews, trade shows, and stay current on market trends.
• Manage and maintain an open-to-buy budget to support revenue growth.
• Identify slow-moving products and implement liquidation strategies.
• Create visually appealing displays at Spectrum Center and other Hornets Sports & Entertainment (HSE) properties.
• Support teammates across HSE with sourcing knowledge and purchase order creation.
• Plan merchandise placement for sales floors and kiosks.
• Purchase supplies and fixtures for the Hornets Fan Shop.
• Serve occasionally as Manager on Duty at the Hornets Fan Shop, supervising part-time associates.
• Gather customer feedback through digital tools and in-store interactions.
• Provide regular reporting to the retail team and leadership.
• Support the Marketing Director with product and display photography for promotional campaigns.
• Assist during high-volume concerts and events at Spectrum Center.
• Contribute to jersey launches and other Hornets marketing initiatives.
• Ensure all merchandise complies with NBA licensing guidelines and Hornets brand standards.
• Support planning, design, and sourcing of the Spectrum Center-exclusive apparel line, Hive Collection.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Retail.
  
  

Required Skills & Abilities

To perform the job successfully, you should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Proven experience sourcing consumer products for retail sales, preferably within the professional sports industry.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Experience with retail POS data entry; RetailPro experience preferred.
• Demonstrated success in driving retail sales growth.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and occasional holidays.
  
  

Additional Information

This is a full time benefit eligible position. HSE is dedicated to creating and upholding a welcoming environment that celebrates diversity.

HSE provides valuable benefits and competitive time off policies to help you and your family lead healthy, balanced lives.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. All requests for medical or religious accommodation to perform the stated job duties will be considered.