Algonquin Outfitters pairs quality outdoor equipment with expert advice and enthusiasm for adventure. The Footwear Buyer / Category Manager owns AO's footwear business, from seasonal assortment and vendors through allocation, merchandising and store execution. Potential to assist with other brands outside the Footwear category.

This is a hands-on retail role for someone who can turn sales data, customer insight and store feedback into practical buying decisions: what to buy, where inventory should go, and when to replenish, transfer or exit a style. Outside core buying and category work, the balance of scheduled time will be spent on the retail sales floor, supporting customers, coaching staff and staying close to store needs. Depending on experience and fit, the role may also assist in an assistant-manager capacity.

What you'll own

Category strategy, buying and performance

- Build seasonal assortments by activity, customer, price point, brand and location using sales, margin, sell-through, inventory, size curves and store feedback. Share vision board w/ leadership group.
- Prepare buys within approved budgets and open-to-buy parameters; attend shows, meet deadlines and retain capacity for proven in-season opportunities.
- Manage the product lifecycle: launch new styles, replenish winners, reduce slow-seller exposure and recommend pricing, promotions or markdowns at the right time.
- Track sales, gross margin, inventory, sell-through, stock turn and aged product; turn results into actions for the next buy.
- Manage key buying windows: Spring/Summer deadlines April-August; Fall/Winter deadlines November-February.

Inventory and multi-store execution

- Review performance weekly to identify stock-outs, excesses, broken size runs and transfer opportunities; lead replenishment and transfers.




- Tailor allocation to each store's customer, seasonality and space while maintaining core availability and accurate inventory records.
- Partner with store teams to ensure footwear is received, displayed, sized and replenished consistently, with accurate online product information and availability.

Sales floor, store leadership and customer insight

- Work regular retail sales-floor shifts, using customer interaction to sharpen buying, fit knowledge, merchandising and staff coaching.
- Support store leaders with daily priorities, including floor coverage, service standards, merchandising and team communication, with potential to assist in an assistant-manager capacity.
- Create practical product-knowledge tools so staff can explain intended use, features, care, fit and alternatives.

Vendors, launches and AO voice

- Build vendor relationships and negotiate competitive cost, terms, freight, discounts, returns, swaps, marketing support and staff training.
- Hold vendors accountable for delivery, accuracy, product quality and agreed support; communicate issues early.
- Collaborate with our Buyer group Footwear committee
- Work with store leaders, marketing and e-commerce on launches, promotions and educational content that reflect AO's voice.





What success looks like A relevant assortment with dependable core-size availability; sales and margin targets achieved; stronger sell-through and inventory turn; fewer stock-outs and aged styles; consistent store execution; current sales-floor insight; and trusted vendor relationships.

What you'll bring

- Experience in retail buying, category management, merchandise planning, inventory allocation or specialty retail leadership; footwear/outdoor experience preferred.
- Robust commercial judgment, including confidence with sales, margin, inventory, sell-through and open-to-buy information.
- Strong spreadsheet, organization, negotiation and communication skills under seasonal deadlines.
- Practical footwear fit, sizing and intended-use knowledge, or the initiative to build expertise quickly.
- Sales-floor credibility: helpful service instincts, clear communication and a collaborative, low-ego style.

Working at AO AO is a multi-location outdoor retailer and outfitter serving Algonquin Park, Muskoka and Haliburton. The role includes cross-store collaboration, periodic travel to AO locations and vendors, flexibility during key buying and selling periods, and meaningful retail-floor time. Employees benefit from an outdoor-focused team, product learning, free use of available rental equipment, staff discounts and applicable incentive programs.

How to apply

Please submit a resume and short note describing how you used sales, inventory or customer information to improve an assortment, allocation, buying decision or store result.

Equal opportunity and accommodation Algonquin Outfitters is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. Disability-related accommodations are available on request throughout the selection process.

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Pay: $20.00-$24.00 per hour

Benefits

- Casual dress
- Flexible schedule
- Store discount

Work Location: In person

📌 Category Manager - Footwear - Outdoor Adventure Company (Huntsville)
🏢 Algonquin Outfitters
📍 Huntsville