Heat Wave Visual, Inc. · 1 day ago
Product Buyer / Inventory Manager
Costa Mesa, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Mid, Senior Level
$70K/yr - $110K/yr
5+ years expHeat Wave Visual, Inc. is seeking a Product Buyer / Inventory Manager responsible for managing product procurement and inventory optimization across eyewear and apparel categories. The role involves vendor relationship management, inventory performance maximization, and aligning purchasing with sales forecasts and brand strategies.
Consumer GoodsE-CommerceFashion
Responsibilities
Manage and develop product vendors and ensure timely inventory management and on-time delivery rate to support the needs of the business
Manage inventory turn and stock accuracy, develop systems for evaluating inventory levels and historical sales data in order to maximize inventory efficiency balancing sales and warehouse capacity
Foster production partners and vendor relationships, develop new vendor relationships, source blanks, accessories, and other product producing needs
Work to implement cost savings and manage product costs, help implement pricing based on product development costs, and work with Sales & Marketing to maximize inventory return
Manage the companies SKU catalog and directory of all inventory, organize inventory SKUs and manage the total product line from an inventory and buyer position
Act as the primary point of contact with all manufacturing partners including Taiwan eyewear production, Made in the U.S. eyewear partner, other off-shore vendors, apparel blanks suppliers, screen-printing and cut-and-sew manufacturers, and accessories suppliers
Develop and maintain strong vendor relationships, ensuring open communication, on-time delivery, and quality compliance
Evaluate vendor performance regularly using key metrics (quality, delivery, cost, responsiveness), and drive continuous improvement
Identify, research, and onboard new vendors where appropriate to support product diversity, cost optimization, and supply resilience
Create and execute purchasing strategies aligned with product plans, inventory objectives, and seasonal demand
Analyze sales forecasts, historical data, and trend insights to determine optimal order quantities and timing
Negotiate pricing, terms, schedules, and contracts to maximize cost efficiency and supplier performance
Place purchase orders, manage order confirmations, and coordinate delivery schedules with vendors and internal teams
Monitor inventory levels across all product categories to ensure optimal stock levels, minimize excess, and prevent stock outs
Develop and implement inventory replenishment models and reporting to support data-informed decision-making
Collaborate with product design, sales, and operations teams to align inventory strategy with sales forecasts and marketing activities
Oversee cycle counts, inventory accuracy, and supplier managed inventory processes where applicable
Work closely with Product Development and Design to integrate material spec needs and lead times into purchasing plans
Partner with Finance for budgeting, cost variance analysis, and vendor payment forecasting
Support Marketing and Sales with availability updates, lead time expectations, and promotional inventory planning
Prepare and present purchasing and inventory performance reports monthly/quarterly and as needed
Track key metrics including inventory turnover, service level, lead times, vendor performance, and cost savings
Recommend and execute process improvements to elevate procurement and inventory practices
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Merchandising, or related field
5+ years of experience in procurement, inventory management, or buying roles within fashion, hard goods, and/or lifestyle brands
Strong vendor negotiation and relationship management skills
Excellent analytical skills with experience using inventory or ERP systems to forecast and manage stock
Detail-oriented with ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
Solid communication skills for cross-functional collaboration and vendor negotiations
Experience with international manufacturing partners and import logistics
Familiarity with both hard goods and soft goods procurement
Preferred
Shopify experience
Benefits
100% employer-paid health insurance through Kaiser Permanente
Optional dental and vision coverage through Blue Shield of California
15 days of paid time off (PTO), accrued on a pro-rata basis
Paid Holidays as observed by the company
Eligible to participate in 401(k) matching contribution program
Company
Heat Wave Visual, Inc.
Heat Wave Visual is a California based independent eyewear brand focused on developing original, innovative eyewear.
11-50 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageCompany data provided by crunchbase