Retail Operations & Purchasing Associate

ABOUT SPECIALIZED 

Innovation has guided our every decision since 1974. As more riders of all ages get on the roads, trails, and streets than ever before, we’re here to do the best work of our lives to push the greatest human powered machine into the future each and every day. We’re a team of barrier-breakers, disrupters, and problem solvers. We’re committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce where every teammate can succeed as we inspire riders everywhere. Reach out – we’re here to help you build your career at Specialized. 

In Company Owned Retail, we strive to be a transformative, inclusive, authentic, rider focused, and collaborative team that creates the best bikes and delivers world class rider care attention. Simply said, we provide quality in our products and to our riders at every interaction and are looking for a teammate to be a part of this growing team. Reach out – we’re here to help you build your career at Specialized. 

JOB SUMMARY 

RETAIL OPERATIONS & PURCHASING ASSOCIATE 

The Retail Operations / Purchasing Associate supports assortment and demand execution for company-owned retail — assisting with purchasing, vendor relations, inventory accuracy, and POS data integrity across Lightspeed, Oracle, and related systems. The role delivers data-backed insights that inform and validate decisions across Specialized Retail markets and helps maintain a consolidated national channel plan and forecast. They develop expertise in our product, data, and systems and maintain strong relationships with store teams, Retail Assortment & Purchasing Lead, the commercial sales team, and shared services colleagues to optimize inventory performance and drive profitability. The role contributes to the ongoing evolution of merchandising practices, SOPs, and analytics — assortment plans by store segment, store ownership transitions, growth opportunities, and inventory health. 

HOW YOU’LL MAKE A DIFFERENCE 

• Systems & Data Integrity: Maintain accurate POS data across systems (Lightspeed, Oracle) through SKU setup, pricing updates, and product master management. 

• Purchasing & Vendor Management: Support PO creation, order processing, vendor onboarding, and issue resolution to ensure timely delivery and strong vendor relationships. 

• Inventory Accuracy & Reconciliation: Manage inventory movements, transfers, and adjustments across locations; partner with Finance and stores to resolve discrepancies; coordinate inbound timing and reduce aged/NIL inventory. 

• Process Standardization: Develop and maintain SOPs and SLAs to standardize workflows, improve efficiency, and reduce costs across store operations. 

• Reporting & Analytics: Deliver reporting, KPI tracking, and insights across operations, including compliance, shrink, payroll, performance, and product analytics; support recurring sales and inventory reporting. 

• Assortment Planning: Support location-level assortment planning aligned with national strategy; review range plans and adjust based on performance trends. 

• Demand Forecasting: Assist in SKU-level forecasting using historical data, inventory, and market inputs; monitor trends and collaborate cross-functionally to refine forecasts. 

• Product Launches: Support new product allocations and transitions to meet revenue goals in alignment with category, planning, and sales teams. 

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with internal teams and external vendors to support inventory performance and operational objectives. 

• Continuous Improvement: Contribute to process improvements, KPI development, and system enhancements; support pilots and cross-functional initiatives. 

• Field Engagement: Travel to retail locations to support operations and ownership transitions as needed. 

WHAT YOU NEED TO WIN 

• Experience with retail systems such as Lightspeed, Oracle, or similar POS, ERP, or inventory platforms. 

• High attention to detail with proven ability to maintain data accuracy, reconcile discrepancies, and manage high‑volume SKU and pricing updates. 

• Working knowledge of retail operational workflows, including receiving, cash handling, shrink management, payroll controls, and store compliance. 

• Ability to create and maintain SOPs and process documentation, with a focus on standardization and continuous improvement. 

• Problem‑solving mindset, with the ability to troubleshoot system issues, inventory discrepancies, and process gaps. 

• Ability to work independently and within small, resource‑constrained teams, managing multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment. 

• This is a remote position. Ideal candidate will reside near a Specialized company owned retail location

TELL ME MORE 

• Industry leading Employee Purchase program 
• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance* 
• Compensation California: $70,304 annually

*For eligible employees 

Here at Specialized we believe that bikes have the power to change lives. Our culture is one of passion, striving to break barriers and have a positive impact on the world.  

We want to increase representation of all races, genders, and body types in the cycling industry and are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce where all people thrive. We encourage everyone – especially those from marginalized groups – to apply to our job postings and help us earn the position as the rider’s brand of choice. We are always looking for creative, innovative, and passionate people who are eager to contribute to our mission of pedaling the planet forward. Regardless of your qualifications, if you are ready to make a difference, please apply and let us know how you can make an impact at Specialized!