Associate Sample Coordinator

Job Summary

The Associate Sample Coordinator supports sample operations to ensure products are available for development and go-to-market timelines. This role works with internal teams and external partners to coordinate activities and keep processes running smoothly. Completes day-to-day tasks independently using established procedures, while maintaining accuracy and meeting deadlines.

Essential Functions

Description

• Organizes and maintains the physical sample room, ensuring materials are properly labeled, stored, and easily accessible. Monitors inventory levels, keeps the space clean and orderly, and supports efficient tracking and retrieval of samples.
• Handles sample logistics, including receiving, organizing, shipping, and inventory management.
• Supports sample lifecycle activities, including end-of-life management and sample sales.
• Assists with sample orders in line with product calendars, including documentation, PO creation in SAP, and coordination with sourcing partners.
• Coordinates sample requests across internal teams and global partners to ensure timely communication and delivery.
• Maintains sample tracking tools and support consistent communication aligned with seasonal timelines.
• Partners with the photo studio to ensure samples are available and tracked for asset creation.
• Serves as main point of contact for photo studio ensuring it's equipped with all samples for prompt asset creation to support sales tools and digital initiatives. Tracks progress with photo studio and ensures all seasonal samples are captured.
• Serves as a secondary point of contact for sample-related inquiries, providing guidance based on established processes.

Please note this job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without cause.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Minimum one (1) or more years of relevant experience in operations, product support, supply chain, or a related field preferably within the retail industry.

Any equivalent combination of experience and education which clearly indicates the ability to perform the essential functions of the position may substitute on a year for year basis.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Reliable transportation to travel within the Portland Metro area as needed.

• Ability to gather and analyze data, apply sound judgment, and make recommendations within established guidelines.

• Experience managing multiple priorities and meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Ability to adapt to changing demands and reprioritize work with minimal guidance.

• Clear and effective communication skills across teams.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including working knowledge of Excel.

• Basic understanding of footwear development and sample processes, preferred.

• Familiarity with sample room operations and capacity planning concepts, preferred.

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, including handling confidential information appropriately.

• Self-motivated with a customer-focused mindset and ability to work independently within a team environment.

Travel Required: No

Base Salary: $23.00 - $25.00 per hour

This range represents the low and high ends of this position's anticipated base salary range. The actual base salary will depend on numerous factors such as experience, knowledge, skills, and location. Our base salary is just one component of our competitive total rewards strategy, which includes numerous benefits and perks as well as specific health and welfare benefits.

Why Work at KEEN:  Driven by a passion for life outside, KEEN is a values-led, independently owned brand from Portland, Oregon, that’s on a mission to create original and versatile products, improve lives, and inspire outside adventure. Founded in 2003, KEEN launched a revolution in the footwear industry with the introduction of the Newport adventure sandal and has donated more than $18 million to non-profit organizations and causes around the world to promote responsible outdoor recreation, including conservation efforts to protect open spaces. KEEN strives to show the world through its products and its actions that a business for good can actually be good for business. By giving back, reducing impact, and activating communities and individuals to protect the places where we work and play, KEEN puts its values in motion and takes action to leave the world a better place.  

Fuerst Group, KEEN, and Chrome are equal opportunity employers.  We value an inclusive and diverse community. Qualified candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply and will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, or disability.