---
title: 'Purchasing Manager – Retail Operations & Indirect Procurement at Hot Topic & BoxLunch'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/purchasing-manager-retail-operations-indirect-procurement-hot-topic-boxlunch-00gb4kr9v43d'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-09-07'
---

# Purchasing Manager – Retail Operations & Indirect Procurement at Hot Topic & BoxLunch

- **Company:** Hot Topic & BoxLunch
- **Location:** City of Industry, CA
- **Compensation:** $80k–$100k
- **Employment:** full-time
- **Work type:** hybrid
- **Posted:** 2026-08-28
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-07
- **Apply:** https://jobs.lever.co/hottopic/382936e0-f2da-4a5e-8ab0-e68dc22c0e59

## Job description

Do you have organization skills so strong that your name might as well be Hermione? We’re looking for a Purchasing Manager to join our team! The Purchasing Manager is responsible for managing the procurement of non-merchandise goods and services that support our retail stores, distribution centers, corporate teams, and overall business operations. This position does not purchase merchandise or products sold to customers in our stores.

The Purchasing Manager will serve as a key liaison between external suppliers and internal business partners, including Store Development/Construction, Information Technology, Finance, Distribution, Store Operations, and Marketing. The role is responsible for vendor management, sourcing, contract and pricing negotiations, purchase order management, cost control, and ensuring goods and services are delivered on time and within budget.

The successful candidate will have strong procurement and vendor-management experience in a multi-location retail environment and must have experience working with Oracle accounting/procurement software.

This role operates on a hybrid schedule and will require to work from our HQ located in the City of Industry, CA three days a week.

## WHAT YOU'LL DO

- Manage the purchasing process for non-merchandise goods, materials, equipment, and services supporting retail stores, distribution centers, and corporate operations.
- Source and purchase commodities and operational supplies for distribution centers and retail locations.
- Develop sourcing strategies that balance cost, quality, service, availability, and delivery requirements.
- Solicit and evaluate bids and proposals, conduct competitive pricing analyses, and negotiate pricing and commercial terms with suppliers.
- Create and manage purchase orders and ensure purchasing activities comply with company policies, approval requirements, and established budgets.
- Identify opportunities to consolidate purchasing, standardize products, reduce costs, and improve procurement efficiency.
- Serve as the primary purchasing contact for the company's store fixture vendor(s).
- Coordinate fixture procurement for new stores, remodels, relocations, refreshes, and ongoing store maintenance needs.
- Partner with the Information Technology team to coordinate purchase orders, vendor quotes, approvals, invoicing, and delivery schedules.
- Assist IT with vendor negotiations and purchasing strategies while ensuring technical specifications and business requirements are maintained.
- Partner with the Marketing team to source and purchase in-store marketing materials and related products.
- Manage purchasing for items such as signage, printed materials, displays, promotional materials, and other in-store marketing components.
- Work closely with the Finance and Accounting teams to ensure accurate purchase orders, invoices, coding, approvals, and financial reporting.
- Utilize Oracle accounting/procurement software to create, maintain, track, and reconcile purchasing transactions
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers and service providers.
- Establish vendor performance expectations and regularly evaluate suppliers based on cost, quality, service, delivery, responsiveness, and reliability.

## WHAT YOU'LL NEED

- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Finance, Operations, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience preferred.
- 5+ years of purchasing, procurement, sourcing, or supply chain experience, preferably supporting a multi-location retail organization.
- Hands-on experience with Oracle accounting and/or procurement software is required.
- Demonstrated experience managing vendors, purchase orders, pricing negotiations, and procurement processes.
- Experience purchasing operational supplies, equipment, fixtures, services, or other indirect/non-merchandise categories.
- Strong financial and analytical skills with the ability to evaluate pricing, costs, bids, and purchasing trends.
- Strong proficiency with Microsoft Excel and standard business applications.
- Excellent organizational and project-management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Proven ability to work effectively across departments, including Finance, IT, Marketing,

## About Hot Topic & BoxLunch

## Company Overview
- **One-liner**: Hot Topic Inc. is a leading specialty retailer of pop culture and music licensed apparel, accessories, and gifts, operating under the brands Hot Topic, BoxLunch, and Her Universe.
- **Entity Type**: Private (owned by Sycamore Partners since 2013)
- **Headquarters**: City of Industry, California, USA
- **Founded**: 1989 (Hot Topic); 2015 (BoxLunch)
- **Founders**: Orv Madden (Hot Topic); BoxLunch was launched by Hot Topic Inc.

## Core Business
- **Primary industry/industries**: Retail – Pop Culture Merchandise, Apparel, and Gifts
- **Target customers**: B2C – Fans of music, anime, gaming, movies, TV, and pop culture; primarily Gen Z and Millennials
- **Mission or purpose statement**: To be the destination of pop culture and music merchandise while giving back to the community. BoxLunch’s specific mission: for every $10 spent, provide a meal to someone in need through Feeding America®.

## Products & Services
- **Hot Topic**: Clothing, accessories, music, jewelry, and collectibles featuring officially licensed band tees, pop culture-inspired collections, anime merch, and fashion apparel. (Brick-and-mortar and e-commerce)
- **BoxLunch**: Pop culture merch and gifts including apparel, collectibles, and accessories. Launched in 2015, with over 150 specialty shops and a thriving e-commerce site. Each purchase helps provide meals to those in need.
- **Her Universe**: A brand focused on female fans of sci-fi, fantasy, and pop culture, offering licensed apparel and accessories.

## Market Standing
- **Valuation/Market Cap**: Not publicly disclosed (private company)
- **Key Metric**: Annual Revenue – Hot Topic approx. $741.7M; BoxLunch approx. $74.3M (LinkedIn estimates, combined ~$816M)
- **Notable Investors/Partners**: Owner: Sycamore Partners (private equity); Partners: Feeding America®, Mental Health America, Notes for Notes, The Trevor Project
- **Growth Signals**: BoxLunch headcount grew 13.9% YoY to 655 employees; Hot Topic headcount grew 6.2% YoY to 2,215 employees; active job postings: 1,184 (as of Sept 2026); BoxLunch has given over 100 million meals to date; expanding distribution centers (La Vergne, TN and Riverside, CA).

## Competitive Advantages
- **Exclusive Licensing**: Deep relationships with major entertainment studios and music labels, securing exclusive product lines not available at general retailers.
- **Niche Community Focus**: Strong brand loyalty among pop culture, music, and anime fans; authentic engagement with subcultures.
- **Philanthropy as Differentiator**: BoxLunch’s meal-giving model creates emotional connection and repeat purchases.
- **Omnichannel Presence**: 600+ Hot Topic retail locations, 150+ BoxLunch stores, plus robust e-commerce and distribution network.

## Strategic Focus
- Expand BoxLunch store footprint and e-commerce penetration.
- Strengthen direct-to-consumer relationships through social media and influencer partnerships.
- Continue to invest in diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
- Grow the Her Universe brand and cater to underserved female fandom.
- Optimize supply chain and distribution for faster fulfillment.

## Why Work Here
- **Culture**: Inclusive, collaborative, and authentic environment where employees are encouraged to “be who you are and love what you do.” The company values creativity and innovation.
- **Work Policy**: Hybrid workspace – employees engage in a combination of remote and on-site work. Typical time on-site is flexible.
- **Perks & Benefits**: Performance bonuses, family medical leave, job training and talent development programs. Benefits package includes medical, dental, vision, and 401(k).
- **Career Growth**: Opportunities across retail stores, distribution centers, and corporate HQ. Strong internal mobility, with many employees moving between brands (e.g., talent from GameStop, Target, Vans).
- **Community Impact**: Employees take pride in giving back through partnerships with Feeding America, Mental Health America, and other nonprofits.

## Sources
1. [lever.co](https://jobs.lever.co/hottopic) – Hot Topic Inc. careers page
2. [linkedin.com/company/hot-topic](https://linkedin.com/company/hot-topic) – Hot Topic company profile
3. [linkedin.com/company/boxlunch](https://linkedin.com/company/boxlunch) – BoxLunch company profile
4. [builtin.com](https://builtin.com/company/hot-topic-inc) – Hot Topic Inc. culture, perks, and offices
5. [builtinla.com](https://www.builtinla.com/company/hot-topic-inc) – Hot Topic Inc. Los Angeles office overview

## Other roles at Hot Topic & BoxLunch

- [Assistant Manager Licensing, Business Development](https://feeny.ai/job/assistant-manager-licensing-business-development-hot-topic-boxlunch-city-of-35xbe7qwjyr9) — City of Industry, CA
- [Fulfillment Team Lead](https://feeny.ai/job/fulfillment-team-lead-hot-topic-boxlunch-la-vergne-cka5ca8y90rk) — La Vergne, TN
- [Junior Systems Analyst, WMS](https://feeny.ai/job/junior-systems-analyst-wms-hot-topic-boxlunch-la-vergne-xks9s6aa5zqx) — La Vergne, TN
- [Licensing Coordinator](https://feeny.ai/job/licensing-coordinator-hot-topic-boxlunch-city-of-industry-xg8xxm3dp9f9) — City of Industry, CA
- [Financial Analyst](https://feeny.ai/job/financial-analyst-hot-topic-boxlunch-city-of-industry-68y9adc427cd) — City of Industry, CA
- [DC Inventory Control Manager](https://feeny.ai/job/dc-inventory-control-manager-hot-topic-boxlunch-riverside-9j6s81p64bzt) — Riverside, CA
- [Equipment Operator](https://feeny.ai/job/equipment-operator-hot-topic-boxlunch-la-vergne-5bedc0esa0dq) — La Vergne, TN
- [Distribution Center Associate](https://feeny.ai/job/distribution-center-associate-hot-topic-boxlunch-la-vergne-xd17zds01qm6) — La Vergne, TN
- [DC Inventory Control Supervisor](https://feeny.ai/job/dc-inventory-control-supervisor-hot-topic-boxlunch-riverside-8fcxchf964np) — Riverside, CA
- [Merchandise Coordinator](https://feeny.ai/job/merchandise-coordinator-hot-topic-boxlunch-city-of-industry-3595pvttq7eb) — City of Industry, CA