Buyer - Bookstore Merchandise

Position Details

Position Information

Requisition Number

S3815P

Home Org Name

Bookstore Administrative

Division Name

AVP, Budgets & Business Operations

Position Title

Buyer - Bookstore Merchandise

Job Class Code

EF11

Appointment Status

Full-time

Part-time FTE

Limited Term

Limited Term Length

Job Summary

The Auburn University Bookstore is excited begin the search for a Buyer - Bookstore Merchandise! This position provides oversight for the business activities related to the buying and stocking of merchandise and apparel.

Why Should YOU Choose Auburn University?

• Auburn University was named a "Best in Alabama" employer by Forbes! Our employee longevity speaks for itself, with employees staying an average of ten years.
• Competitive state benefits including retirement plan vesting at 10 years of service, generous leave accrual, and parental leave opportunity.
• Auburn University tuition assistance for yourself and your dependents. Employees can take 15 hours of classes for free, and dependents receive a 50% tuition waiver.

It's a Lifestyle : The Auburn / Opelika area is a page right out of Southern Living magazine with an idyllic small-town feel, perfecting a unique balance between a close-knit community and driving consistent growth and development.

Paralleling the exponential growth of Auburn University, the Auburn / Opelika area boasts services and amenities that cater to any interest.

We're proud of our top school systems, city services, award-winning restaurants, and the infectious spirit of life in a college town.

You can find us nestled halfway between the beach and the mountains in a lower-cost-of-living area, two hours outside of Atlanta or Birmingham.

If you're new to Auburn, we'd love to introduce you. If you're already acquainted with Auburn, we'll keep it simple : it's time to come home!

Essential Functions

• Performs buyer duties by selecting vendors and negotiating prices and terms with vendors.
• Works with other departments to address any issues such as short-ships, breakage, shipping / receiving errors, etc.
• Processes merchandise, vendor returns, mark-ups, and mark-downs, stocking, and inventorying assigned products.
• Responsible for the strategic decision making regarding assigned categories and accountable for the financial performance of these assigned categories.
• Creates and designs layouts for merchandising of materials. Determines appropriate product assortment for assigned categories.
• Establishes appropriate pricing and mark-up for assigned products.
• Assists on the Bookstore sales floor to include assists customers, creates displays, assists in marketing implementation and special events, and assists with merchandise receiving.
• May assist in overseeing a satellite location of the bookstore either on or off campus.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Level I

• High school diploma or equivalent plus 4 years of experience in retail sales operations and / or customer service
• Bachelor's degree

Level II

• High school diploma or equivalent plus 6 years of experience in retail sales operations and / or customer service
• Bachelor's degree plus 2 years of experience in retail sales operations and / or customer service

Minimum Skills, License, and Certifications

Minimum Skills and Abilities

• A strong working knowledge of retail math and inventory control systems is required. Proven proficiency in Excel and Microsoft Suites is required.
• The candidate must have strong interpersonal skills, negotiation skills, analytical skills, initiative and a track record of successful decision making and sound judgment.
• The candidate must have excellent time management and organizational skills and have the ability to work successfully both individually and as a part of a team.
• The ability to work occasional evenings and weekends is required.

Minimum Technology Skills

Proficiency in computer and point of sale systems, building spreadsheets in Excel.

Minimum License and Certifications

Desired Qualifications

Desired Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in a business field, fashion merchandising, or related;
• Collegiate retailing / collegiate buying experience;
• Familiarity with the Oracle NetSuite ERP (or other inventory management system);
• Experience using an open-to-buy system;
• Knowledge of merchandise turns, GMROI , and a proven ability to analyze and interpret data and make sound decisions based off the data.
• Retail sales or retail management experience in the fashion industry is a plus."

Posting Detail Information

Salary Range

$31,800-$55,500

Job Category

Business / Accounting / Finance

Working Hours if Non-Traditional

City position is located in :

Auburn

State position is located :

Alabama

List any hazardous conditions or physical demands required by this position

Posting Date

07 / 30 / 2024

Closing Date

EEO Statement

AUBURN UNIVERSITY IS AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION / EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER . It is our policy to provide equal employment and education opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other classification protected by applicable law.

The Office of Affirmative Action / Equal Employment Opportunity (AA / EEO ) strives to ensure an inclusive and equitable working, living, and learning environment for members of the Auburn University community.

Please visit their website to learn more.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Quick Link for Internal Postings

https : / / www.auemployment.com / postings / 46005