Retail Buyer (Fine Art / Art History Experience Preferred)

Company Overview : Tappan is an innovative startup dedicated to connecting collectors to emerging and mid-career contemporary artists and inspiring people to become patrons of new voices in art and design.

We’re passionate about fostering creativity and supporting artistic expression through curated retail experiences.

Position Overview : We are seeking a dynamic Retail Buyer & Planner with a background in Fine Art or Art History to join our team.

This role will be pivotal in driving our sales strategy, managing vendor and artist relationships, curating exhibitions, and ensuring the successful launch of new products in collaboration with our ecommerce team.

The ideal candidate will combine a deep appreciation for art with strong project management skills and experience in retail planning.

Responsibilities :

• Project Management : Utilize Asana, Gsheets or similar project management tools to plan and execute retail initiatives, product launches, and exhibition schedules.
• Retail Planning : Implement retail strategies based on market trends, sales data, and artistic insights.
• Exhibition Curation : Curate and manage rotating gallery exhibitions both online and offline, collaborating closely with internal teams and external artists.
• Vendor and Artist Management : Source, negotiate, and manage relationships with vendors and artists to ensure product quality, availability, and alignment with our brand vision.
• Product Launches : Coordinate with the ecommerce team to oversee the successful launch of new products, ensuring timely delivery and effective marketing strategies.
• Vendor Asset Management : Organize and maintain digital assets (photography, descriptions, etc.) from vendors for use in marketing materials and online platforms.
• Tools Utilized : Proficiency in Google Sheets or Excel for data analysis and reporting. Experience with inventory management software such as SAP, Apparel Magic, Airtable, or similar custom databases for tracking and managing product inventory.

Proficient Knowledge in Asana, Notion or Jira required.

Qualifications :

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Merchandizing, or related field.
• At least 1 year's experience with retail buying.
• Proven experience (2 years) in project management, or related roles, preferably within the art or luxury goods industry.
• Strong organizational and analytical skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills, with a keen eye for detail and aesthetics.
• Proficiency in project management tools (Asana, Monday, Notion etc.) and Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets for data analysis and reporting.
• Experience with inventory management software (SAP, Apparel Magic, Airtable, etc.) is a plus.
• Knowledge of fine art, art history, and current art market trends are strongly preferred.

Benefits :

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance options.
• Opportunity to make a significant impact in a growing startup environment that values creativity and innovation.

How to Apply : Please submit your resume and a cover letter highlighting your relevant experience and why you are passionate about connecting collectors to emerging and mid-career contemporary artists and inspiring people to become patrons of new voices in art and design to email address or link to application page.