Store Merchandise Buyer

Competition 2573

This position is a part of the Non-Academic Staff Association (NASA).

This position offers a comprehensive benefits package.

Location - This role is in-person at North Campus, Edmonton.

Working at the University of Alberta

The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all FirstPeoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.

The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people — from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.

Working for the University of Alberta Bookstore 

The University of Alberta Bookstore is your source for class course materials, lab kits, school supplies, U of A merchandise and more!

Position Summary

Reporting to the Merchandise Supervisor and working in collaboration with the entire store team, the Store Merchandise Buyer is responsible for the selection and purchase of products and for realizing the revenue and brand potential of the promotional products business. The aim of the Store Merchandise Buyer is to provide students, faculty, staff, and the public a trustworthy and well-stocked department where they shop for all of their product and promotional needs.

Duties 

Merchandise Buying

• The incumbent would monitor, create, and scrutinize the formation of replenishment purchase orders using a variety of vendors to effectively flow the correct and up-to-date inventory to the Store for assigned departments.
• Purchasing may include general merchandise, course materials, and/or promotional items. They would optimize in-stock and execute effective inventory flow, adjusting to sales fluctuations and keeping within set budgets, while mitigating shrink and following all University policies.

Client Relationship and Advancement

• The incumbent would identify, initiate, and sustain customer relationships to advance promotional product sales.
• Ensures the orders placed meet the University brand standards and are within the customer’s budgets.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• College diploma or university degree in business, economics or administration, preferably with a concentration in strategic merchandising, visual merchandising, procurement, supply chain management and/or retail operations (equivalent combination of education and/or experience will be considered)
• Formal training in customer service, merchandising and open-to-buy is an asset
• Minimum one year of experience working in a retail setting, with accountability for achieving sales/margin goals and targets, gaining purchasing and/or merchandising experience and providing customer service
• Minimum one year of experience creating and executing visual merchandising plans in relevant product categories

Skills

• Self-motivated, creative, entrepreneurial and comfortable working on multiple concurrent projects in a busy, student-and market-oriented educational environment.
• Demonstrated cultural sensitivity, including the ability to appreciate diversity with an understanding of differences and similarities among cultural groups.
• Excellent customer service skills, including, but not limited to, timely communication, proactive problem solving and conflict resolution

Knowledge

• Comprehensive working knowledge of Microsoft Office and G-Suite applications

Less than 18 months to be competent in the role after working through one cycle of each event held in the store.