Retail Buyer

The International Spy Museum is a private nonprofit museum dedicated to educating the public about the world of espionage and intelligence through exhibits, educational programs, special events, and public outreach. Come join a team whose mission is to create compelling exhibitions and other learning experiences that shed light on the shadow world of espionage and intelligence, educating and challenging each of us to engage critically with the complex world around us.

Summary

  • Identify and procure timely, trend-right, quality, mission-driven products that customers want to buy.
  • Implement product development, buying and merchandising programs to maximize sales and profits, increase sales per customer, and improve inventory turnover.
  • Analyze, track, and manage inventory to ensure proper mix and availability of product.

Five Areas of Accountability

  • Lead, Manage, Accountability (LMA)
  • Product Development, Sourcing, and Procurement
  • Manage Cost of Goods, Margins, Inventory Levels and Turn to Achieve Goals
  • Build and Manage Vendor Relationships
  • Provide Product Merchandising Direction and E-Commerce Content

Responsibilities

  • Develop, implement, and oversee merchandising, buying, and reorder plans to maximize sales and profit on items that relate to the Museum’s collections, special exhibits, and programs to enhance the retail operation. 
  • Develop and achieve planned goals in sales, markups, markdowns, shortage, inventory turn, stock levels, gross profit, and controllable elements of net profit. 
  • Negotiate cost, terms, discounts, and transportation allowances with vendors. Conduct on-going performance ratings of vendors and research/select vendors who offer the best mix of product variety, quality, quantity, price, and delivery.
  • Make buying trips to research and procure products. Shop and analyze competitive stores to evaluate assortments, prices, and merchandise presentations to better understand the market. Stay abreast of developments in the field through participation in relevant professional organizations.
  • Prepare reports to assist in tracking, monitoring, and analyzing inventory and sales to maximize turn, margin, and sales opportunities. Develop a markdown strategy to eliminate slow sellers. Determine, with input from Retail Vice President products to reorder, eliminate, and/or add. 
  • Work with store management and buying staff to plan and execute floor moves based on merchandise flow. Provide direction and assistance with visual merchandising, displays and promotions. 
  • Ensure orders are received on time and resolve shipping, vendor, and quality control problems via ongoing communications with vendors. Assist Accounting Department on processing of invoices in a timely manner, answering questions, making corrections, etc. to resolve all problems as quickly as possible.
  • Develop advertising and promotion plans with Retail VP, and Communications. Provide staff with advance notice and information on advertising/promotions and ensure adequate product availability at the advertised price.
  • Assist in planning and participating in annual physical inventory and reconciliation. Participate in and contribute to weekly manager meetings and quarterly department staff meetings.
  • Perform other related duties as required and responsibilities as required or assigned.

Minimum Education and Experience Required

  • BA/BS degree in Retail, Merchandising, Business Administration, or related field.
  • Five to ten years’ experience in retail buying and/or product development. 
  • Demonstrated ability to manage inventory using a retail point-of-sale system in a fast paced, retail environment.
  • Excellent planning, management, and decision-making skills. 
  • Strong financial planning, reporting, and analysis skills. 
  • Creative problem solving, risk taking and negotiation skills.
  • Ability to build effective relationships with business partners and teammates.
  • Advanced level computer skills including Microsoft Office skills and ability to create spreadsheets, and formulas.
  • Ability to multi-task and complete projects on time under tight deadlines.
  • Strong organization skills and communication skills, both verbal and written.

Skills Preferred

  • Strong knowledge of buying and sourcing with proven negotiation ability.
  • Ability to develop evaluate financial data, create reports, and merchandising plans.
  • Ability to make informed, timely, and complex decisions while multitasking and setting priorities.
  • Proven experience in product development.

How to apply: 

For employment consideration, please submit a cover letter, resume, and salary requirements online via the Retail Buyer Application Form.