Job ID359955 LocationDuluth Job FamilyFinance Full/Part TimeFull-Time Regular/TemporaryRegular Job Code8221PR Employee ClassCivil Service About the Job The annual salary range for this position starts at $50,000.00/yr and depends on qualifications. This Art & Supplies Buyer is responsible for all aspects of the Art Supplies, Office Supplies and School Supplies areas of the UMD Stores. Duties include merchandise buying, inventory management, visual merchandising, and operational support functions to achieve the plan sales and margin targets for the areas. Buying functions include the sourcing of product, negotiating pricing, delivery, and payment terms, managing the flow of merchandise, and establishing pricing, promotional, and markdown strategies to support sales, margin and inventory turnover targets. A customer service mindset, problem resolution focus and strong attention to detail are key attributes for success in the role. Key Responsibilities Buying of Art and Office Supplies - 40% Develop a compelling product assortment for the target customer. Make purchasing decisions based on product demand Establish pricing strategy based on market demand and store gross margin requirements Maintain appropriate inventory levels to support sales trends Work with Marketing in support of promotional event calendar Partner with Marketing to ensure website offering is relevant and compelling Partner with concessions manager to ensure appropriate assortment and inventory levels Attend relevant trade shows, conventions, and vendor appointments Buying Operations - 30% Analyze sales trends, inventory levels and markdown need in support of department goals/plans Purchase Order entry and maintenance Analysis of class & style performance to support assortment needs Markdown and markup of product Process invoices and credit memos Process & return defective items Store Support - 15%: Provide exceptional customer service Assist with merchandising, displaying, and stocking of floor Open & close store as needed. Customer Service Desk and Cashier coverage as needed Supervision - 10%: Supervise & direct work of student workers Train & develop student workers in the Art & supplies areas Other - 5%: Other duties as assigned Qualifications Minimum Qualifications: BA/BS degree or a combination of related education and work experience to equal four years. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Knowledge of buying principles Technical knowledge of category Systemic and analytic aptitude Experience using various software solutions (e.g., MS-Excel, email, etc.). Ability to lead by example, make sound decisions, act on ideas, and demonstrate professionalism. Excellent interpersonal skills. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Growth mindset Physical/Other Requirements Work varied hours/days as business dictates. Able to reach, push, pull, stand, squat and bend for up to 8 hours or longer as necessary. Able to move or handle merchandise throughout the store weighing up to 50 pounds Benefits Working at the University At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work. The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes: Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts University HSA contributions Disability and employer-paid life insurance Employee wellbeing program Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Financial counseling services Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost Please visit the for more information regarding benefi s. How To Apply Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume. Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section. To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647. Diversity The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds. The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: Employment Requirements Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment. About the U of M University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD) The University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD) consistently ranks among the top Midwestern, regional universities in U.S. News and World Report's "America's Best Colleges" issue. Overlooking Lake Superior, UMD provides an alternative to both large research and small liberal arts environments and attracts students looking for a personalized learning experience on a medium-sized campus of a major university. A firm liberal arts foundation anchors a variety of traditional degree programs, as well as professional and graduate students that draw on UMD's many research institutes and labs. At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022). The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds. The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu.