Buyer

Lucas Museum of Narrative Art•Los Angeles, CA

9d•$74,000 - $87,000

About The Position

The Lucas Museum seeks a highly motivated Buyer to join the Revenue & Engagement team in support of the opening and ongoing operations of the Museumâs retail store. Reporting to the Director of Retail & Product Licensing, this role will lead the sourcing, development, and procurement of merchandise that reflects the Museumâs mission, exhibitions, and storytelling approach. The Buyer will support the identification and evaluation of vendors, support licensing and product development initiatives, and ensure timely procurement and delivery of goods. This role will also leverage sales and inventory insights to inform buying decisions, optimize product assortment, and support overall retail performance. The Buyer will partner cross-functionally with Curatorial, Marketing, and Retail teams to create a compelling and cohesive visitor experience.

Requirements

Background in business administration, economics, or related field preferred
5+ years of experience in a purchasing role, preferably for an arts & cultural institution or prominent consumer brand
Knowledge of intellectual property principles as it relates to retail inventory management
Comprehensive knowledge of commodities
Excellent communication and negotiation skills

Responsibilities

Partner with the Director of Retail & Product and Revenue & Engagement team to support the launch of the Museumâs retail store, including licensing strategy, vendor onboarding, & contributing to development of standard operating procedures
Collaborate with Curatorial and internal stakeholders to identify product development opportunities tied to exhibitions and collections
Develop exclusive, mission-aligned products in collaboration with internal teams, ensuring accuracy, quality, and integrity of source materials
As directed by the Director of Retail, support supplier selection and negotiation processes, including product, pricing, and terms evaluation
Support development of unique product assortment strategies, including category mix, pricing architecture, and buy quantities
Source and purchase merchandise that complements exhibitions, programs, and the Museumâs collection
Serve as a key point of contact for product development, licensing, and branded merchandise initiatives, including familiarity with contracts and licensing requirements
Identify and explore new product categories to enhance the retail offering and visitor experience
Ensure timely ordering, delivery, payment and issue resolution with vendors
Analyze sales performance, inventory levels, and product trends to inform buying decisions and optimize assortment to maximize profit
Support forecasting and replenishment decisions by identifying high-performing items and potential stock risks
Monitor inventory flow and timing to align with exhibition openings, seasonal changes, and key Museum events
Identify risks and opportunities in sales and inventory performance and recommend adjustments to buying strategy
Generate reports and insights to support Revenue & Engagement leadership in decision-making
Support Retail leadership with sourcing, evaluating, and onboarding vendors, wholesalers, and licensing partners aligned with the Museumâs brand and mission
Support Retail leadership with identification and onboarding of new and diverse suppliers to expand product offerings
Establish and cultivate relationships with vendors and licensing partners to support long-term retail growth
Stay informed on retail and museum merchandising trends through research, trade events, and industry engagement
Partner with Retail and Marketing teams to support product launches, promotions, and campaigns tied to exhibitions and seasonal programming
Collaborate with creative partners to ensure high-quality product imagery and storytelling for in-store and digital channels
Communicate product knowledge and merchandising direction to store teams to support visual presentation and sales