Retail Buyer I

The University of Arizona•Tucson, AZ

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Retail Buyer I position plays a vital role in supporting the procurement and inventory management for designated product categories. This role focuses on foundational buying responsibilities, including utilizing Open to Buy (OTB) tools, maintaining inventory levels, and collaborating with vendors to meet sales and budgetary objectives. The Retail Buyer I is also responsible for analyzing sales data to inform purchasing decisions and ensuring proper stock replenishment to drive sales and operational efficiency. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Requirements

Knowledge of purchasing strategies, inventory systems, vendor negotiations, and retail trends.
Demonstrated ability to forecast, plan, and dynamically adjust budgets based on data.
Strong skills in analyzing sales data, inventory metrics, and market trends to inform purchasing decisions.
Proven ability to build and maintain effective vendor partnerships and negotiate advantageous terms.
Capable of leading teams and collaborating across departments to meet organizational goals.
Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
Advanced Excel skills.
Bachelor's degree in business, retail management, or related field, or equivalent experience.
1 year of retail buying, merchandising, or inventory management experience.

Responsibilities

Oversee the end-to-end buying cycle, including planning, sourcing, purchasing, and vendor management for assigned product categories.
Utilize OTB tools to set, monitor, and adjust budgets, ensuring purchasing aligns with financial goals and inventory turnover targets.
Leverage sales data, market trends, historical performance, and customer insights to identify purchasing opportunities and refine product assortments.
Stay ahead of industry trends to curate a product mix that meets customer needs, drives sales, and strengthens the store’s competitive position.
Establish and maintain strong relationships with vendors, negotiating favorable pricing, payment terms, and delivery timelines.
Regularly evaluate vendor performance and source new suppliers as needed.
Create, monitor, and track purchase orders to ensure accuracy and on-time delivery, proactively resolving any issues with vendors.
Monitor stock levels regularly, analyzing performance against sales forecasts and OTB plans to minimize overstock or stockouts.
Perform inventory audits and reconcile discrepancies, ensuring data accuracy within inventory management systems.
Track key metrics such as sell-through rates, inventory turnover, and gross margin return on investment (GMROI) to inform future purchasing decisions.
Develop strategies to manage seasonal inventory transitions and end-of-life products efficiently.
Serve as Lead during assigned shifts, overseeing daily operations and ensuring smooth execution of sales and service goals.
Oversee opening and closing duties, including cash handling, securing the store, and completing daily operational reports.
Provide team leadership, resolving escalated customer issues, and supporting associates during shifts to meet organizational standards.
Plan, execute, and evaluate promotional campaigns to drive sales and improve product visibility.
Work collaboratively with marketing teams to align product promotions with broader business initiatives and seasonal events.
Provide exceptional customer service for assigned product categories, offering expertise and resolving escalated inquiries.
Support and train team members on inventory processes, merchandising strategies, and product knowledge to enhance performance.