Retail Buyer - Chihuly Garden and Glass

Space Needle•Seattle, WA

12d•$85,000 - $92,200

About The Position

The Retail Buyer is responsible for product development, sales, gross margin, inventory management, and turnover goals for a high-volume, museum-quality boutique inside a high-profile single-artist exhibition. As a member of the Chihuly Garden & Glass Exhibition and Space Needle management team, the role demonstrates leadership, communication, self-empowerment, and resource management. The position manages product lines from sourcing and conceptualization through quality assurance and final product, and develops merchandise assortments and stories consistent with the brand. It monitors merchandise performance and profitability, manages vendor relationships and negotiations, and oversees inventory and margin goals. The Retail Buyer also supports the Buying Director with order management and vendor follow-up. This is a full-time, salaried position with a salary range of $85,000–$92,200 per year, depending on experience. Regional travel of approximately 10% is required. The employer describes itself as an equal opportunity employer and states that applicants are evaluated based on qualifications.

Requirements

Degree in a retail field or equivalent buying experience, with 2 or more years of buying experience.
Strong communication, organizational, and analytical skills.
Problem-solving and follow-up skills.
Willingness to travel regionally, approximately 10%.
Ability to work independently and as a team player.
Ability to take initiative on projects.
Strong attention to detail.
Ability to communicate effectively in English.

Nice To Haves

Buying experience in a museum setting.
Degree and/or experience in the arts.
Retail Pro experience.

Responsibilities

Source and manage new and applicable product lines.
Manage product development from conceptualization through final product.
Manage multiple product lines with varied aesthetic expectations and ensure quality.
Plan merchandise assortments that create stories and themes consistent with the brand.
Monitor merchandise selection performance and profitability.
Identify and focus on industry and art trends.
Maintain in-depth knowledge of artist Dale Chihuly, including his inspirations, influences, and impact on the art world.
Maintain professional written and verbal communication and presentation standards.
Maintain and navigate high-level partner relationships.
Negotiate with vendors for optimum pricing, timely shipping, promotional support, favorable purchase terms, and vendor compliance.
Manage inventory by analyzing vendor profitability, sales, and inventory reports.
Maintain budgeted gross margin levels, markdown dollars, and promotions.
Support the Buying Director with order management, purchase order entry, and vendor follow-up.
Manage purchase order input.
Prepare floor plans and merchandise moves.
Provide product knowledge and training.
Conduct physical inventory and reconciliation.
Process price changes, transfers, and returns to vendors.
Perform other responsibilities defined by Management.

Benefits

Medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability coverage, with optional supplemental coverage options.
Optional Flexible Spending Account for self and dependents.
401(k) plan with a 50% match on the first 6% contributed, equivalent to 3% of wages.
Deferred compensation into a 401(k) account at company shareholder discretion; eligible to participate after one year of service, with an annual plan entry date of October 1.
15 paid personal days per year.
14 days of paid time off per year.
Tuition reimbursement of 50%, up to $2,500 per year.
New child family leave of up to four weeks while on approved FMLA and enrolled in the company-sponsored medical plan.
50% discount on many Space Needle purchases, including retail, food, and beverage.
Charitable contributions/matching gift of up to $200 per year.
Paid parking or up to $250 per month toward an ORCA card.