Sr. Retail Buyer

Lucas Museum of Narrative Art•Los Angeles, CA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Reporting to the Director of Retail & Product Licensing, the Senior Retail Buyer leads the merchandising and category buying strategy for a curated retail experience that reflects the Museum’s mission, exhibitions, collections, and storytelling approach. This role is responsible for shaping curated assortments and category strategies, identifying and negotiating with vendors, overseeing licensing and product development initiatives, and ensuring timely procurement and delivery of goods. The Sr. Retail Buyer uses customer insights, sales, margin, and inventory performance to guide category decisions, refine product mix, and optimize the visitor's shopping experience. Working cross-functionally with Curatorial, Marketing, Finance, and Retail teams, this role creates compelling product stories and mission-aligned assortments that support revenue goals and deepen audience engagement.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED
7+ years of progressive experience in retail buying, category management, merchandising, or product development, preferably within museum retail, specialty retail, lifestyle brands, cultural institutions, or other curated retail environments.
Proven success developing and managing category strategies, curated assortments, pricing, inventory investments, open-to-buy plans, and vendor partnerships that drive sales, margin, and inventory productivity.
Demonstrated experience sourcing products, negotiating commercial terms, managing vendor relationships, and overseeing the product lifecycle from concept through execution.
Strong understanding of merchandise planning, forecasting, inventory management, replenishment, and retail performance metrics, including sales, gross margin, inventory turns, and GMROI.
Experience with product development, licensing, branded merchandise, and intellectual property considerations.
Ability to analyze sales trends, customer insights, and market data to make strategic buying decisions and identify growth opportunities.
Excellent communication, negotiation, project management, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
Proficiency with retail planning, inventory management, and reporting systems; advanced Excel and data analysis skills preferred.
Passion for delivering exceptional customer experiences through thoughtfully curated merchandise assortments.
Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Belonging (DEIAB) and creating welcoming experiences for all guests and team members.
Passion for supporting efficient retail operations that align with the Museum’s mission, brand, and values

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in business, Merchandising, Retail Management, Economics, Marketing, or a related field preferred.

Responsibilities

Partner with Retail, Revenue & Engagement, and E-Commerce leadership to execute buying strategies for online and onsite stores
Develop category plans, assortments, pricing, and inventory strategies aligned with audience, exhibition, and revenue goals.
Lead product development, sourcing, licensing, and exclusive merchandise initiatives that support the Museum’s brand and mission.
Manage vendor relationships, negotiations, purchase orders, deliveries, and supply continuity.
Analyze sales, inventory, margins, and customer trends to optimize assortment performance and profitability.
Lead forecasting, replenishment, open-to-buy planning, and inventory management.
Align product launches with exhibitions, seasonal campaigns, and key Museum events.
Identify new product categories, vendor partnerships, and growth opportunities to enhance the visitor experience.
Prepare business reports, forecasts, and insights to support strategic retail planning.
Collaborate with Marketing, Creative, and Retail teams on product launches, promotions, merchandising, and storytelling across store channels.
Provide merchandising guidance, product knowledge, and assortment direction to support store readiness and sales performance.