KU Bookstore General Merchandise Buyer

Job Details: Job Location: Lawrence, KS 66045, Position Type: Full Time, Salary Range: $21.00 Hourly, What We’re Looking For

The General Merchandise Buyer supports apparel and gift merchandise operations across all KU Bookstore locations. This position is responsible for purchasing and replenishing merchandise, maintaining inventory accuracy, and coordinating promotions and clearance activities across in-store and online channels. The Buyer also supports custom merchandise orders, Bookstore Originals product development, licensing and royalty reporting, and student employee task coordination. This role works closely with internal teams and vendors to maintain product availability, ensure accurate pricing, and support successful merchandise operations.

 

Pay Rate: The anticipated pay for this position starts at $21.00 per hour. The final rate will be determined based on qualifications, experience, education, and years within the job or industry.

 

Schedule: This is a full-time position, averaging 40 hours per week. Days and hours of work will vary based on the needs of the position. There is open availability, but preference will be given to those who can work the closing shift. Early morning, evening, and weekend work may be required. 

 

What You'll Do

Maintain accurate apparel and gift inventory records across all locations, including item setup, purchase orders, costs, pricing, and product information. Research inventory discrepancies, coordinate cycle counts and transfers, and resolve receiving issues with Shipping & Receiving.
Purchase and replenish merchandise by monitoring sales trends, inventory levels, vendor lead times, and seasonal needs. Recommend purchasing and assortment adjustments within approved budgets.
Coordinate promotional activities and sales events, including product uploads, pricing updates, system setup, scheduling, and activation of weekly promotions, flash sales, and other approved offers across in-store and online channels.
Manage quarterly clearance activities by identifying aging and slow-moving merchandise, recommending markdowns, coordinating pricing updates and retagging, and monitoring sell-through.
Coordinate departmental and custom merchandise orders, including product recommendations, quotes, artwork development, customer and licensing approvals, order entry, vendor coordination, and delivery.
Support Bookstore Originals product development and inventory management by coordinating product selection, garment assortments, internal production orders, and finished-goods inventory. Recommend reprints, size adjustments, and product discontinuations based on sales performance.
Maintain licensing approval records and prepare required sales and royalty reporting in coordination with apparel production and the Business Office.
Communicate merchandise, pricing, and merchandising updates across Bookstore locations. Coordinate and provide direction to student employees completing inventory counts, product setup, item research, and retagging.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Assistant Director or their designee.

 

What’s Required to be Considered

High school diploma or equivalent GED required.
Minimum of two (2) years of experience in retail buying, merchandising, inventory management, or a related retail environment.
Ability to analyze sales trends, inventory performance, and customer demand to support purchasing and merchandising decisions.
Experience with inventory management systems, retail pricing, and markdown processes.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a high-volume retail environment.
Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate with internal teams, vendors, and campus partners.
Ability to provide direction to part-time student employees, assign tasks, and ensure work is completed accurately and timely.
Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, and Outlook, and experience using retail or inventory management systems or similar software.
Sound judgment, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
Ability and willingness to work occasional early mornings, evenings, or weekends during peak retail periods, including back-to-school, athletic events, holidays, and special events.

 

Preferred Qualifications

Associate's or bachelor's degree in business, retail, or a related field.
Previous experience purchasing art and supply products in a retail environment.

 

Benefits

Eligible full-time employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including:

Medical, dental, and vision insurance
Life insurance
Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
Retirement plan with a 7.5% employer contribution after eligibility requirements are met
Two months of paid parental leave
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Employee meal benefits and additional KU employee perks
Professional development and advancement opportunities

 

Duties & Responsibilities of All KU Memorial Union Positions

Adhere to University and KU Memorial Union policies and procedures.
Demonstrate the organization's core values and apply the seven Team Principles in your role by aligning your work with our Lines of Effort: Our People, Engaging Programs, Outstanding Service, Collaborative Partnerships, Inviting Spaces, and Budget Management.
Support the KU Memorial Unions End State as described by the Executive Director, and work to achieve and uphold the department's mission and core values: community, dignity, empowerment, excellence, innovation, and safety.
Follow the 7 Team Principles: competence, creating a cohesive team through mutual trust, creating shared understanding, setting clear leader intent, written/verbal communication, disciplined initiative, and risk management.
Demonstrate a positive, solution-oriented attitude in performing job responsibilities and collaborating with colleagues to foster a respectful and productive work environment.
Always exhibit professional decorum while representing the KU Memorial Unions and the University, including routine events and meetings that occur outside of the office, around campus, and out in the community.

 

 
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