Job Summary
The Campus Store is seeking a Retail Apparel Buyer, who will
report directly to the Sr. Associate Director for retail buying, merchandising and inventory management to procure all apparel merchandise
offered at the University Campus Stores and ecommerce sites including, but not limited to University of Utah licensed and non-licensed
men’s, women’s, and children’s clothing. The overall product mix includes athletic, fashion and lifestyle brands.
The University of
Utah is the state’s public flagship institution and a top-tier research university. The University Campus Store is the retail arm of the
university and is consistently ranked in the top 15 of institutionally run Campus Store’s in the nation. We serve over 40,000 students,
faculty and staff along with the millions of visitors to campus each year.
At the University Campus Store we are dedicated to
supporting the mission of the University, including its foundational values of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, Campus Safety, Health and
Well-Being, Sustainability and Academic Freedom. We are dedicated to supporting these values and preparing students from diverse
backgrounds for lives of impact as leaders and citizens. We believe in the responsible stewardship of our intellectual, physical, and
financial resources, ensuring the long-term success and viability of the institution. We are looking for staff who can support this missing
and provide a welcoming and engaging experience to the Campus Store and University students, faculty, staff and guests.
This role
will be responsible for buy apparel merchandise for The University Campus Store, branch store locations, and the ecommerce website which
includes selecting products, developing assortment plans, negotiating terms, developing pricing strategy and achieving established financial
objectives to increase revenue. They will assist with managing product selection for the ecommerce website, through sales performance
evaluation. The buyer will manage key vendor accounts for brands like Under Armour, Champion and Albion. Additionally, they will develop
seasonal merchandise assortments, stay up-to-date on current market trends, and determine timeliness of merchandise deliveries to maximize
sales performance and achieve customer satisfaction. Maintains current inventory to minimize markdown liabilities while increasing inventory
turnover. The buyer will develop a competitive retail pricing strategy, while achieving set gross margin objectives. They will work with a
diverse buying team of up to 6 staff members consisting of full-time staff and University of Utah interns.
Impact on
Organization
The Campus Store is dedicated to supporting the mission of the University by fostering student success and
preparing students from diverse backgrounds for lives as impactful leaders and citizens. The University of Utah believes in the responsible
stewardship of our intellectual, physical, and financial resources, ensuring the long-term success and viability of the institution. This
position contributes to this mission through maximizing the buying power of the Campus Store to meet all store financial
objectives.
What does a successful candidate look like
Successful candidates have knowledge of commonly used
concepts, practices, and procedures within the retail management field. Relies on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Is
dedicated to training and sharing knowledge with colleagues. Understands and supports the mission of the University and the Campus
Store.
In the addition to salary, the University of Utah prides itself in our total benefit package, including but not limited
to the following:
11 paid Holidays per year
14.2% employer contribution to retirement, where you pay nothing
Free UTA public transportation pass
Basic Life Insurance provided up to $25,0000
50% tuition reduction for employee,
spouse, after 6 – 12 months of employment and dependent children after 3 years of full-time employment
Health coverage options that are
both affordable and allow for access to care through the University of Utah health system
Paid parental leave (in addition to FMLA), if qualified
Professional development opportunities
Options for short-term and long-term disability
insurance, supplemental life insurance, and HSA / FSA savings plans are
available
Employee discounts on a variety of products and services including cell phones & plans, entertainment, health and fitness,
restaurants, retail, and travel
Responsibilities
Develops seasonal merchandise assortments, identifies trends, and
determines timeliness of merchandise deliveries to maximize sales performance and achieve customer satisfaction.Maintains “current”
inventory to minimize markdown liabilities.Develops extensive merchandise assortment plans at the store, class, vendor and color/size matrix
level.Understands and follows all University licensing guidelines for insignia products.Works with the vendors to develop exclusive
merchandise. Manages vendor relations, determines the vendor matrix, negotiates all costs, discounts, markdown allowances, shipping fees and
coop funds.Buy merchandise and/or take markdowns and/or coordinate sales events as needed and within budgeted guidelines to ensure proper
stock levels, margins and turns at all times.Provides product information and merchandising direction to the store personnel.Works closely
with the merchandising group to assure the integrity of the product. Forecasts new merchandise and reorders to achieve optimal inventory
levels during Athletic events, Holiday, Commencement and other key campus events. Works with the Marketing staff to develop promotional
plans at the event, vendor and product level.Analyzes and reports effectiveness of campaigns and promotions.Meet weekly with order
fulfillment and sales manager to determine inventory levels needed.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelors degree in Business,
Accounting, related field or equivalency (one year of education can be substituted for two years of related work experience). Knowledge of
purchasing and contracting policies, laws and regulations as well as demonstrated human relations and effective communications skills also
required.
Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position
description.
Preferences
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite or related
software.Organized with attention to detail.Five years buying experience in a retail setting. Knowledgeable about buying
trends.Understanding of Athletics Licensing and how it effects the buying procedure.
Special
Instructions
Requisition Number: PRN36159B
Full Time or Part Time? Full Time
Work Schedule Summary:
M-F 8a-5p, some weekends and holidays
Department: 00435 – University Campus Store
Location: Campus
Pay Rate
Range: $58,000 – $66,000 DOE
Close Date: 9/22/2023
Open Until Filled: No
To apply, visit https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/152465
jeid-e5c32094752ab447ab0c6a3356a56bcb 
