Buyer Associate - College Store

Position Description Summary

Henry Ford College presents an opportunity for a Buyer Associate at the College Store.

The Buyer Associate will coordinate and perform all operations related to the ordering and merchandising of supply and soft good items sold in the College Store.

Core Competencies and Qualifications

• Minimum of an Associate degree, preferably in business, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• In lieu of an Associate degree, a minimum of four (4) years, full-time professional experience in a closely related field, supplemented by professional development training or related college-level courses, may be considered.
• Retail buying and merchandising experience preferred.
• Ability to communicate effectively (verbal and written) with employees at all levels in the organization and with external parties, such as vendor representatives and others doing business with the college.
• Ability to organize work and work without constant supervision.
• Must have good judgment, maturity, dependability, honesty, high ethical standards, and a professional attitude.
• Understanding and commitment to HFC Mission.
• Self Management - Sets well-defined and realistic personal goals; displays a high level of initiative, effort, and commitment towards completing assignments in a timely manner; works with minimal supervision; is motivated to achieve; demonstrates responsible behavior.
• Product Evaluation - Knowledge of methods for researching and analyzing external products to determine their potential for meeting organizational standards and business needs.
• Dependability and Reliability - Behaves consistently and predictably; is reliable, responsible and dependable in fulfilling obligations; diligently follows through on commitments and consistently meets deadlines. Demonstrates regular and punctual attendance; rarely is late for meetings or appointments.
• Decision Making - Makes sound, well-informed, and objective decisions; perceives the impact and implications of decisions; commits to action, even in uncertain situations, to accomplish organizational goals; causes change.
• Electronic Commerce (eCommerce) - Knowledge of the principles, methods, and tools for conducting business online, including electronic data interchange.

The most successful candidate will have a career that reflects the following:

Retail buying and merchandising experience, preferably in a college environment using PrismRBS inventory control module.

• Flexibility - Is open to change and new information; rapidly adapts to new information, changing conditions, or unexpected obstacles.
• Accountability - Holds self and others accountable for measurable high-quality, timely, and cost- effective results. Determines objectives, sets priorities, and delegates work. Accepts responsibility for mistakes. Complies with established control systems and rules.
• Teamwork - Encourages and facilitates cooperation, pride, trust, and group identity; fosters commitment and team spirit; works with others to achieve goals.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities including but not limited to

• Coordinate and perform all operations directly related to the ordering and merchandising of supply and soft goods sold in the College Store. Determine when items require markdowns and keep up with them monthly.
• Meet with sales representatives regarding product information and purchasing items for resale. Must be available for buying trips, meetings, and conferences that may require traveling out of state.
• Knowledge of buying groups and familiarity with group pricing versus independent vendor pricing.
• Ability to make buying decisions independently. Knowledge of current styles and trends is also essential.
• Work with faculty on supply items they require for classes, such as art supplies, drafting kits, etc.
• Create purchase orders and receiving documents using the computerized inventory control system (PrismCore).
• Enter invoice information on computer, release purchase orders, and authorize payment of invoices.
• Work with Accounts Payable to resolve any vendor payment issues.
• Directly supervise the receiving, pricing, and stocking of all above items.
• Work closely with and instruct the sub employees on correct pricing and stocking procedures.
• Responsible for merchandising of the sales floor and keeping basics in stock at all times.
• Prepare correspondence and conduct phone/Internet inquiries regarding availability, quality, price, discounts, etc. of various supply and soft good items.
• Follow up on orders to ensure timely delivery of materials.
• Investigate items received over/short and substitute items when a given product is not available.
• Independently resolve issues to the manager’s satisfaction.
• Maintain vendor and purchase order files and accurate inventory records.
• Prepare returns of defective and incorrectly delivered items. Obtain return authorizations from vendors, if needed.
• Knowledge of all office machines, systems, and cash registers.
• Assist with the following: run the cash register, process customer returns, work the customer service desk, process online orders, work on the floor assisting students, answer phones, sign for UPS shipments, and fill in for lunches, vacations, and other absences.
• Supervise and assist in all store inventories.
• Perform other duties as assigned within the scope of qualifications and/or training.

Additional Information

While we have attempted to capture the core functional responsibilities in the role, the statements contained in this job announcement reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility. It should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Therefore, performing additional job-related duties not listed above may be required as assigned. For applicants viewing this ad from an external site, please go to hfcc.edu/jobs to apply.