Merchandise Buyer

Concordia College is fully committed to affirmative action and equal opportunity in employment decisions in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws, for all individuals without regard to race, color, creed, sex, religion, national origin, age, veteran’s status, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, familial status, public assistance status or membership or activity in a local human rights commission.

Inquiries regarding compliance may be directed to the Director, Human Resources, Concordia College, 901 8th Street South, Moorhead, MN 56562, Lorentzsen Hall, Room 150, 218-299-3339. We are committed to providing equal opportunity in the recruitment process for qualified individuals with disabilities.

If you need assistance with the application process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at hr@cord.edu or 218-299-3339, or visit the Human Resources Home Page.

Position Details

Position Title:
Merchandise Buyer

Position Type:
Staff

Location:
Moorhead

Employment Type:
Hourly Non-Exempt

General Employment Period:
January - December

General Work Schedule (days of week):
Monday - Friday with approximately 15 weekend days per school year

General shift hours:
8:00am - 5:00pm

Job Summary:

The Merchandise Buyer is responsible for direct purchasing of multiple merchandise categories. Accountability within categories include achieving profit objectives, inventory management, merchandise selection, merchandise display and plan-o-grams, promotional planning, website maintenance, and fulfillment of customer orders. The Merchandise Buyer trains and oversees student employees designated to work in the buyer's merchandise categories. Additional responsibilities include maintaining the bookstore’s merchandising sales floors, planning and assisting with promotional events, assisting as needed in other areas of the store, and providing exceptional customer service.

Job Duties/What You'll Do

• Conduct purchasing of and maintain inventory levels in Wearing Apparel and Gifts. Maintain accuracy in inventory control system in buying categories. Coordinate Service Award Program and Concordia Recordings with campus partners.
• Coordinate merchandising for, and assist with bookstore special events, promotions and sale events.
• Create and maintain Cobber Bookstore's website online catalogs. Process customer online and phone orders. Monitor and assist with customer questions on bookstore’s email account.
• Coordinate Wearing Apparel and Insignia Gift department's floor plan and product layout for bookstore locations.
• Train and oversee student employees that work within buying categories.
• Assist as needed in other areas of the store. Compile data and process reimbursement requests for vendor coop funds.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or by equivalent education or experience
• Experience with inventory control system purchasing
• Three plus years of retail experience
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Exceptional customer service skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Two plus years of Buying or Assistant Buying experience
• Retail experience in bookstore industry
• Ability to effectively supervise employees

Skills and Abilities:

• Create and implement merchandise and product plan-o-grams
• Maintain inventory levels within budget allocations
• Experience with website maintenance

Position Opening Date:
1/8/2026

Position Closing Date:

Open Until Filled:
Yes

Screening Begins:
1/26/2026

Benefit Eligible:
Yes

Benefits and Salary:

Concordia College is proud to offer a competitive total compensation package:

• Health Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account
• Vision Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Preventative Chiropractic Program
• Retirement Plan
• Long-Term Disability Insurance (full-time only)
• Life Insurance (full-time only)
• 13 Paid holidays including the time off between Christmas and New Year's
• Paid parental leave
• Up to 100% tuition with discounts and scholarships for yourself and dependents at Concordia College and Concordia Language Villages
• Up to 50% tuition discount for dependents with Oak Grove Lutheran Schools
• Up to 100% tuition discounts for dependents with participating partners: CIC-TEP, ELCA schools, and Tuition Exchange Inc.
• Extras: access to athletic facilities, library, fitness classes, athletic events, theatre events, purchase dining on campus, free MATbus rides
• Salary – 19.25 - 22.75 USD Hourly Wage

The final salary will be determined based on factors such as education, experience, skills, certifications, and alignment with the position's requirements. Other considerations may include internal equity and market conditions.

EEO/AA Statement:
Concordia College will not discriminate against or harass any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, creed, sex, religion, national origin, age, veteran’s status, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, familial status, public assistance status, membership or activity in a local human rights commission, or any other legally protected status.

Employment Contingencies:
Background Check

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Documents Needed to Apply

• 
  Required Documents
  • Resume
  • Cover Letter
    
• Optional Documents
  
  • List of References
  • Licensure
  • Certification
  • Training
  • Other