Overview:    

Position Summary:

The Purchasing Agent is responsible for sourcing, selecting, and procuring merchandise for the Museum store and Divy’s, the Museum grab & go café. The position is responsible for ensuring merchandise aligns with the Museum’s mission, exhibits, and visitor interests while maintaining quality standards, managing inventory levels, and negotiating prices with vendors to optimize profitability. The purchasing agent will also work cross-departmentally to ensure inventory levels are maintained and the sales staff are knowledgeable. 

Qualification's:    

Position Requirements:

 Strong understanding of retail principles and merchandising techniques.

 Excellent verbal communication skills and ability to present information clearly and confidently.

 Excellent critical thinking and judgment skills.

 Analytical skills to interpret sales data and manage inventory effectively.

 Knowledge of museum operations and the ability to align merchandise with the museum’s mission a plus

 Food service ordering a plus

Education and/or Experience:

 Minimum 2 years’ experience as a buyer or purchasing agent preferred.

 Point of Sales (POS) and cash handling experience preferred.

 Computer skills using Word and Excel preferred. 

Supervisory Responsibility:

None

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee works in a typical interactive exhibit environment with moderate noise levels.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

 High level of public contact.

 Regularly required to stand and walk for long periods of time, climb ladders and stairs.

 Occasionally lift and or move up to 30 pounds.

 Speak and hear sufficiently to communicate clearly in person, over the telephone, and in small groups.

 Mental stamina for problem solving and dealing with stressful situations; prioritizing multiple tasks; interpreting and applying oral/written instructions.

 Ability to bend, carry, reach to the side, front and overhead, push, pull, walk, stand, twist and squat, grab, squeeze are repetitive motions required of the position.

 Occasionally exposed to outdoor elements including high and low temperatures, precipitation, and wind.

 Regularly exposed to moderate noise in and around exhibits.

 Occasionally exposed to small and/or enclosed spaces. 

Job Responsibilities:    

Essential Functions/Major Responsibilities:

 Merchandise selection

o Store

 Research and identify potential vendors offering products relevant to the Museum’s mission, exhibits, themes and guests.

 Evaluate product quality, design, and price to ensure alignment with the Museum’s brand image.

 Select merchandise that complements the current exhibits and programming.

 Stay updated on market trends and new product offerings to introduce fresh items.

o Divy’s

 Research and identify potential vendors offering products relevant to the Museum’s mission, exhibits, themes, events, and guests.

 Stay updated on market trends and new product offerings to introduce fresh items.

 Inventory Management

o Monitor inventory levels to identify stock needs and prevent overstocking or shortages.

o Analyze sales data to inform purchasing decisions and optimize inventory turnover.

o Conduct regular stock checks and manage the inventory tracking system.

 Vendor Management

o Establish and maintain relationships with reliable vendors.

o Negotiate pricing, payment terms, and delivery schedules.

o Manage purchase orders.

o Address any quality issues or discrepancies with vendors.

 Pricing and Merchandising

o Determine appropriate retail pricing for merchandise based on cost, market analysis, and profit margins.

o Develop merchandising strategies to effectively display products, including seasonal displays and thematic arrangements.

 Administrative Tasks

o Maintain detailed records of purchases, invoices, and vendor information.

o Prepare reports on sales performance and inventory levels for management.

o Collaborate with staff to coordinate marketing and promotional activities for merchandise.

 Interact with visitors in a friendly, professional manner and deliver exemplary customer service.

 Other duties as assigned.