Museum Store Assistant Buyer

Are you passionate about retail, organization, and working behind the scenes to bring inspiring products to life—especially those that celebrate Asian culture and craftsmanship? Do you thrive in a creative, mission-driven environment where culture, commerce, and storytelling intersect? Join our museum retail team as an Assistant Buyer and play a key role in shaping a unique shopping experience for our visitors.

Under the direction of theDirector of Retail Operations, the Assistant Buyer supports the buying function that keeps our museum store dynamic, well-stocked, and aligned with our brand and exhibitions. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who loves retail operations, but also enjoys collaborating with vendors, and doesn’t mind jumping onto the sales floor when needed.

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the direction of the Director of Retail Operations, the Assistant Buyer provides direct support to the buying function by performing a variety of administrative and retail operations duties, including ordering and tracking, inventory and purchase order management, and vendor communication. Additionally, as needed, the Assistant Buyer assists in setting up displays according to the merchandising plans and assists in the museum store, working on the sales floor.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Enters new inventory items into POS inventory system and Shopify or similar system; creates purchase orders; monitors all open purchase orders; verifies receipt of purchase orders by vendors; tracks open purchase orders including calling vendors, verifying pricing issues; updates purchase order costs as directed.
• Works with the Inventory Manager in maintaining POS system and online store including integrity of data and generation and analysis of report.
• Assists in reviewing sell-through by vendor, exhibition, merchandise classification and analyzes historical sales activity and current sell through to maintain appropriate inventory levels in basic merchandise categories.
• Assist s i n resolving discrepancies ; verifies invoice s an d resolves discrepancies with vendors and with Museum Store Stockroom Coordinator and Inventory Manager as necessary; contacts vendors to rectify shipping errors; communicates with vendors and Inventory Manager regarding over/shorts, damages, and returns.
• With the approval of the Director of Retail Operations, processes all inventory markdowns, price changes, and adjustments.
• Maintains vendor listings in Retail Pro or similar system with current information and sets up new accounts; maintains vendor and merchandise source files for the buying office; reviews vendor price lists for cost changes; reviews retail pricing as necessary.
• Assists with basic inventory management including fiscal year physical inventory, cycle counts, periodic and seasonal re-orders, and maintains existing display as sell-down occurs.
• Assists in setting up window, tabletop and furniture displays, as well as periodic reworking of the sales floor displays as needed.
• Serves as liaison between the store staff/volunteers and the buying office in answering any questions on merchandise or pricing, referring to the Director of Retail Operations as needed.
• Assists with the organization and production of special events for the museum store ( e.g., artisan markets, members' day, author appearances, and events).
• Assists the Director of Retail Operations on sales and inventory forecasting and the budget process.

OTHER FUNCTIONS

• Provides miscellaneous administrative support to Director of Retail Operations as needed.
• Performs other duties and projects as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree; major in Business or equivalent. Anequivalentcombinationofeducation, training, and experience may be considered.
• Retail, buyer and/or merchandising experience highly desirable.
• Previous museum or nonprofit experience preferred.
• Experience with computerized POS/inventory management system strongly preferred. Knowledge of Retail Pro and Shopify a plus.
• Strong creative and artistic aptitude, analytical and organizational skills; detail-oriented, dependable, and conscientious.
• Solid computer skills, including Word and Excel.
• Excellent written and verbal…