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 the Director 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.
• Assists in resolving discrepancies; verifies invoices and 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 RetailPro 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. An equivalent combination of education, 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 RetailPro 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 communication skills.
• Knowledge of Asian culture is a plus.
• Ability to accurately perform basic bookkeeping tasks, cash handling and reconciliation skills.
• Ability to deal with museum staff, volunteers, and the public in a courteous, helpful, and efficient manner; problem always solve and exercise good judgment and diplomacy; prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work independently; demonstrate integrity, flexibility, and initiative.
• Ability to work weekend and some evening hours. 

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Standard office, stockroom, and retail environment.
• Sitting, standing, squatting, bending, and lifting.
• Computer and phone use. 
• Involves lifting, moving, and stocking merchandise.
• Retail store work involves periods of extended standing and frequent ascending and descending stairs.

COMPENSATION  

 The Asian Art Museum is committed to practicing salary transparency. The hourly range for this position is $29.1891 - 35.0569/hr. This FLSA non-exempt opportunity includes a generous benefits package, including but not limited to:   

• Fully covered medical, dental and vision insurance for employee 
• 12 paid holidays (2025) 
• 15 days of vacation 
• 12 days of sick leave 
• Group retirement plan starting after one year of employment 

This position is represented by Local 1021, Service Employees International Union.      

New hires typically start at the beginning of the wage range.

OUR DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION COMMITMENTS    

At the Asian Art Museum, we are dedicated to ideating, building, and holding ourselves accountable for Diversity, Equity, Accessibility & Inclusion in everything we do. We strive to foster a culture of respect, belonging and inclusivity for all employees.
Our mission is to celebrate, preserve, and promote Asian and Asian American art and cultures for local and global audiences. We provide a dynamic forum for exchanging ideas, inviting collaboration, and fueling imagination to deepen understanding and empathy among people of all backgrounds.    

Diversity of thought and experience is essential to our mission, and we are committed to recruiting, hiring, and retaining a diverse workforce. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply.    

WHAT'S NEXT?    

Apply online at https://about.asianart.org/careers/. Ensuring a smooth and enjoyable candidate experience is critical for us. Application materials will be screened in relation to the criteria described. Candidates deemed to be the most highly qualified will be invited to participate in the interview process. Our interview process tends to take about 4 weeks to complete but may fluctuate depending on the role. Appointment is subject to completion of a thorough background check process.    

The Asian Art Museum is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, reproductive health decisions, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, genetic information, political views or activity, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories (arrest and criminal histories) consistent with applicable federal, state, and local law.

Salary : $29