Retail Buyer

FSA's Mission is to maintain and enhance the quality, diversity, cost, and value of food in the campus dining programs, improving fiscally prudent and affordable food plans for students While ensuring the availability of desired and appropriate merchandise, products, and services for the campus community; Fostering and supporting the campus' core mission of academics, research, scholarship and intellectual creativity, inclusivity, and sustainability

ASA's Mission is to maintain and enhance the quality, diversity, cost, and value of food in the campus dining programs, improving fiscally prudent and affordable food plans for students While ensuring the availability of desired and appropriate merchandise, products, and services for the campus community; Fostering and supporting the campus' core mission of academics, research, scholarship and intellectual creativity, inclusivity, and sustainability.

POSITION DETAILS:
FLSA Status: Exempt
Salary: $66,300.00 - $70,000.00
Schedule: Generally Monday-Friday day shift, night shift, and weekends as needed

Position Summary:
The Campus Store is seeking a dynamic and detail-oriented Retail Buyer to oversee the purchasing of all Stony Brook University and Seawolves apparel and merchandise. This individual will be responsible for curating a strong product assortment that aligns with brand standards, customer demand, and market trends. Additionally, this role will serve as the primary point of contact for campus departments, student organizations, and customers placing custom orders for imprinted Stony Brook and Seawolves apparel and merchandise. This position also requires overseeing all inventory and quality control standards for the store.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, with a focus on retail management or a related field like marketing, e-commerce, or supply chain management or a related field or an Associate's degree and 2 years of transferable program/function experience.
• 5 years of purchasing, supply chain management, business administration, logistics, or a related field preferred.
• Experience in a retail environment, preferably at a university or specialty store.
• Strong negotiation, analytical, and decision-making skills
• Proven experience in a managerial role, preferably in a similar industry
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills
• Capability to manage multiple tasks efficiently in a dynamic, deadline-driven environment
• Willing to assist in all phases of accessory merchandising, buying, and product development
• Ability to make group presentations, negotiate, coach, sell, and implement recommendations
• The ability to demonstrate tact, judgment, and flexibility to motivate and direct activities effectively.
• Ability to initiate, plan, and organize work.
• Ability to communicate effectively through oral and written channels.
• Advanced computer skills, including database management.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Internal and external customer service experience.
• Ability to work as part of a team and independently.
• Strategic thinking and the ability to align initiatives with business objectives.
• Ability to meet travel requirements associated with this position.
• Ability to meet acceptable background check standards.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as appropriate.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of university-branded merchandise, licensing, and retail trends.
• Experience with e-commerce platforms and online product management.
• Internal and external customer service experience.

Responsibilities/Essential Functions:
Purchasing

• Research, source, and purchase merchandise that aligns with customer preferences, brand identity, and sales goals.
• Monitor pricing strategies to maintain competitive and profitable margins.
• Maintenance of open-to-buy and achievement of profitability goals.
• Regularly monitor stock levels and analyze sales trends and customer feedback to identify which items need replenishment or are in high demand.
• Develop and maintain strong vendor relationships to secure competitive pricing, unique product offerings, and favorable turnaround times.
• Coordinate with vendors on order fulfillment, delivery timelines, product availability, and quality control.
• Collaborate with the marketing department to ensure the vendors have the correct file format and setup, including university-specific PMS colors.
• Stay updated on fashion and collegiate retail trends to introduce innovative product offerings.
• Track industry trends, competitor offerings, and sales performance to make data-driven recommendations for product selection.
• Work with vendors to resolve issues with incorrectly imprinted apparel or merchandise orders, ensuring corrections, refunds, or appropriate compensation are provided.
• Planning a balanced assortment by department, class, style, and color while maintaining the proper mix of inventory
• Allocate product based on store plans, profiles, and merchandise assortments.
• Analyze selling by store and region on a seasonal basis, to affect allocations and recommend future purchases.
• Communicate with store management regarding merchandise flow, forward-looking styles, and exit strategies.
• Maintenance of an open-to-buy and achievement of profitability goals.
• Shops retail, interacts with consumers, and forecasts market trends.
• Arranges for submission and inspection of sample products.
• Secures and analyzes quotations, negotiates prices and terms with suppliers, with respect to cost, quality, and delivery competitiveness,
• Analyze and update reports (on-order, ATS, etc.) and implement recommendations.
• Other duties may be assigned.

Work Environment:
This role operates in a retail store and office setting, requiring occasional travel for vendor meetings, trade shows, and conferences. Evening and weekend work may be required for this position.

ASA is an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO and Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities.

No relocation or VISA Sponsorship is available.
ASA may make reasonable accommodations to enable applicants to participate in the hiring process and employees to perform their essential functions. If you require an accommodation to participate in the selection process, you are encouraged to contact Human Resources at (631) 632-9306.

FSA is an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO and Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities.

No relocation or VISA Sponsorship is available.
FSA may make reasonable accommodations to enable applicants to participate in the hiring process and employees to perform their essential functions. If you require an accommodation to participate in the selection process, you are encouraged to contact Human Resources at (631) 632-9306.

Salary : $66,300 - $70,000