Licensed Merchandise Buyer - VolShop - UTK

The Licensed Buyer develops and executes merchandise strategies for assigned licensed product categories to drive sales, margin, and brand growth for the VolShop. This role uses customer insights, sales analytics, and emerging AI tools to curate trend-right assortments, optimize pricing and inventory decisions, and improve product lifecycle performance. The Buyer partners closely with vendors, licensing partners, and internal teams to introduce innovative products and strengthen the VolShop's brand presence. With a focus on data-driven decision-making, the position plays a key role in

• Selects specialty merchandise and negotiates optimal costs, terms, and delivery timelines for assigned categories.

• Analyze sales, inventory, and margin performance by store, class, and SKU to identify opportunities and inform strategic decisions.

• Execute the open-to-buy process to guide in-season business management and maximize financial results with input from inventory management consultants .

• Develop and lead the allocation strategy for assigned categories, ensuring alignment with assortment plans and maintaining accuracy and adherence to budget.

• Negotiates with vendors and attends trade shows and buying events. Identifies and sources new products for assigned categories. Updates website with merchandise images and product descriptions.

• Creation of SKUs and purchase orders for incoming merchandise.

• Work with the distribution center to ensure correct flow of merchandise.

• Regularly monitor emerging trends and competitor activity to inform merchandising strategy.

• Process price changes and markdowns, collaborating with the Distribution Center to resolve issues related to style numbers, pricing, tagging, and UPC information.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree

• 2 years’ experience in a retail environment

• 1 year buying for retail operation

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment-based visa status.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 3 years’ experience buying for a collegiate retail operation preferred

• Knowledge and understanding of retail math
• Understanding of the culture at the University of Tennessee and passion for the licensed merchandise
• Some formal training or education in the retail industry
Knowledge of and experience with Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies.

Pay Details: Market Range 06