Retail Buyer I (Book Division)

Retail Buyer I (Book Division)

The Retail Buyer I position plays a vital role in supporting the procurement and inventory management for designated product categories. This role focuses on foundational buying responsibilities, including utilizing Open to Buy (OTB) tools, maintaining inventory levels, and collaborating with vendors to meet sales and budgetary objectives. The Retail Buyer I is also responsible for analyzing sales data to inform purchasing decisions and ensuring proper stock replenishment to drive sales and operational efficiency.

Shift times vary, but the default shift is 10 : 30 a.m. - 7 : 00 p.m.

Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A / ASU / NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!

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Duties & Responsibilities

• Purchase and oversee inventory for General Books, including frontlist and backlist titles.
• Coordinate floor displays and curate event-specific book selections.
• Assist with book returns and ensure compliance with University of Arizona and state purchasing policies.
• Purchase print textbooks by reviewing faculty adoptions, analyzing enrollment and historical sales data, negotiating pricing and terms, setting up new vendors, and generating purchase orders and student files.
• Fulfill online orders through the Amazon Seller Hub and assist with inventory returns to minimize excess stock.
• Serve on the Tucson Festival of Books Author Committee, attending planning meetings, ordering titles for featured authors, and supporting book sales across multiple venues.
• Support off-site events and partnerships through book ordering, inventory coordination, and on-site merchandising.
• Participate in tri-annual inventories across multiple locations and provide logistical support for off-site book events.
• Provide administrative support for the Book Division, including answering phones, data entry, report generation, and responding to departmental emails.
• Research and resolve customer inquiries related to books via in-person, phone, or email communication.
• Serve as the designated point person during opening, closing, and weekend shifts on a rotational basis.
• Assist customers, operate the cash register, and maintain smooth service flow on the sales floor.
• Collaborate in coordinating Book Division student staff (1820 students), including hiring, scheduling, training, and performance feedback.
• Act as a resource for student staff, promoting operational consistency and a positive work environment.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.

Minimum Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications