Merchandise Buyer

Position Title: Merchandise Buyer

Department: Ichabod Shop

Advertised Pay: Base pay is $15.02/hour with the potential for a higher rate commensurate with experience and internal equity

Campus Location: Washburn University

Application Deadline:  Application review will begin as applications are received and will continue until the position is filled. Applicants can be assured of full consideration if submitted by: February 4, 2025.

Position Summary: Washburn University is a student-centered public institution with a diverse population. Washburn is a 2024 best college to work for, according to the Great Colleges to Work For® program. Located in the heart of Topeka, we are proud to be a cornerstone of the community. Our mission is to provide opportunities for our students to realize their full potential; we can’t do it without our dedicated faculty and staff. Join us at Washburn, and you will be part of a long tradition of excellence.

Washburn employs more than one thousand faculty and staff on our campuses throughout Topeka. We strive to offer competitive wages, an excellent benefits program, a supportive culture and a healthy work/life balance. Washburn seeks to create an environment that reflects our core values for creating positive IMPACT: inclusion, modernization, partnership, achievement, community and transformation.

The Merchandise Buyer is responsible for sourcing, following sales trends, purchasing, and delivery of products. This position is also responsible for maintaining a positive working relationship with vendors while negotiating product prices. The Merchandise Buyer will assist with the coordination and implementation of a visual strategy for merchandising and marketing products for the Ichabod Shops.

Essential Functions:
• Ensure customer satisfaction by working to create win-win situations for customers. Responsible for modeling exceptional customer service when working the floor or cash register. Provide cross-departmental sales support.
• Monitor sales, work with campus departments, and vendors to determine appropriate products to maximize sales, ROI, inventory turn, and ensure optimal merchandise performance. Negotiate with vendors directly or as a member of buying group(s) to minimize merchandise costs. Monitor and track orders with vendors as necessary to resolve discrepancies or issues that prevent timely receipt of orders.
• Collaborate with appropriate team members and staff to strategically plan and implement regular and special promotions and events to ensure their successful execution and satisfactory outcomes. The events include but are not limited to graduation ceremonies, game day sales, sidewalk sales, and back-to-school initiatives. Support marketing efforts by creating high-quality content for events, promotions, and monthly newsletters.
• Merchandising the sales floor in a visually pleasing manner, rotating and re-merchandising stock to keep displays fresh and appealing, and maximize sales.
• Assist with year-end physical inventory counts.
• Share in opening/closing duties for the Shop and may be required to work periodically on evenings and weekends.
• Pursue professional development opportunities for individual growth and to improve performance.
• Performs additional job-related duties as assigned or as appropriate.

Required Qualifications:
• High School diploma, GED or equivalent and one year of retail experience.
• Demonstrated effective interpersonal and communication skills.
• Proven ability to provide effective customer service in a retail environment.
• Proven proficiency in the use of Microsoft Word, Outlook and Excel software programs.

Physical Requirements:
• Ability to move or maneuver items weighing up to fifty pounds periodically and items weighing from ten to forty pounds regularly.
• Occasional evening and weekend hours as events or store coverage requires.

Preferred Qualifications:
• Higher Education retail experience.

Hourly, Full-time,  
Background Check Required