Assistant Buyer

Position Summary

The Assistant Buyer position is a great entry level job for a person with some retail experience who wants to develop their skills in buying. The Asst. Buyer position is perfect for someone who enjoys retail, is both creative and analytical, comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with a collaborative team, and appreciates the Museum’s educational mission. The Asst. Buyer selects and purchases appropriate merchandise for PPM’s gift shops.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Order/reorder merchandise as assigned.

  • Review sales and on-hand reports for timely reordering.

  • Create and maintain positive professional relationships with vendors and other colleagues.

  • Order and reorder products, determine mark-up.

  • Maintain files for all PO’s and correspondence with vendors.

  • Obtain product information from vendors.

  • With our other buyers, attend trade shows to source products.

  • Notify shop supervisors of any relevant changes, such as items out of stock temporarily, or discontinued items, and price increases/decreases.

  • Assist with annual physical inventory for all shops.

  • Provide a friendly and welcoming presence for all guests and coworkers throughout the Museum. Support the Museum’s mission, and core values.

  • When needed, work in shops or stockroom at the request of the Operations Manager.

  • Attend meetings as requested by the Operations Manager.

This description is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, skills, requirements or working conditions associated with the job. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of key responsibilities of the job as it is at present, management reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or different tasks be performed as assigned. This job description may be reviewed by management at any time either to ensure that it relates to the job currently being performed, or to incorporate changes. Management reserves the right to change a job description; and if/when doing so will discuss with the employee so that any changes are understood by the employee.

Required Skills

  • Experience in retail, preferably with some experience related to buying.

  • Analytical skills; ability to read and interpret relevant reports.

  • Excellent communication skills – spoken and written. Fluent in English.

  • Great customer service skills; enjoys meeting new people.

  • Solid computer skills including MS Office, Google Suite, and experience working with a databased, preferably some retail POS and/or inventory software.

  • Strong organizational abilities and attention to detail required.

  • Excellent time management skills.

  • Must be able to read and comprehend written and oral instructions and follow directions.

Schedule is generally 35 hours per week. 9-5 M-F with an unpaid hour for lunch. This position requires attending trade shows/artisan fairs, so weekend work is sometimes required. The Museum is open seven days per week including holidays, and has some special events, so some flexibility in work hours/days off is necessary from time to time.

Education and Experience

  • High School Diploma or Equivalent required, Bachelor's Degree preferred, but not required.

  • Experience in multi-unit or large destination gift shops is a plus

Additional Requirements

The Museum is open 7 days a week April through the end of November. You must be available to work some holidays, including Thanksgiving Day. Hours are generally 9-5 M-F. However, this position requires attending trade shows, craft fairs and artisan shows, so weekend work is frequently needed. The Museum is open seven days per week including holidays, and has some special events, so some flexibility in work hours/days off is necessary.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands and work environment outlined here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform successfully the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • The employee is required to sit or stand for extended periods of time.

  • Possess some degree of dexterity.

  • The work requires some physical activity.

  • Work sitting or standing for extended periods of time.

  • Should be capable of lifting and moving objects, up to 15 pounds.

  • A valid driver’s license is required. Should be able to drive or ride in vehicles for extended periods.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job:

  • Some areas of the workplace are outdoors and therefore not climate controlled.

  • Must be able to work in a variety of temperatures, as some of the work may occasionally occur outdoors.

  • The noise level in the workplace varies from quiet to loud.

Core Commitments

Whether part-time or full-time, year-round or seasonal, all staff and volunteers at Plimoth Patuxet advance the Museum’s educational mission and strategic goals; they uphold the museum’s core values and principles in their work and in all their interactions with the public and coworkers. This commitment helps to ensure that Plimoth Patuxet’s reputation for excellence is maintained and that we, as stewards of the Museum, are helping to create a relevant and sustainable future for Plimoth Patuxet. The core principles that guide us in our work are:

  • Safety and Comfort

  • Compassionate Customer Engagement

  • Professional Excellence

  • Personal Accountability

  • Create a Culture of Philanthropy

  • Teamwork

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply by submitting a PDF file of your resume, and cover letter to apply@plimoth.org, or by submitting them by US mail to the following address:

Plimoth Patuxet Museums
Attn: Human Resources
137 Warren Avenue
Plymouth, MA 02360