Retail Buyer

Position Summary

The Buyer is a goal-oriented self-starter; analytical, creative, comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with a highly collaborative team, and passionate about the Museum’s educational mission and retail. The Buyer selects and purchases appropriate merchandise for PPM’s gift shops to maximize sales and gross margins. Works with vendors to create custom merchandise exclusive to PPM.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Source, develop and purchase merchandise for assigned categories.

  • Manage open-to-buy budget. Through timely purchasing, maximize sales and inventory turns. Determine retail prices to increase gross margins; meet annual sales goals.

  • Monitor inventory levels and analyze sales data for timely reordering.

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

  • Order and reorder products, determine mark-up.

  • Keep accurate and complete paperwork on file for all PO’s and correspondence with vendors.

  • Develop, evaluate and negotiate terms with vendors including price, MOQ, shipping costs and payment terms to maximize sales and gross margin.

  • Obtain product information that helps to sell the product. Communicate that info to the staff in the shops so they can share it with customers.

  • Attend trade shows, gift and artisan craft shows, to source products.

  • Develop private label programs and custom packaging.

  • Identify retail and product trends.

  • Write copy for the online shop and for signs in shops.

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

  • Examine products as needed to check for accuracy and quality.

  • Work with Development, Membership, Group Sales and Marketing on sourcing, designing, developing and/or customizing unique products to be used for premiums, commemorative gifts and promotional items for trade shows.

  • 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, vision, core values and customer service.

  • When needed, work in shops or stockroom.

  • Attend meetings as requested by the Retail Operations & Merchandising 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

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • Experience as a buyer or assistant buyer in specialty retail.

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

  • Excellent communication skills – spoken and written.

  • Must have strong computer skills including MS Office Suite, and retail software such as RPRO.

  • Strong organizational abilities and attention to detail required.

  • Excellent time management skills.

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

  • Ability to travel locally/regionally as well as out of state on buying trips.

  • Great time-management skills; ability to work to tight deadlines

  • High aptitude for process thinking and execution

  • Superb communication skills, both spoken and written

  • A valid driver’s license is required.

Education and Experience

  • Minimum 3 years’ experience in retail, especially as a buyer.

  • College degree preferred but not required

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.

  • Work sitting or standing for extended periods of time, and walking around at craft fairs and large trade shows.

  • Employee is required to handle products of varied materials, some breakable. Some products have strong fragrances; some are made of animal products such as fur or leather.

  • Possess some degree of dexterity.

  • The work requires some physical activity.

  • 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.

Additional Requirements

The Museum is open 7 days a week April through the end of November. You must be available to work Saturdays, Sundays and some holidays, including Thanksgiving Day. Typical hours during the Museum’s Open Season (March-November) are 9:00am - 5:00pm, five days a week through the end of November, and 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Monday – Friday from December through March. Flexibility in work hours and days off is required. Depending on the season, this position may include working additional night/weekend hours or days as needed

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 of their interactions with the public and with coworkers. This commitment helps to ensure that Plimoth Patuxet’s reputation for excellence is maintained and that, as stewards of the Museum, we are helping to create a relevant and sustainable future for Plimoth Patuxet Museums. The core principles that guide us in our work are:

  • Safety and Comfort
  • Compassionate Customer Experience
  • Professional Excellence
  • Personal Accountability
  • Advance 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