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
Purchase merchandise for the museum’s gift shops.
Determine retail prices and markdowns.
Monitor sales data for timely reordering.
Communicate product info to shop staff so they can share it with customers.
Attend trade shows to order new merchandise.
Notify shop supervisors of updates such as items out of stock temporarily, or discontinued items, and price increases/decreases.
Create and maintain positive professional relationships with vendors and other colleagues.
Assist with annual physical inventory for all shops.
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 in retail, especially some work in a buying office placing orders or reorders.
Solid computer skills including Google office, and experience with a retail software system for inventory and point of sale.
Excellent communication skills and interpersonal skills.
Strong organizational and time management abilities. Attention to detail.
Ability to travel occasionally, mostly regionally.
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.
Work sitting or standing for extended periods of time.
Employee is required to handle products of varied materials, some breakable, some have fragrances
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:
Work is generally performed in a typical climate-controlled office environment or in the gift shops.
The noise level varies from quiet to loud.
Must be able to work in a variety of temperatures, as some of the work may occasionally occur outdoors.
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.
Position Type and Salary
- Full-time, year-round
- $42,000 - $46,000 annually
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