Retail Buyer I (Book Division)

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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• 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 (18-20 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

• Knowledge of purchasing strategies, inventory systems, vendor negotiations, and retail trends.
• Demonstrated ability to forecast, plan, and dynamically adjust budgets based on data.
• Strong skills in analyzing sales data, inventory metrics, and market trends to inform purchasing decisions.
• Familiarity with the publishing industry, including the ability to identify and research self-published titles and evaluate their fit for a retail environment.
• Proven ability to build and maintain effective vendor partnerships and negotiate advantageous terms.
• Understanding of and enthusiasm for literary events such as the Tucson Festival of Books, with the ability to support book selections and partnerships related to these events.
• Capable of leading teams and collaborating across departments to meet organizational goals.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and decision-making skills.
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including experience with spreadsheets, formulas, pivot tables, and data analysis for inventory and sales tracking.

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.

• Bachelor's
  degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through experience
  required.
• 1 year of relevant work experience required.

• Bachelor's degree in business, retail management, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Experience in retail buying, merchandising, or inventory management preferred.
• Experience working with author/vendor submissions, including professionally declining titles that are not a fit for the assortment.
• A strong interest in and knowledge of general trade books, including both fiction and nonfiction titles.