MSU Bookstore, Inc. Looking for MSU Bookstore C-Store Buyer Full Time

Overview

Incorporated in 1931, Montana State University Bookstore, Inc. (MSU Bookstore), is a student-faculty owned
cooperative that serves Montana State University and the surrounding Gallatin Valley.

As a student-faculty owned co-op, the MSU
Bookstore seeks to provide the lowest possible pricing on textbooks for our students. This is done through rebating the excess profits of
previous years’ sales back to our student owners through aggressive textbook discounting. This ongoing mission has allowed us to be a
national leader in offering competitive course material prices to our students.

Each MSU Bookstore employee is expected to promote an
atmosphere of courtesy and respect within the MSU Bookstore team by demonstrating positive leadership skills that build up the culture
within the MSU Bookstore. Some of these skills include such things as collaborative problem-solving, calm and inclusive speech, and
practicing a teamwork mindset over a harsh or authoritative delegation style. It is also a baseline expectation that all MSU Bookstore
employees celebrate our customers by engaging, advocating for, and contributing to the feeling of acceptance and inclusiveness for all MSU
Bookstore customers and employees.

Primary Purpose

In support of the MSU Bookstore mission, the MSU Bookstore C-Store
Buyer is responsible for the vendor and product selection, ordering, stock levels, and all C-Store merchandise for resale within the MSU
bookstore. The MSU Bookstore C-Store Buyer is also responsible for stock rotations on the sales floor. Also supports the general task
assignments and general supervision of part-time employees and Product Assistants assigned to the Merchandise Desk.

This position is
self-led and requires the capacity to practice effective time-management, meet tight deadlines and purchasing cycles, and successfully
self-navigate the collegiate retail market while upholding the mission of lowering the cost of course materials for all MSU students.

This position is required to regularly partner with the Shipping & Receiving Department, the Marketing & Web Coordinator, Event
Coordinator, Customer Service Supervisor, and the MSU Bookstore IT team.

This position is eligible for medical, dental, vision, and
supplementary benefits; paid vacation, and sick leave. Other benefits include employee discounts, Costco membership access, and professional
development opportunities. Competitive wage, DOE.

Essential Duties:

1. In accordance with MSU Bookstore
   metrics, this role is responsible for the purchase of all C-Store items for resale including Frito Lay and Coca-Cola products.
2. Works closely with the Customer Service Supervisor and MSU Bookstore department supervisions by regularly delegating Product Assistants,
   student workers, and part-time staff to support workflow needs in all departments.
3. In accordance with MSU Bookstore metrics and the
   Unified Purchasing Process (UPP), researches new vendors and logo products to meet the needs of the MSU Bookstore customers.
4. In
   accordance with MSU Bookstore regulations, collects bids on products where multiple vendor options are available.
5. In accordance
   with MSU Bookstore regulations and the UPP, works closely with vendors to negotiate prices, terms, and delivery methods including showing
   consistent evidence of adopting vendor bids that demonstrate the best prices, lowest order minimums, and available stock-on-hand.
6. Expected to follow each step of the Unified Purchasing Process (UPP).
7. Provides the CEO, works with regular budget forecasts
   that include sales forecasts, cost of goods sold, stock turn projections, shrinkage forecasts, initial margins, markdown cycles, forecast
   marketing expenses, and open-to-buy plan. Monitors, analyzes, and suggests budget revisions as required.
8. Utilizes Netsuite
   Enterprise Resource Planning Software (Netsuite ERP) to build and monitor inventory reports related to all MSU Bookstore logo merchandise,
   including sales forecasts, return-on-investment, cost of goods sold, implementing markdown and turn cycles, aging reports, and open-to-buy
   plan.
9. In line with the goals set by the CEO and Sales & Marketing Manager, implements a strategic dynamic pricing model that
   benchmarks to the I.C.S.R.
10. As outlined in the UPP, utilizes NetSuite ERP to build and submit purchase orders prior to product
    arriving in the store.
11. Plans in advance to address issues related to vendor stock shortages or delivery delays.
12. Under the
    general direction of the Shipping & Receiving department, works with vendors to resolve issues related to the purchase order and
    merchandise received.
13. Responsible for supporting the Shipping & Receiving department to prepare product for the sales floor
    including tagging and promotional fixture set-up.
14. Regularly partners with the Shipping & Receiving department to coordinate the
    return of all merchandise to vendors from overstock, damages, and defective merchandise.
15. Resolves customer issues in a way that
    upholds our mission of building strong community relationships and creating repeat patronage.
16. Works closely with the MSU Bookstore
    IT team and the Sales & Marketing Manager to perform inventory spot checks throughout the year to ensure accurate inventory records
    including physical counts and stock adjustments.
17. In accordance with MSU Bookstore guidelines, prepares for and participates in all
    aspects of the MSU Bookstore physical annual inventory count.
18. Demonstrates the ability to delegate to others while practicing
    effective time-management, courteousness, and professionalism.
19. Under the direct supervision of the Event Coordinator and Shipping
    & Receiving Manager, prepares non-logo gift and trade book merchandise displays and sales floor resets that successfully promotes the
    merchandise and increases product turns.
20. Spends time on the sales floor each week engaging with customers, promoting product
    upsales, and receiving customer feedback on the product selection.
21. Maintains knowledge and promotes products and services provides
    by the MSU Bookstore and its subsidiaries, including Blank Canvas Creative.
22. Interacts with customers in a friendly and professional
    manner.
23. Takes an active role in maintaining the cleanliness of the sales floor including vacuuming, dusting, product
    “go-backs/recovery,” etc.
24. Participates in end-to-shift restocking and rotating of the sales floor especially after
    high-traffic periods such as RUSH or special events.
25. Maintains a working knowledge of Netsuite ERP that is reflective of the needs
    of the business and the MSU Bookstore C-Store Buyer role.
26. Maintains current catalogs, price lists, vendor contact records, and
    related information for reference.
27. Regularly checks and utilizes the Microsoft Teams platform including communication streams,
    calendars, and procedural updates.
28. Operates a computer to enter, retrieve, review or modify data; verifies accuracy of entered data
    and makes corrections; utilizes word processing, spreadsheet, database, or other programs; performs basic maintenance of computer system and
    office equipment, such as backing up data or replacing paper, ink, or toner; coordinates service/repair activities in conjunction with the
    IT Manager as needed.
29. Performs a variety of general office duties such as filing paperwork, answering phone calls, and responding
    to emails.
30. Participates in industry training events and educational opportunities including webinars and in-person events. Attends
    all mandatory training events.
31. Maintains knowledge of products and services offered by the MSU Bookstore.
32. Practices strict
    confidentiality relating to all student (FERPA), employee, customer, Bookstore, University, and financial data.
33. Performs a variety
    of general office duties such as filing paperwork, answering phone calls, and responding to emails.
34. Communicates with the Executive
    Management Team, MSU Bookstore employees, vendors, sales representatives, the public, outside agencies, University employees, and other
    individuals in a professional, courteous, cooperative, sensitive, and congenial manner to coordinate work activities, exchange information,
    or resolve problems.
35. Cultivates and maintains positive and cooperative working relationships with all vendors, campus
    representatives, customers, and stakeholders on behalf of the MSU Bookstore as well as the University.
36.  Works in cooperation
    with departments to communicate and promote established objectives.
37. Maintains a comprehensive, current knowledge of applicable
    laws/regulations; maintains an awareness of new trends and advances in the profession; reads professional literature; maintains professional
    affiliations.
38. Works weekends and evenings during specified times of the school year or for special events.
39. Some overnight
    travel may be required.
40. Participates in store opening and closing shift rotation, stadium shifts, and annual inventory.
41. Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an
  accredited university is required, or equivalent.
• Minimum of 3 years experience as a purchasing manager or major buyer in a retail
  merchandise setting and/or a university environment.
• Experience using inventory management and proprietary software systems such as
  Oracle NetSuite.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office 365
• Strong communication skills, attention to detail expected.

Preferred Experience

• Experience using Oracle NetSuite NSPOS software or other similar POS systems.
• Experience working in a college bookstore or other high-traffic retail environment.

Working Conditions

• May require lifting up to 50 pounds regularly
• Role requires standing for long periods of time during shift
• Requires a variety of repetitive motions including squatting, bending, gripping, and kneeling.
• Regular communication via phone,
  email, and in-person is required

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

• Excellent customer service
  skills, along with excellent interpersonal, written, phone and e-mail communication skills, including the ability to work with diverse
  populations.
• Intermediate working skills of word processing, spreadsheets, email, and database applications, typically within the
  Microsoft Office Suite.
• Detail-oriented with the ability to be flexible, manage multiple tasks and shifting priorities, work under
  pressure and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work independently, be self-directed and work as a member of a team.
• Develops
  positive relationships and a positive image of the store with the campus and the community to best serve the needs of the students, faculty,
  staff, and community.