Merchandising Coordinator

Summary

Michigan Technological University is seeking a Merchandising Coordinator for our Merchandising Operations Department. The Merchandising Coordinator manages the strategic procurement, inventory health, and visual presentation for Merchandising Operations. This role is responsible for the full product lifecycle for apparel and souvenirs—from initial vendor selection and design visualization to the execution of the Open-to-Buy (OTB) process. Acting as a key leader within the department, the Coordinator ensures both retail locations are strategically stocked and visually compelling, while serving as the University Images’ point of contact in the absence of the General Manager.

Responsibilities and Essential Duties

Strategic Procurement & Inventory Management

• Execute the Open-to-Buy (OTB) process; conduct regular audits of sales data and stock levels, and assess markdowns as necessary to optimize turnover ratios, minimize deadstock, and support Merchandising Operations financial performance.
• Direct the purchasing of apparel and general merchandise within budgetary limits, selecting and working with vendors, managing lead times ranging from immediate replenishment to long-term seasonal cycles (up to one year).
• Exercise purchasing authority for designated categories; manage purchase orders, P-card reconciliations, and invoice processing with high accuracy.
• Act as the primary liaison for other university departments to create and fulfill special merchandise orders.
• Conduct surveys and market research to identify customer trends and demographic data. Analyze data and evaluate key performance metrics to determine success and shape future purchasing strategies.

Creative Direction & Brand Integrity

• Apply principles of design and color theory to visualize graphics on specific products, ensuring all merchandise aligns with university brand standards.
• Lead the design and execution of in-store displays to drive engagement and highlight promotions and new arrivals.
• Partner with the Merchandising Operations team to provide creative input for website and social media content.

Operational Leadership

• Provide functional supervision for 1-2 full-time staff and 25+ student/temporary employees; assist with scheduling and provide constructive feedback to ensure a high standard of kindness in service.
• Direct receiving, pricing, and distribution of goods between University Images and the Campus Store, particularly for special events like orientation and home games.
• Utilize university systems (Banner, PrismCore, WebFocus, Concur) to manage vendor information, inventory, budget considerations, and P-card reconciliations.
• Commit to learning about continuous improvement strategies and Lean practices and integrating them into daily retail operations. Actively engage in University continuous improvement initiatives.
• Apply safety-related knowledge, skills, and practices to everyday work.

Required Education, Certifications, Licensures

• Associate degree in business, graphic design, or a related field (or an equivalent combination of education and experience).

Required Experience

• One (1) or more years of supervisory experience in retail operations, purchasing, inventory management, and/or bookstore administration.
• Experience working with integrated retail, financial, or enterprise systems and databases.
• Demonstrated history of providing excellent customer service