Retail Specialist

General Position Description

Responsible for purchasing and managing inventory in retail commodities such as, but not limited to: program uniforms, program kits, general merchandise, electronics, computers, and school supplies for Valencia College's Campus Store. Processes and fulfills online orders. This is a college wide position.

Description of Job Function

1. Purchases a high volume of merchandise, compares vendor bids, establishes pricing schedules, monitors usage, assures adequate inventory stock levels, and coordinates the receiving of merchandise.
2. Maintains consistent communications with campus store managers and department heads to understand their needs and anticipate stock levels.
3. Coordinates purchasing of supplies and special orders for college-wide or department projects; receiving, packing, shipping, and delivering of goods; and returning of overstocked or defective merchandise in a timely manner.
4. Maintains data information, files, reports, price lists on assigned commodities.
5. Processes and fulfills online orders.
6. Builds kits of merchandise for resale to departments or students (e.g., nursing kits, graduation boxes, etc.).
7. Conducts consistent inventory counts as directed.
8. Reconciles and processes receiving reports, vendor invoices, and other payment documents. Ensures all products have been received prior to paying vendors.
9. Prepares and issues requests for quotes and contacts vendors.
10. Researches and monitors new industry trends, consumer behavior, or advances in product lines to anticipate demand and changes in buying patterns; makes appropriate buying decisions that will increase sales.
11. Keeps a standard of receiving procedures to assure inventory accuracy and training appropriate staff in correct receiving procedures.
12. Visits campus stores to distinguish sales history, replenish needs, and identify trends, as well as provides merchandising/receiving training.
13. Attends training, classes, tradeshows, and conferences. Meets with vendors on a regular basis to compare and contrast pricing, packaging, and overall value of products.
14. Loads and unloads campus store lockers.
15. Provides guidance to work study employees and temporary help assigned to campus store operations.
16. Travels to all campus locations on a regular basis to help ensure consistency in practices and support various initiatives.
17. Performs other related duties as assigned.