Textbook Buyer
POSITION PURPOSE:
This position is primarily responsible for the coordination of the textbook department, facilitating the acquisition of texts for each semester; from adoption by Faculty to returns at the end of each semester. This position will need to exercise independent judgment within specific guidelines and standards. It also provides marketing and merchandising assistance with non-text merchandise sold to enhance school identity.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Knowledge of:
- English sufficient to communicate effectively with internal and external customers during in person, written and telephone interactions.
- Computerized inventory control systems such as Missouri Bookstore Systems, sufficient to place orders, maintain and update inventories.
Ability to:
- Use customer service skills in person, in writing and on the telephone sufficient to communicate effectively with internal and external customers in a multitude of situations that requires courtesy, problem solving and the ability to organize ideas logically.
- Stand during the day with frequent bending, lifting and moving materials weighing up to 50 pounds.
Skill in:
- Math, accounting practices and bookkeeping sufficient to independently calculate retail pricing margins, reconcile purchase order activity and perform closing procedures for the retail store operations.
- Standard computer software programs for word processing, spreadsheets, and e-mail.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Associate degree or certificate of business or similar discipline.
- Minimum of four years retail experience with emphasis on purchasing, inventory and marketing.
- Ability to work under pressure and multi task during high demand periods.
- Skill in using inventory control systems, such as Missouri Bookstore Systems, to purchase campus book needs
- Working knowledge of forecasting (margins, turnover and cost of goods sold), publishers, wholesalers and book distributors to make informed buying decisions.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES include BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:
- Generate purchase orders for new and used textbooks in a timely manner. Control the inventory levels each term by returning unsold stock on hand in a timely manner.
- Create a want list for used books, which provides best margin for the store and the best prices for the students.
- Coordinate the purchase of new and used textbooks through the use of wholesalers.
- Participate in the planning, scheduling, and coordination of book buy backs; select books for buy-back according to College schedules and inventory needs.
- Assist the Bookstore Supervisor with marketing and outreach programs including developing strategies, marketing processes, guidelines, and brand identity rules and standards that are critical and impact the stores operations.
- Assists customers in locating and purchasing books by working on the sales floor during peak times.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OF POSITION:
· Ability to perform work that requires the following lifting/carrying strengths:
o Lifting/carrying 50 lb. maximum, 25 lb. (or less)
o Occasionally move books on sales floor and work with returns 3+ times per year.
· Ability to perform in a work environment which may include the following physical functions:
o Frequent: Standing, walking, lifting waist to chest, reaching, simple grasp, talking, hearing, near vision (up to 20), midrange vision
o Occasional: Sitting, lifting above shoulder, lifting below waist, carrying, pushing, pulling, stooping, kneeling, twisting/pivot, repetitive foot, repetitive arm, firm grasp, fine manipulation, feeling, far vision (over 20), depth perception.
· Ability to move on feet daily, occasional heavy lifting, frequent lifting > 25 lbs. above the waist.