Retail Buyer - Cornell Retail Services

As a dynamic hub of the Cornell University campus, a recognized national leader in collegiate retailing, and a self-funded enterprise, Cornell Retail Services strives to deliver legendary customer service and quality products to meet the needs of the Cornell Community. In service of Cornell students, faculty, staff, alumni, and visitors, the Cornell Retail Services team leads a multi-channel retail business, including a 22,000 sq. ft. flagship campus store, three e-commerce sites, and satellite store locations throughout the Ithaca area and NYC, ultimately producing $26 million in annual retail sales.
Cornell Retail Services is part of the division of Student & Campus Life (SCL) which inspires transformation in all Cornell students on their journey of individual, academic, and personal evolution. Our division is comprised of leading student affairs experts who support our campus on pressing student life matters including public service, health, wellness, social justice, residential living, food services, sports, recreation, career services, and student activities and organizations including sorority and fraternity life. Our nearly 4,000 staff and student employees who make up SCL embrace the opportunity to represent the division and strive for excellence as we shape the Cornell student experience, one interaction at a time.

   

Under the general direction of the Manager of Retail Buying, the Retail Buyer is responsible for supporting the product selection and development of general merchandise category for the Cornell Store, branch store locations, and the e-commerce website ensuring offered products meet the needs and wants of our customer base. This includes assisting in buying and sourcing decisions, implementing predetermined pricing strategies, monitoring sales performance, and reviewing merchandise assortments that allow for the best pricing and contract terms to be achieved and meet established financial objectives that increase revenue. The Retail Buyer is also responsible for determining and achieving optimal inventory levels on new merchandise and reorders through appropriate forecasting to effectively meet sales needs in normal operations and during seasonal events while minimizing markdown liabilities.

A successful Retail Buyer will:         

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  Demonstrate a personable, professional, and service-oriented demeanor to work effectively with both internal and external customers and clients.
  
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  Collaborate with various members of The Cornell Store team to ensure successful communication and implementation of merchandising plans, new products, sales, and promotions.
  
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  Demonstrate superior organizational skills with the ability to multi-task, problem-solve, and prioritize in an ever-changing, customer-focused environment.
  
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  Have honed negotiation skills to confidently work with vendors on new and renewing contracts, and effectively address issues as they arise.
  

Required Qualifications:

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  Associate’s degree with at least 2 years of relevant experience, particularly in retail and/or inventory management including extensive data analysis and inventory management or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  
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  Effective oral and written communication skills, including demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office products.
  
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  Must be willing to travel and be able to work some evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed
  
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  Experience in and/or demonstrated commitment to supporting diversity, equity, access, inclusion, and well-being.
  
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  Experience working directly with people from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
  

Preferred Qualifications:

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  College industry experience is highly desirable
  
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  Experience sourcing emblematic apparel & gifts is strongly preferred.
  

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. This position is located in Ithaca, New York. The successful applicant will be expected to work on campus.

   

Familiarize yourself with Cornell's COVID-19 workplace guidance as well as the university's COVID-19 services and information .

  

University Job Title:

Retail Associate

Job Family:

Auxiliary Services

Level:

E

Pay Rate Type:

Salary

Pay Range:

$58,660.00 - $61,593.00

Remote Option Availability:

Fully Onsite

Company:

Endowed

Contact Name:

Jana English

Job Titles and Pay Ranges:

Non-Union Positions

Noted pay ranges reflect the potential pay opportunity for each job profile. The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:

• Prior relevant work or industry experience

• Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position

• Unique applicable skills

• Academic Discipline (faculty pay ranges reflects 9-month annual salary)

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Union Positions

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Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University’s heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, and we do not tolerate discrimination based on any protected characteristic, including race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex/gender, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual’s genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law. 

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2024-02-27