Retail Buyer/Product Development

Works in close collaboration with retail management team to create a mix of product and a merchandising strategy that is consistent with Fort Worth Museum of Science and History's mission and provides for solid growth in sales and profits.  Responsible for all merchandise purchasing including all open market, branded and custom designed product for sale in the retail store and in the special exhibit store. Manages and maintains the open to buy budget, product sourcing, procurement, visual merchandising, inventory control, returns, markdowns, and shrinkage control.

Basic Function and Responsibilities including but not limited to:

• Responsible for full product life cycle from development to end of life strategies
• Implements a buying plan that maintains appropriate on hand stock levels
• Maintains the open to buy budget
• Prepares all purchase orders using POS system
• Collaborates with management to establish retail pricing relative to revenue goals
• Regularly reviews sales reports, analyzes sales trends and adjusts inventory and purchases accordingly
• Attends related merchandise shows, meets with sales reps, and negotiates purchase incentives such as deferred billing, discounts, co-op advertising, in store events and product exclusivity
• Responsible for leading internal cross functional teams in the development of FWMSH proprietary/branded merchandise including product design, sourcing, procurement, pricing, timely delivery, and profitability
• Works with a cross functional teams to develop advertising, marketing, and special promotions
• Sources and coordinates all necessary inventories for retail merchandising special programs including product samples, demonstrations, returns and credits
• Trains and educates staff on merchandise
• Creates and executes a visual merchandising plan
• Regularly meets with Retail General Manager, Store Manager, and Controller to review revenue, expenses, cash flow, profit margins and identifies under performing products to formulate end of life markdown plans
• Reviews all merchandise receiving reports and processes invoices for payment
• Supervises all merchandise processing including receiving, pricing, labeling, stocking and display
• Follow up on all damages and incorrect shipments, returning merchandise or applying for credit as necessary, processing paperwork through to completion
• Coordinate merchandise returns with Shipping/Receiving Manager
• Plan, supervise, and execute physical inventories

Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree with at least 8 years experience in multi category purchasing and product development in a retail environment
• Background in art, graphic design and visual merchandising desired
• Strong computer skills
• Excellent math skills

Human Resources Manager
Fort Worth Museum of Science and History
1600 Gendy Street
Fort Worth, Texas 76107
fax: (817) 255-9354