Description
Museum Store Manager & Buyer
OVERVIEW
The primary goal of the North American Bison Discovery Center Museum Store is to generate profitable revenues while extending the visitor experience through access to products and materials that celebrate our mission of advocating for the restoration of the North American bison through education and outreach. The Museum Store Manager & Buyer (MSMB) reports to the Executive Director (ED) and is responsible for over $175,000 in annual revenue brought in through merchandise sales. The Museum Store has 650 sq. ft. of retail space featuring books, clothing, jewelry, educational materials, and other items related to the Museum’s mission and its permanent and traveling exhibits. Weekly schedule is 9 AM to 5 PM Monday - Friday. The MSMB is responsible for frontline customer assistance to include assisting customers and answering the phone.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Fiscal Management
Develop and manage a strategy for long-term retail growth that aligns with the museum’s mission and strategic plan.
Assist in the development of the store’s annual budget, develop an Open to Buy plan by department and budget projections, and adhere to both.
Develop weekly, monthly, and annual sales goals, and develop store purchasing and pricing strategy (that includes a regular review of sales reports, analysis of sales trends, and adjustments to inventory and purchasing) to achieve set goals.
Report sales and inventory analysis to the Executive Director at least monthly, including targets and actuals for metrics such as Sales, Cost of Goods, Gross Margin, and Net Profit.
Procurement & Inventory Management
Collaborate with the Executive Director and Museum Curator to select products that align with the Museum’s mission, programs, and events.
Source, purchase, manage, and monitor physical store inventory (including researching trends and attending merchandise trade shows).
Establish retail pricing to achieve maximum earnings potential.
Develop and implement markdown and shrinkage control policies.
Maintain the Lightspeed Point-of-Sale (POS) system for the Store in collaboration with the Controller. Become proficient in the understanding and use of Lightspeed POS including generating purchase orders, database maintenance, report generation, and inventory valuation. Work with the Controller to analyze data to manage various metrics.
Process all cost and quantity adjustments.
Maintain effective relationships with vendors including meeting with sales reps and negotiating purchasing incentives such as delayed billing and additional discounts.
Plan, schedule, staff, and conduct annual physical inventory, and reconcile annual physical inventory count with the Lightspeed POS system.
Receiving, Pricing & Stocking
Supervise all merchandise receipt and processing, including tagging, stocking, and display. Ensure proper handling including unpacking and checking against purchase orders and packing lists.
Follow-up on all damages and incorrect shipments. Return or apply for credit as indicated.
Correctly update and maintain merchandise inventory records in Lightspeed POS.
Review and process all receiving paperwork and approve and submit invoices for payment in a timely fashion.
Visual Merchandising
Develop effective merchandising strategies that includes the design and implementation of a series of changing creative displays (including seasonal themes) that showcase merchandise.
Oversee all store displays, merchandising, and restocking, collaborating with the Visitor Services & Membership Coordinator to ensure that proper merchandising and restocking procedures are in place and being followed.
Digital Presence & E-commerce
Collaborate in marketing and communication efforts when needed, providing assistance in the development of promotional content for museum store.
Establish an active Museum Store and web presence.
Prepare and ship e-commerce orders.
Maintain the museum store’s Ecwid site not to include any changes to site design.
Store Operations & Staff Relations
Foster a collaborative, team-oriented environment.
Collaborate with the Visitor Services Supervisor to develop and execute a training program for Visitor Services Representatives, spearheading the areas that focus on store operations, using Lightspeed, product knowledge, loss prevention, stocking procedures, and other relevant inventory support functions.
Maintain the store’s physical condition and appearance and ensure all museum public spaces including parking lot, entrance, lobby, and bathroom are safe, secure, clean, stocked, and well-maintained
Keep stock room organized and tidy
Customer Relations
Model and reinforce positive customer service behavior.
When serving as the active manager on duty, diplomatically manage any customer needs and complaints in a timely and professional manner.
Answer visitor questions and other store inquiries relating to merchandise.
Other Duties
Plan and run retail booths at conferences and other shows.
Arrange for parcel shipping as needed.
Collect contact information from in-person mailing list signups.
Assist with the coordination, planning, and execution of museum events.
Assist Curator with regular facilities maintenance needs.
Other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Basic computer literacy, with working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel.
Strong writing and communication skills including attention to the details of grammar and nuances of language.
Ability to meet ongoing deadlines and deliver an accurate work product.
Highly organized with ability to multi-task and prioritize.
Excellent planning and organizational skills.
Exceptional interpersonal communication skills, strong customer service skills, and professional demeanor.
Ability to project a positive and cheerful demeanor, especially in stressful situations.
Flexibility and the ability to make thoughtful, independent decisions in a fast-paced environment.
Approachable style, ability to connect with employees and establish rapport with various personality types.
Ability to stand for long periods of time.
Ability to lift up to 20lbs.
Ability to travel to vendor shows several times a year.
This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts the North American Bison Discovery Center’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
Desired Start Date: Upon completion of a successful search.
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
Employee discount
ICHRA
Paid time off
Retirement plan
Work Location: In person
