Assistant Buyer - Smithsonian Enterprises : Job Details

The Smithsonian Institution is currently seeking an Associate Buyer to join the Museum Store Merchandising team in Washington DC. The Associate Buyer will assist with merchandise selection and procurement of product for the retail stores within the Smithsonian museums. The Associate Buyer will be responsible for maximizing sales, margins, and turnover by managing inventories and assortment by store.

Duties and Responsibilities include the following:

• Works with the Buyer to achieve budgeted financial measurements including Sales, Gross Margin %, Gross Margin $, and Inventory turnover.
• Assists with the development of sales plans for assigned departments and by store for budgeting process. Assists with the development of annual and seasonal assortment plans at department and class level.
• Participates in the Assortment Plan process. Assists with the analysis of history and current year performance to identify opportunities and liabilities.
• Manages replenishment purchase orders from the initial allocation through the end of the life cycle of merchandise.
• Monitors inventory levels at warehouse and stores to ensure in-stock position
• Responsible for managing purchases, receipts, and markdowns to ensure appropriate flow of merchandise relative to sales opportunities.
• Ensures correct Basic Stock Levels on key items and ensure the Basic Stock system is working correctly - Adjusts as needed.
• Ensures the Automated Reorder process and Automated Replenishment process are working accurately and in a timely manner.

Education and Experience:

Bachelor's degree (B.A.) from four-year college or university, and/ or at least 5 years retail buying and/or planning experience and training. Specific merchandising experience related to apparel is preferred.

• Knowledge of retail market and industry
• Knowledge of Open to Buy, with strong analytical and financial planning skills.
• Ability to budget and achieve budget metrics.
• Skill in Microsoft programs (Excel, Word, and Power Point). Ability to produce and analyze spreadsheets/planograms.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to successfully promote ideas to both internal and external partners.
• Strong negotiation skills, as well as the ability to plan, organize, execute, and follow-through.
• Demonstrated ability to meet multiple deadlines and to manage conflicting priorities.
• Strong problem-solving skills, service orientation, excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work well with diverse range of people.
• Museum experienced preferred.

Salary: $72k to 78k annually - Salary commensurate with experience

To apply: Email resume and cover letter with salary requirements to

[email protected]

Please include job title in the subject line. No phone calls, please.

Excellent Benefit programs including Health Insurance, Life Insurance, Dental/Vision Insurance, Transit/Commuter Benefits, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, Annual and Sick Leave, Family Friendly Leave, 403b Retirement Program, Smithsonian Discounts, Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care)

Final candidate selection will be subject to the applicant's successful completion of a pre-employment background check and subsequent background investigation for a position classified as low risk. Selectee will be required to serve a one-year probationary period. Applicants must be eligible for employment within the US without sponsorship. This is not a Federal Service position.

The Smithsonian Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe that a workforce comprising a variety of educational, cultural, and experiential backgrounds support and enhance our daily work life and contribute to the richness of our exhibitions and programs.

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