Store Merchandise Buyer
Top Benefits
About the role
Department Vice-President Facilities & Operations - Bookstore
Salary range $50,837.16 to $68,637.60
Hours per week 35
Grade 7
Posted date July 28, 2025
Closing date August 12, 2025
Position Type Full Time - Operating Funded
Description
This position is a part of the Non-Academic Staff Association (NASA).
This position offers a comprehensive benefits package.
Location - This role is in-person at North Campus, Edmonton.
Working at the University of Alberta
The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all FirstPeoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.
The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.
Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people — from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.
Working for the University of Alberta Bookstore
The University of Alberta Bookstore is your source for class course materials, lab kits, school supplies, U of A merchandise and more!
Position Summary
Reporting to the Merchandise Supervisor and working in collaboration with the entire store team, the Store Merchandise Buyer is responsible for the selection and purchase of products and for realizing the revenue and brand potential of the promotional products business. The aim of the Store Merchandise Buyer is to provide students, faculty, staff, and the public a trustworthy and well-stocked department where they shop for all of their product and promotional needs.
Duties
Merchandise Buying
- The incumbent would monitor, create, and scrutinize the formation of replenishment purchase orders using a variety of vendors to effectively flow the correct and up-to-date inventory to the Store for assigned departments.
- Purchasing may include general merchandise, course materials, and/or promotional items. They would optimize in-stock and execute effective inventory flow, adjusting to sales fluctuations and keeping within set budgets, while mitigating shrink and following all University policies.
Client Relationship and Advancement
- The incumbent would identify, initiate, and sustain customer relationships to advance promotional product sales.
- Ensures the orders placed meet the University brand standards and are within the customer’s budgets.
Qualifications
Education & Experience
- College diploma or university degree in business, economics or administration, preferably with a concentration in strategic merchandising, visual merchandising, procurement, supply chain management and/or retail operations (equivalent combination of education and/or experience will be considered)
- Formal training in customer service, merchandising and open-to-buy is an asset
- Minimum one year of experience working in a retail setting, with accountability for achieving sales/margin goals and targets, gaining purchasing and/or merchandising experience and providing customer service
- Minimum one year of experience creating and executing visual merchandising plans in relevant product categories
Skills
- Self-motivated, creative, entrepreneurial and comfortable working on multiple concurrent projects in a busy, student-and market-oriented educational environment.
- Demonstrated cultural sensitivity, including the ability to appreciate diversity with an understanding of differences and similarities among cultural groups.
- Excellent customer service skills, including, but not limited to, timely communication, proactive problem solving and conflict resolution
Knowledge
- Comprehensive working knowledge of Microsoft Office and G-Suite applications
Less than 18 months to be competent in the role after working through one cycle of each event held in the store.
At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.
All University employees have a responsibility to foster a workplace that prioritizes safety in all its forms—physical, cultural, and psychological. This is achieved by promoting a safe environment, adhering to all safety laws, policies and procedures, completing all required safety training, identifying hazards and implementing controls, reporting incidents, and contributing to a culture of inclusivity and respect, while endeavoring to ensure that all colleagues feel valued and safe to express their thoughts, perspectives and concerns.
The University of Alberta is committed to creating a university community where everyone feels valued, barriers to success are removed, and thriving connections are fostered. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women, First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons, members of visible minority groups, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.
L’Université de l’Alberta s’engage à créer une communauté universitaire où chaque personne se sent valorisée, où les obstacles à la réussite sont éliminés et où des connexions enrichissantes peuvent se développer. Nous accueillons les demandes de toutes les personnes qualifiées. Nous encourageons les femmes; Premières nations, Métis et Inuits; membres des groupes minoritaires visibles; personnes handicapées; personnes ayant une orientation sexuelle ou une identité et une expression sexospécifique; et tous ceux qui peuvent contribuer à la diversification des idées et à l'université à postuler.
Note: This opportunity will be available until midnight August 12, 2025, Edmonton, Alberta local time.
About University of Alberta
The University of Alberta is one of Canada’s top teaching and research universities, with an international reputation for excellence across the humanities, sciences, creative arts, business, engineering, and health sciences. Home to more than 39,000 students and 15,000 faculty and staff, the university has an annual budget of $1.7 billion and attracts nearly $450 million in sponsored research revenue. The U of A offers close to 400 rigorous undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs in 18 faculties on five campuses. The university has more than 250,000 alumni worldwide.
The university and its people remain dedicated to the promise made in 1908 by founding president Henry Marshall Tory that knowledge shall be used for “uplifting the whole people."
Store Merchandise Buyer
Top Benefits
About the role
Department Vice-President Facilities & Operations - Bookstore
Salary range $50,837.16 to $68,637.60
Hours per week 35
Grade 7
Posted date July 28, 2025
Closing date August 12, 2025
Position Type Full Time - Operating Funded
Description
This position is a part of the Non-Academic Staff Association (NASA).
This position offers a comprehensive benefits package.
Location - This role is in-person at North Campus, Edmonton.
Working at the University of Alberta
The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all FirstPeoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.
The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.
Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people — from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.
Working for the University of Alberta Bookstore
The University of Alberta Bookstore is your source for class course materials, lab kits, school supplies, U of A merchandise and more!
Position Summary
Reporting to the Merchandise Supervisor and working in collaboration with the entire store team, the Store Merchandise Buyer is responsible for the selection and purchase of products and for realizing the revenue and brand potential of the promotional products business. The aim of the Store Merchandise Buyer is to provide students, faculty, staff, and the public a trustworthy and well-stocked department where they shop for all of their product and promotional needs.
Duties
Merchandise Buying
- The incumbent would monitor, create, and scrutinize the formation of replenishment purchase orders using a variety of vendors to effectively flow the correct and up-to-date inventory to the Store for assigned departments.
- Purchasing may include general merchandise, course materials, and/or promotional items. They would optimize in-stock and execute effective inventory flow, adjusting to sales fluctuations and keeping within set budgets, while mitigating shrink and following all University policies.
Client Relationship and Advancement
- The incumbent would identify, initiate, and sustain customer relationships to advance promotional product sales.
- Ensures the orders placed meet the University brand standards and are within the customer’s budgets.
Qualifications
Education & Experience
- College diploma or university degree in business, economics or administration, preferably with a concentration in strategic merchandising, visual merchandising, procurement, supply chain management and/or retail operations (equivalent combination of education and/or experience will be considered)
- Formal training in customer service, merchandising and open-to-buy is an asset
- Minimum one year of experience working in a retail setting, with accountability for achieving sales/margin goals and targets, gaining purchasing and/or merchandising experience and providing customer service
- Minimum one year of experience creating and executing visual merchandising plans in relevant product categories
Skills
- Self-motivated, creative, entrepreneurial and comfortable working on multiple concurrent projects in a busy, student-and market-oriented educational environment.
- Demonstrated cultural sensitivity, including the ability to appreciate diversity with an understanding of differences and similarities among cultural groups.
- Excellent customer service skills, including, but not limited to, timely communication, proactive problem solving and conflict resolution
Knowledge
- Comprehensive working knowledge of Microsoft Office and G-Suite applications
Less than 18 months to be competent in the role after working through one cycle of each event held in the store.
At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.
All University employees have a responsibility to foster a workplace that prioritizes safety in all its forms—physical, cultural, and psychological. This is achieved by promoting a safe environment, adhering to all safety laws, policies and procedures, completing all required safety training, identifying hazards and implementing controls, reporting incidents, and contributing to a culture of inclusivity and respect, while endeavoring to ensure that all colleagues feel valued and safe to express their thoughts, perspectives and concerns.
The University of Alberta is committed to creating a university community where everyone feels valued, barriers to success are removed, and thriving connections are fostered. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women, First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons, members of visible minority groups, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.
L’Université de l’Alberta s’engage à créer une communauté universitaire où chaque personne se sent valorisée, où les obstacles à la réussite sont éliminés et où des connexions enrichissantes peuvent se développer. Nous accueillons les demandes de toutes les personnes qualifiées. Nous encourageons les femmes; Premières nations, Métis et Inuits; membres des groupes minoritaires visibles; personnes handicapées; personnes ayant une orientation sexuelle ou une identité et une expression sexospécifique; et tous ceux qui peuvent contribuer à la diversification des idées et à l'université à postuler.
Note: This opportunity will be available until midnight August 12, 2025, Edmonton, Alberta local time.
About University of Alberta
The University of Alberta is one of Canada’s top teaching and research universities, with an international reputation for excellence across the humanities, sciences, creative arts, business, engineering, and health sciences. Home to more than 39,000 students and 15,000 faculty and staff, the university has an annual budget of $1.7 billion and attracts nearly $450 million in sponsored research revenue. The U of A offers close to 400 rigorous undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs in 18 faculties on five campuses. The university has more than 250,000 alumni worldwide.
The university and its people remain dedicated to the promise made in 1908 by founding president Henry Marshall Tory that knowledge shall be used for “uplifting the whole people."