Buyer, Textbooks - University Store

The University of Wyoming is delighted to receive your interest in our vacant position!  We strive to connect with qualified and uniquely talented individuals to join our campus community.  We would love to hear how your experiences translate to this position, the University’s Mission, Vision, and Values, and encourage you to submit an application today!

JOB TITLE:   

Buyer, Textbooks - University Store 

JOB PURPOSE:

Under the direction of the Store Director, the Course Materials Buyer is responsible for the procurement and time-critical provision of all course materials for all academic programs at The University of Wyoming.  The position will enhance the student learning experience through careful engagement with faculty in selecting course materials in all formats, strengthening campus community relationships, and supporting the strategic role of the University Store's mission.  Additionally, this position supervises the general book department (non-course materials) and assists with opening and/or closing of the store.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Supervise the textbook area; assess needs and future planning of area; purchase all new and used textbooks for all academic areas; maintain inventory and records.
• Resolve customer and vendor problems in obtaining items or refusing orders, tracking shipments, meeting deadlines, and procuring special order items.
• Properly price all textbooks.
• Sell and process textbooks electronically.
• Process invoices, credits; receive, record and tabulate all necessary financial and inventory control information.
• Advise and assist faculty and staff on procedures/policies relative to new and used textbook procurement.
• Supervise personnel, financial, and operational aspects of the textbook area.
• Recommend procedural changes for area; assist in development and maintenance of operational guidelines for area.
• Interpret policy and procedures to support staff and patrons.
• Work with vendor representatives to secure advantageous pricing.

SUPPLEMENTAL FUNCTIONS:

• Recommend hiring, training, supervising and evaluating support staff; maintain scheduling of staff; provide and/or arrange for backup in areas as necessary.

COMPETENCIES:

• Technical/Professional Knowledge
• Conflict Management
• Service Orientation
• Negotiation
• Work Tempo
• Judgment 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:      

Knowledge of:

• Purchasing procedures. 
• Retail management principles and practices. 
• Staff hiring procedures. 
• Customer service standards and procedures. 
• Academic bookstore operations. 
• Trends and cycles in the sale of university course material. 
• Retail inventory control, gross margin analysis, and discounting principles. 
• Budgeting, cost estimating, and fiscal management principles and procedures. 
• Federal, state, and local regulations for the operation of a retail establishment. 
• Financial/business analysis techniques. 
• Procurement rules and regulations. 
• Textbook vendors and procurement procedures. 
• Retail floor merchandising and stock control procedures.
• Purchase orders and related accounts payable documentation.    

Skills and Abilities to:

• Effectively communicate, both orally and in writing. 
• Organize and maintain records. 
• Receive, stock, and deliver goods. 
• User computers, preferably in a PC, Windows-based operating environment. 
• Work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community. 
• Budget preparation and fiscal management. 
• Foster a cooperative work environment. 
• Develop and maintain record keeping systems and procedures. 
• Make administrative/procedural decisions and judgments. 
• Supervise and train staff, including organizing, prioritizing, and scheduling work assignments. 
• Resolve customer complaints and concerns. 
• Organize resources and establish priorities. 
• Examine and re-engineer operations and procedures, formulate policy, and develop and implement new strategies and procedures.  

Working Location: 

This position provides vital support to campus customers and requires the successful candidate be available to work on campus.

The successful candidate must be eligible to work in the United States, as sponsorship for work authorization or work visas is not available for this position. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:  

Education:  Bachelor’s degree in a related field