Gift Store Buyer & Merchandiser

Gift Store Buyer & Merchandiser

Reports to: Public Programs Manager

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Schedule: Tuesday - Saturday

ABOUT THE OCEAN INSTITUTE

Located on the waterfront in Dana Point Harbor, the Ocean Institute (OI) is a federally recognized 501c3 nonprofit. Working at the Ocean Institute offers a unique educational environment and the ability to show your appreciation for the ocean. Its enviable location creates the opportunity to build meaningful bonds within the community, as well as inspire and influence future stewards of the ocean. The Ocean Institute’s mission “Using the ocean as our classroom, we inspire children to learn”, allows anyone with a passion for the ocean to utilize their skills in a positive, productive environment.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The Gift Store Buyer & Merchandiser will be responsible for managing the selection, purchase, delivery, tagging, and merchandising of products. The Buyer & Merchandiser is a key component to the success of the Gift Shop and ensures that the correct products are being offered to our customers, and it is displayed in an appealing, organized manner.

REQUIREMENTS

• Must have retail-related degree or equivalent professional qualification.
• Must be adept with various computer programs including Square and Microsoft Office suite.
• Must have 5-7 years of retail experience, with 2 years in a retail buying role.
• Must be committed to excellence and furthering the educational and environmental mission of the Ocean Institute.
• Must be able to communicate effectively and establish rapport with staff, volunteers, customers, and vendors.
• Must be self-motivated and able to work independently in an unsupervised environment.
• Previous management experience preferred.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Oversees Gift Store product and inventory selection, display, and curation.
• Oversees receiving, tagging, and merchandising of product. Ensures that the store is clean, organized, and aesthetically pleasing.
• Maintains product selection with attention to cost, quality, profitability, customer demand, diversity and in alignment with Ocean Institute’s store goals. Goals include creating brand ambassadors with Ocean Institute merchandise, teaching about and encouraging ocean-conscious purchases, offering products for reminders of guest experiences, and providing coastal trip necessities.
• Oversees product and category analysis and monthly inventory tracking to ensure optimized sales and profit margins.
• Balances overall Gift Store inventory stock levels through timing the delivery of initial buys and replenishment.
• Responsible for vendor management and relations.
• Reviews sales performance/selling reports.
• Plans and executes markdown strategies through reviewing sales results, researching sales and inventory sales by category each month and draws conclusions to ensure greatest margin potential.
• Aligns gift shop with county lease requirements.
• Works with marketing and social media teams on promotions.
• Provide front desk & gift shop floor coverage as scheduled.
• Other activities as assigned.

PHYSICAL & MENTAL REQUIREMENTS Amount of Time

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

None

Under 1/3

1/3 – 2/3

Over 2/3

Standing

x

Walking

x

Sitting

x

Stooping/Bending

x

Using hands to finger, handle or feel (computer operation)

x

Reaching with hands and arms

x

Lifting of up to 20 lbs

x

Talking and hearing

Clear speech and good hearing both face to face and on the phone; hears well in noisy social environments

Seeing

Clear vision at 20 inches or less with or without corrective lenses; vision sufficient to drive motor vehicles safely with or without corrective lenses

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $19.00 - $22.00 per hour

Expected hours: 28 per week

Benefits:

• Employee discount

Schedule:

• 4 hour shift
• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Holidays

Ability to Relocate:

• Dana Point, CA 92629: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person