|
Duke University Job Description: |
Job Title: ASST MGR, MERCHANDISING |
Job Code: 1715 |
FLSA: E |
Job Level: 11 |
Revised Date: 12/06/2023 |
Job Family: JF 28 |
The Assistant Manager of Merchandising is responsible for assisting the General Manager of Retail Operations and store management in the purchasing and replenishment of Duke apparel and related items for Duke University Stores in a manner that meets the service and business needs of the department. This position is also responsible for the entire academic apparel and class ring programs which includes consulting with the President's Office, University Office of Special Events & University Ceremonies, the Registrar and others, as appropriate, to manage all aspects related to the ordering and distribution of academic apparel for various ceremonies and Duke University's commencement ceremonies.
Works under the direction of the General Manager of Retail Operations and Duke Stores' management to monitor industry-wide shifts in the collegiate licensed apparel market. Manage the research, selection, ordering, and replenishment of Duke apparel and related merchandise to ensure the proper stock is on hand, in the right place, and at the right time. Implement a comprehensive plan to sustain a leading role in service and financial performance.
Meet with vendors to determine product purchase selection and quantities. Negotiate orders with vendors, evaluate proposals, and determine best sources based on quality, services provided, costs, and other relevant criteria. Review stock levels at all stores regularly, ensuring timely and sufficient replenishment.
Maintain specific financial reports and records pertinent to store operations and the procurement program.
Evaluate vendor performance, resolve issues, process damages and returns, and implement solutions to enhance vendor performance. Track and analyze retail sales item data to anticipate item quantities and customer needs and changes to those needs to ensure that merchandise is on hand in the manner, time frame, and quantities needed to meet customer demand.
Assist in creating new inventory records, receiving incoming merchandise transfers, verifying packing slips for accuracy of quantities received, ensuring that all UPCs are properly linked in the Netsuite retail system, and verifying that all items are priced correctly with appropriate department codes. Work with the Distribution Center to ensure deliveries are made in a timely manner.
Assist in the development of marketing and sales plans for Duke apparel and other special projects as assigned such as the Duke Law School PILF Program and on- site sales as well as departmental programs and high priority custom orders.
Collaborate with the management team to coordinate the display of merchandise and merchandise allocation from the warehouse facility to the retail operations. Work with store managers to develop layout plans for the display of merchandise.
Research negative on hand inventory reports as requested and assists with annual store inventories.
Directly oversee and manage all aspects of the Academic Apparel, Graduation Expo and Class Ring Department. Consult with high-ranking University Officials and Administrators both on-site and via phone/email on all academic apparel needs for all special ceremonies; respond to Trustees, VIPs, speakers, faculty, Senior University Administrators, guests, undergraduate students, graduate students, faculty, and parents regarding academic apparel and cap needs; initiate purchase orders for academic apparel, caps, hoods and tassels; coordinate on-site pickup and/or personal delivery, obtain appropriate University space for academic apparel distribution and robing. Responsible for all academic apparel inventory and ensuring academic apparel and caps are returned to the manufacturer in a timely manner. Ensure there is adequate Duke Ph.D academic apparel on-hand at all times. Collaborate and assist the Duke Kunshan Department related to academic apparel needs for ceremonies and events.
Track all aspects of ordering and distributing academic apparel and graduation announcements including: creating purchase orders, ensuring merchandise is received in a timely manner, overseeing distribution, handing returns to manufacturers, inventory and storage. Ensure that the colors, styles, insignia and degree designations on all academic apparel exactly match the degrees and universities applicable to each person participating in Duke Ceremonies.
Handle all Duke Class Ring Program sales and events, approximately 10 events per year. Handle all advertising for the Duke Class Ring Program in the Chronicle, letters to parents, post cards to students and class Facebook page, etc. Verify orders with the Registrar's Office that are taken at events or online to ensure they meet eligibility and other requirements. Is responsible for answering all questions and requests related to the Class Ring Program and related matters.
Serves as a Manager on Duty for the University Store and Duke Team Store as requested. Plan and schedule work for the group, ensuring proper distribution of assignments and adequate manning, space, and facilities for subsequent performance of tasks. Make work assignments in accordance with predetermined schedules; review the work of employees in lower classifications; assist in training new personnel. Perform other related duties incidental to the work described herein.
| Education/Training: | Work requires business, analytical, communications and organizational skills generally acquired through completion of a bachelor's degree program. |
| Experience: | Work generally requires three to five years business and management experience in the relevant areas and a proven successful track record including direct experience in purchasing and managing the replenishment of collegiate apparel in a high-volume collegiate retail environment. Prefer experience with the Netsuite retail system. OR AN EQUIVALENT COMBINATION OF RELEVANT EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE |
| Skills: |
|
The intent of this job description is to provide a representative and level of the types of duties and responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title and shall not be construed as a declaration of the total of the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.
Duke University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.
Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas-an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.
Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.