General Merchandise Buyer/Accounts Receivable, Bookstore, Competition # COPE-22-25, Thunder Bay, ON

General Merchandise Buyer/Accounts Receivable

Bookstore

Thunder Bay Campus

Full-Time, Permanent

COPE, Level 7

Competition # COPE-22-25

Under general supervision, the incumbent will procure general merchandise, including clothing, drinkware, gifts, cards, degree frames, and other miscellany, for the purpose of resale in the bookstore and online through the bookstore’s website. A job fact sheet detailing the required duties is available in the Office of Human Resources.

DUTIES:

• Acts as the bookstore’s trusted advocate for all general merchandise products with the retail and online markets;
• Discuss new product lines with vendors, either in-person at trade shows or during representative visits to the store;
• Negotiates pricing, oversees and approves artwork, and utilizes existing software to purchase orders to respective vendors
• Adds new products into the store’s retail management system Bookware 3000 where required;
• Receives all external shipments of general merchandise from oner 75 vendor partners;
• Reconciles discrepancies between packing slips, invoices, and purchase orders with vendors;
• Utilize existing resources to contact vendors regarding the tracking, expedition or return of merchandise that does not conform to specifications;
• Partners with the manager of the satellite campus store in Orillia, splitting general merchandise orders where necessary, or arranging and receiving transfers;
• Shelves products and creates window and table displays, choosing location and placement to optimize sales;
• Collaborates with University partners to prepare and produce signage and other promotional materials;
• Participates in daily maintenance of the sales floor, by conducting regular walkthroughs and inspections of inventory;
• Procures custom orders of general merchandise such as apparel, pins, drinkware, employee service awards, tote bags, etc. for the purpose of re-sale to the university departments and student clubs;
• Receives all custom orders shipments of general merchandise and reconciles discrepancies between packing slips, invoices and purchase orders with vendors, freight companies, and custom brokers. 
• Runs start and end of day procedures, including daily cashing in and out of tills;
• Prepares and balances daily cash and deposits for both the Thunder Bay and Orillia stores;
• Perform other duties as required

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum Post-Secondary education in Business Administration or related field;
• A proven track record in retail purchasing or supervisory experience in a retail environment (minimum 2-3 years) working with inventory and budget management in a retail setting;
• Knowledge of computerized accounting/bookkeeping, including a solid working knowledge of retail operations;
• Ability to organize and prioritize a diverse workload in a fast-paced environment;
• Ability to handle frequent interruptions;
• High attention to detail and accuracy;
• Excellent written, oral abd interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to foster a cooperative work environment;
• Must have mathematical and computer literacy;
• Must have physical strength and stamina to lift and move heavy goods;
• Proficiency with computer software programs, including the Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe suites, Zoom, as well as Datatel/Colleague, Bookware;
• Ability to adapt and learn new systems and software as required;
• Superior customer service skills;
• Familiarity with University policies and procedures would be an asset;

As a condition of employment, a Level 1 police criminal record check must be provided by the successful candidate.

Internal COPE members will be considered prior to external applicants.

Interested applicants may apply by clicking on this link to a Google Form and attaching your cover

letter and resume in word or PDF format by September 8, 2022.

If you have any technical difficulties in accessing the link, please reach out to careers@lakeheadu.ca.

Lakehead University is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals including women, members of racialized groups/visible minorities, Aboriginal persons and persons with disabilities, and persons of any sexual orientation, gender identify or gender expression. Lakehead University is committed to an environment of open access to employment opportunities. Accommodations are available for all applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you require accommodations for interviews or other meetings, please contact Human Resources. We appreciate your interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be notified