Job Description

Camosun College is hiring a term, part-time General Merchandise Buyer to join their Bookstore team!

Under the supervision of the Manager, the General Merchandise Buyer develops and oversees the purchasing and inventory of all general merchandise (GM) for resale for both Bookstore locations. This position is also responsible for marketing related activities, including social media, for the Bookstore. The GM Buyer develops work plans to achieve goals and objectives of the Bookstore business plan and strategic plan and, using an entrepreneurial approach, will proactively identify programs and product areas for the Bookstore to develop so that the vision of the Bookstore can be realized. This position participates in the design and flow of information in the Bookstore's integrated computerized Point of Sale, Inventory Management and General Ledger system. The position contributes to a team approach through liaison and coordination with other departments in the Bookstore and the College. The GM Buyer participates in the development of store policy.

TYPICAL DUTIES
Purchasing

Purchases GM products for resale in the bookstore (such as but not limited to Camosun College imprinted clothing and gifts, school supplies, snack foods and any other non-course related material); develops, monitors, and maintains open-to-buy plans; within purchasing limits and guidelines established by the Bookstore Manager; Undertakes vendor selection, quantity determination, cost negotiation, and issuance of purchase orders for general merchandise; develops and implements procedures for vendor selection with criteria; and maintains GM vendor information; Maintains the highest ethical standards regarding purchasing principles and practices; Sources, presents and buys promotion items for resale to college departments and schools; Researches and recommends alternative methods of offering goods for sale (i.e. consignment, sole supplier(s) for specific products or areas); Determines appropriate pricing and margins, considering freight costs and cost of goods sold, within parameters set by Bookstore Manager; Ensures appropriate provincial and federal taxes are applied to GM products for re-sale; Develops and maintains automated tasks where possible for regular stock purchasing and common departmental tasks; Addresses cost discrepancies between purchasing and receiving of GM materials;
Inventory Control and Maintenance

Provides the inventory control and maintenance of GM products; coordinates the return of all damaged or unsellable GM products; Ensures all GM product information is current and accurate in the computerized inventory system by ensuring data entry procedures in other bookstore departments are consistent and according to established procedure; Coordinates regular GM inventory spot checks and year-end inventory counts in conjunction with Course Materials Buyer and Bookstore Accounts Officer; Performs month-end procedures for GM inventory management and financial accuracy; Works with Course Materials Buyer and Bookstore Receivers to ensure the receiving of GM products is consistent with established procedures; Ensures adequate stocking levels are being maintained in the retail areas;
Sales and Marketing Coordination

Develops an annual sales plan with sales forecasting to achieve short and long term Bookstore goals and objectives with pricing and margin strategies; Develops and executes an annual promotional plan including, for example events, advertising, discounted sales, coupons, charitable tie-ins, campus event tie-ins, etc; Reviews and evaluates the mix of GM products to be carried in the bookstore; Researches and recommends new GM related business and service initiatives for the Bookstore; Develops merchandising plans for presentations and displays in Bookstore and creative strategies to maximize the use of retail space; Coordinates implementation of and maintains the GM website to tie in with the look and presentation of the Bookstore web presence; Establishes and reviews merchandise and signage display standards and ensures they are being implemented; Recommends, researches and provides Camosun-insignia products for other faculty/staff/departments to use as honoraria, prizes, conference/event gifts; Develops and implements student engagement opportunities in order to support better meeting the needs of the student community;
General

Participates in the development of and implementation of Bookstore policies affecting GM inventory; Responds to questions, problems and requests from Bookstore employees relating to GM products; Recommends and participates in changes to systems and infrastructure and the introduction of new services and informs Bookstore users as they relate to GM products; Participates in testing of new and upgraded specialized Bookstore hardware and software and provides recommendations for updates or improved services; Trains Bookstore staff where appropriate in the use of specialized Bookstore software and hardware as it relates to GM ordering, receiving, pricing and searching; Trains Bookstore Supervisors in merchandising techniques, and assists in the training of cashiers or helpers if required; Performs other related duties similar in scope and complexity.
QUALIFICATIONS

Grade 12 with two years' post-secondary in business courses including the core courses of the Principles Program leading to Purchasing Management Association of Canada certification; and 3 years of relevant buying experience in a general retail or a post-secondary institutional Bookstore, including knowledge of computerized retail operations, inventory control systems, merchandising, promotional planning with excellent sales and research analysis skills; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Familiarity with current retail trends Demonstrated excellent interpersonal and communication skills to establish, maintain, and build cooperative relationships within the Bookstore and with vendors and suppliers; Familiarity with current social media tools and related best practices; Ability to work independently and manage heavy workloads under pressure of deadlines Proven keyboarding skills and experience with Microsoft Office Suite

Note, this posting closes on July 27, 2025.

Job Types: Part-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 5 months

Pay: $32.26-$34.43 per hour

Expected hours: 21 per week

Work Location: In person