BUYER ACQUISITIONS (BUYACQ)

Description

Reporting to the Manager, Acquisitions and Metadata, this position is responsible for the purchasing/acquisition of books and A/V materials to provide the availability of product to meet customer demand.

• Analyze demand patterns and forecast the required inventory levels for titles promoted in Brodart programs and to ensure the fulfillment of customer orders in a timely fashion.
• Monitor and manage product returns, ensuring the minimization of potential product obsolescence and margin loss.
• Identify, collect, and report on information related trends in the marketplace and other data to aid in evaluating of titles and sources of supply.
• Identify products trending beyond expectations, make decisions on inventory requirements, and execute purchases to avoid inventory shortages.
• Develop and maintain strong business relationships with publishers and vendors associated with assigned buying audiences and genres.
• Negotiate favorable terms, discounts, shipping schedule, etc. to improve and provide for profitability of operations.
• Monitor and take a proactive approach with vendor staff to ensure they are meeting defined goals for discounts, supply fulfillment timing, defective or unacceptable good rates, and other issues that may impact services to our customers.
• Serve as the subject matter expert for assigned audiences and genres on various program committees and make educated recommendations on titles to be included in ongoing managed programs as well as special promotional products and campaigns.
• Perform reporting as necessary to support the operations of the acquisitions team.
• Supports the acquisitions department with project assistance, research and other functions as needed or directed.
• Job rotation, file purging.
• Training of new personnel.

Qualifications

• Associate's degree or 1 to 3 years of book industry related experience with demonstrated understanding of Libraries/book stores or vendor/publishers or a combination of education and experience. Purchasing or financial experience preferred.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, excel, Outlook) and familiarity with relational databases; Internet and information retrieval and research skills.
• Ability to research,  gather, organize and analyze complex data with a demonstrated appetite for learning.
• Ability to effectively plan and organize work activities and prioritize task completion according to schedules and goals.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines and balance competing assignments effectively.
• Ability to make fact based decisions regarding material inventory purchases.
• Ability and willingness to learn company computer systems.
• Ability and willingness to maintain a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills (including public speaking).
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to interact with people and work collaboratively in a positive manner.
• Demonstrated financial acumen and understanding of basic finance and accounting concepts.
• Ability and skill to negotiate better terms and conditions for purchase of books and materials and to represent the company well in any business setting.
• Normal office environment, close and distant vision, using hands and fingers to handle and feel, talk and hear, sitting, lifting up to 10 lbs. frequently.  Standing and walking, lifting up to 25 lbs. occasionally.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER/VETERANS/DISABLED

Brodart Co. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.