Bookstore - Course Materials Buyer

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Holland (MI); On-site; USD 19,286 - 27,552; Part time

Job summary

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc. is seeking a part-time Bookstore - Course Materials Buyer to procure books and course materials, coordinate with faculty adoptions, and manage vendor relations to ensure affordability for students.

You will analyze supplier quotes, monitor inventory, and help maintain stock levels while supporting promotions and events at the college bookstore.

Qualifications

• Retail experience and procurement/buying experience preferred
• Strong interpersonal skills to work with a diverse group of team members, customers, and suppliers
• Organizational and time-management skills with the ability to multitask
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and meet deadlines
• Experience with vendor negotiations
• Computer skills including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Google Suite products

Responsibilities

• Planning - Overall Strategy and Growth: Execute category strategy and create annual merchandise assortment plan by quarter within budgets.
• Driving - Events and Promotions: Assist operations during special events and use them as focus groups for future store needs; source for faculty requests.
• Executing - Purchasing and Vendor Relations: Communicate with staff and suppliers regarding agreements, POs, pricing, service levels, and resolving purchasing issues; reconcile invoices.
• Follow up - Continuous Improvement: Open/close store as scheduled; develop student staff; drive purchasing process improvements; promote diversity and inclusion.

Skills

Vendor negotiations

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Time management

Microsoft Word

Excel

Google Suite

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

Google Suite

Job description

Overview

Position Title: Bookstore - Course Materials Buyer

Classification Title: Hourly Part Time (.1-.74 FTE)

Benefits Eligibility: Benefits eligibility information available

Department: Bookstore

Job Description

The Buyer procures retail items and coordinates activities involved with purchasing products and supplies focused on store needs. Buyers research the latest trends and customer needs to find offerings while ensuring uninterrupted product supply through inventory control and proper ordering procedures. Buyers determine local sourcing to reduce costs and increase margins. They work with diverse vendors to select products and maintain affordability. They negotiate prices and consider store profitability and student affordability before placing orders. They review bids, proposals, and negotiate contracts within budgetary limitations and scope of authority.

Responsibilities

• Planning - Overall Strategy and Growth
• Execute category strategy developed by the Store Director.
• Create annual merchandise assortment plan by quarter, and adhere to purchasing budgets.
• Analyze vendor, product, and total category performance. Ensure high quality, lowest overall cost, and value for dollars spent. Maintain accountability to profits and losses according to purchase decisions and use learnings for future decisions.
• Interact with sales staff daily for product pricing, expediting, and analysis.
• Coordinate with the Assistant Director of the Bookstore to provide course materials for students and faculty adoptions; source to achieve best pricing to reduce student costs.
• Work with the Assistant Store Director on copyright sourcing when needed for faculty adoptions.

• Driving - Events and Promotions
• Assist operations during special events and use them as diverse focus groups for future store needs.
• Complete special sourcing projects for faculty requests under the Assistant Director’s guidance.
• Use adoption software to ensure appropriate materials are ordered per enrollment numbers.
• Develop and execute strategies to maintain stock of needed course materials at all times.
• Collaborate with the Disability and Accessibility Team on campus to procure alternative learning materials when needed.
• Review and process client purchase requests in accordance with Hope College.

• Executing - Purchasing and Vendor Relations
• Work with and assist the Assistant Store Director and Inventory Control Manager during events regarding proper execution of merchandise plan and vision; plan and source new vendors and products if needed.
• Ensure vendor communication and vendor performance adheres to operations requirements.
• Communicate with staff and suppliers regarding agreements, POs, pricing, service levels, compliance, product availability, policies, and resolving purchasing issues. Reconcile invoices to purchase orders to ensure correct pricing/quantity. Resolve disputes between the store and vendors as necessary.
• Ensure accurate completion of quotes, quote summaries, schedules, and releases.
• Communicate trends within products that may impact pricing, quality, or availability.
• Process and administer purchase orders via the procurement system, including price negotiations, managing inquiries, expediting, and status reviews.

• Follow up - Continuous Improvement
• Open and close the store as scheduled. Maintain the sales floor, handle customer service, stocking, and drive store sales to increase revenue.
• Develop student staff; encourage, teach, and support student workers and supervisors while modeling stellar customer service and work ethic.
• Drive continuous improvement of purchasing processes.
• Promote diversity and inclusion and foster an environment of belonging for staff and shoppers.
• Perform additional functions as needed for the business and directed by leadership.

Qualifications

• Retail experience and procurement/buying experience preferred
• Strong interpersonal skills to work with a diverse group of team members, customers, and suppliers
• Organizational and time-management skills with the ability to multitask
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and meet deadlines
• Experience with vendor negotiations
• Computer skills including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Google Suite products

Physical Demands

This position requires remaining in a sitting or standing position for frequent periods; operates office equipment such as computers, printers, and copiers; occasionally involves moving items over 10 pounds; frequently moves between offices/workspaces/buildings; and requires effective communication abilities. Reasonable accommodations may be requested as needed.

Pre-employment Screenings

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check. Some positions may have position-specific requirements such as education/licensure/certification verification, a physical, drug screening, credit checks, and/or transportation record review.

Posting Details

Posting Number: 2026-017SR

Job Posting Open Date: 07/15/2026

Job Posting Close Date: 07/24/2026

Open Until Filled: No

Is this position available for sponsorship: No

Documents Needed to Apply

Required Documents:

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter