Museum Retail Buyer & Merchandising Leader

Space Needle; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 92,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental & Vision

401k matching

Paid time off

Job summary

Space Needle is seeking a buying manager for a boutique, high-volume shop inside the Dale Chihuly exhibition. The role covers product development, vendor negotiations, inventory control, and gross margin management.

You will lead assortments, analyze trends, and maintain partner relationships to uphold brand standards. The position requires museum or arts-sector buying experience, strong communication, and the ability to travel regionally.

Qualifications

• Requires degree in retail or equivalent buying experience (2+ years).
• Buying experience in a museum setting preferred.
• Arts degree or experience is a plus.
• Strong communication, organizational and analytical skills required.

Responsibilities

• Source and manage new product lines and vendor relationships.
• Oversee product development from concept to final product.
• Manage multiple lines with varied aesthetics while ensuring quality.
• Plan merchandise assortments aligned with brand storytelling.
• Monitor gross margin, profitability and inventory turnover.
• Travel regionally up to 10% for buying and vendor meetings.

Skills

Strong communication

Organizational skills

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Independent working

Initiative

Attention to detail

English proficiency

Willingness to travel

Education

Degree in retail or equivalent buying experience

Arts-related degree or experience

Tools

Retail Pro

Job description

Space Needle is seeking a buying manager for a boutique, high-volume shop inside the Dale Chihuly exhibition. The role covers product development, vendor negotiations, inventory control, and gross margin management.

You will lead assortments, analyze trends, and maintain partner relationships to uphold brand standards. The position requires museum or arts-sector buying experience, strong communication, and the ability to travel regionally.