Retail Buyer - Chihuly Garden and Glass

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

Description

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY: Responsible for product development, sales, gross margin, inventory management, and turnover goals in a small boutique museum quality high volume store inside a high-profile single artist's exhibition. As a member of the Chihuly Garden & Glass Exhibition's and Space Needle's management team, performance includes demonstration of the following accountabilities: leadership, communication, self-empowerment, and resource management.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Ability to source and manage new and applicable product lines.
• Product development from conceptualization to final product.
• Ability to manage multiple product lines with varied aesthetic expectations.
• Quality assurance.
• Planning new merchandise assortments to create stories and themes consistent with our brand.
• Monitor the performance and profitability of merchandise selection.
• Identify and focus on industry and art trends.
• In depth knowledge of artist Dale Chihuly and his inspirations, influences and impact on the art world.
• Strong presentation and communication skills at a professional level both written and verbal
• Maintain and navigate high level partner relationships.
• Maintain vendor negotiations for optimum pricing, timely shipping, promotional support, favorable terms of purchase, and vendor compliance.
• Inventory management through analysis of vendor profitability, sales and inventory reports.
• Maintain budgeted gross margin levels, markdown dollars and promotions.
• Support Buying director with order management, purchase order entry and vendor follow-up.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Purchase order input and management.
• Floor plans and merchandise moves.
• Product knowledge and training.
• Physical inventory and reconciliation.
• Process price changes, transfers and return to vendors.
• Any other responsibilities defined by Management.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS REQUIRED:

• Degree in retail field or equivalent buying experience (2+ years)
• Buying experience in a museum setting preferred
• Degree and/or experience in the arts.
• Strong communication, organizational and analytical skills.
• Problem solving and follow-up skills.
• Must be willing to travel – regional +/- 10%
• Ability to work independently and a good team player.
• Ability to take initiative on projects.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Retail Pro experience a plus.
• Must be able to communicate effectively in the English language.

Full time, Salaried position

Salary Range: $85,000 - $92,200 yearly DOE

Benefits include:

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Long Term Disability, with optional supplemental coverage options available
• Optional Flexible Spending Account for Self and Dependents
• 401k plan, we will match 50% of the first 6% you contribute, equivalent to 3% of your wages
• Deferred compensation into 401(k) account at company Shareholder discretion. Eligible to begin participating after one year of service with an annual plan entry date of October 1st.
• Paid Personal Days (15 per year)
• Paid Time Off of 14 days / year
• Tuition reimbursement of 50%, up to $2500 / year
• New child family leave up to 4 weeks while on approved FLMA and enrolled in company sponsored medical plan
• 50% discount for many purchases at the Space Needle (Retail, Food and Beverage)
• Charitable Contributions / Matching Gift, up to $200 year
• Paid parking or up to $250 / month towards an orca card

The Space Needle symbolizes the innovative and forward-thinking spirit of Seattle. Our Team Members reflect our inclusive city, diverse country, and multicultural world. As an equal opportunity employer, we make all employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, the presence of any sensory, physical, or mental disability, military status, political ideology, genetic information, or any other status protected by local, state, or federal law. All Team Members and potential Team Members who apply for an opening will be considered without regard to these factors. We carefully screen applicants based on qualifications such as their training, education, skills, aptitude, experience, and previous work record.