Buyer

The Art Institute of Chicago shares its singular collections with our city and the world. We collect, care for, and interpret works of art across time, cultures, geographies, and identities, centering the vision of artists and makers. We recognize that all art is made in a particular context, demanding continual, dynamic reconsideration in the present. We are a place of gathering; we foster the exchange of ideas and inspire an expansive, inclusive understanding of human creativity. 

About the Department

The Art Institute Retail department is an omni-channel revenue operation that looks to provide customers with a seamless shopping experience. The team’s primary focus is to ensure a positive and engaging guest experience throughout the visit and beyond, helping to create lasting relationships between the museum and its visitors.   

About the Position

Reporting to the Director of Product Development and Buying, Retail  the Buyer is responsible for sourcing, purchasing, and managing inventory for the Art Institute of Chicago that fulfills the (2) onsite Museum Shop locations, the Web Store and wholesale/corporate sale opportunities.  Buyer is responsible for the profitable purchase and development of merchandise, while ensuring they are following appropriate channels for image use and representation.   

Responsibilities

● Analyzing market trends and consumer demand to determine what products to purchase. 

● Develops, monitors, implements and adheres to a financial and marketing plan for purchasing /merchandising of the product within assortment categories of assigned responsibility providing seasonal and special exhibition products in support of the museum exhibition calendar and collection opportunities. 

● Analyzes product classifications and vendors prior to placing buys/creating purchase orders, reviews automatic replenishment; determines reorders. 

● Negotiates with suppliers to secure best prices, quantities, quality and delivery schedules. 

● Responsible for soliciting resource compliance with all purchase order requirements including shipping procedures, freight carriers, invoicing and packing guidelines. 

● Identifies potential licensing sources, including contractual requirements and necessary data for negotiating an agreement.  

● Attends trade shows and organizes sales appointments with representatives, as necessary to understand and be updated on market trends within the department of responsibility. 

● Collaborates and communicates merchandising information to store and/or operations personnel through regular visits to each selling location and the shops receiving locations,  helping to promote products effectively. 

● Interfaces with all retail departments to ensure appropriate product assortments and inventory levels are met for proper channel of distribution.  

● Provides accurate supporting product information for each product developed or purchased for store signage and inclusion on the website. 

● Adheres to all inventory control procedures, participating as necessary, in policy procedures and Annual Physical Inventory. 

● Assists, as necessary, to ensure the smooth operation of the Museum Shop and all of its functions. 

● Tracking performance of purchased items and adjusting buying strategies accordingly. 

● Regularly update product information in ChainDrive and Shopify, including  images, descriptions and pricing to ensure accuracy, appeal, and consistency. 

Qualifications

● 5+ years buying experience. Experience buying home decor, children's items, jewelry, textiles and accessories is a plus. 

● Ability to spot and predict trends in the marketplace and sourcing new vendors/products through different channels including attending gift and trade shows

● Ability to analyze financial data, manage budgets, and forecast sales.   

● Experience negotiating prices with suppliers and vendors. 

● Excellent communication, organization and time management skills required. 

● An entrepreneurial mindset comfortable working within resource constraints and a rapidly changing environment. 

● Excitement around technology-based solutions, including automation and advanced analytics. 

● Experience in ChainDrive Inventory Management system or similar system. 

● Experience in utilizing NetX Digital Asset Management System and Jira ticketing system. 

● Strong problem-solving skills and ability to adapt to a fast-paced, evolving industry. 

● Solid communication and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. 

● An independent decision-maker with the ability and willingness to take feedback, proactively share results, and take calculated risks. 

● Knowledge of artwork and Art Institute collection

●  BS/ BA degree preferred. 

Physical Requirements

● Requires regular lifting of objects weighing up to 25 pounds 

● Requires standing up to 5 hours at a time 

Compensation & Benefits

Please click on the links below to view our competitive, comprehensive benefits package:  

• Hiring Range:  $52,000 - $63,900 annually

The expected hiring range is an estimated amount for positions based on the grade. Final offers are based on various factors, including skill set, experience, qualifications and other job-related reasons. 

• Benefits          


• PTO Overview 


• Job Classification: Exempt


• Employment Category: Full Time Staff


• Grade Level: 7

If you are accessing this listing from a third party, not all links to salary and benefits information may work. Please visit our career page at saic/artic.edu/employment for complete information.

Application Instructions:

Please submit your resume and cover letter to be considered for this position.

Accessibility

If you are a job seeker with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to apply for one of our jobs, you will find the contact information to request the appropriate accommodation by visiting the following page:

Accessibility Accommodation for Applicants

Union

 This position is part of a bargaining unit represented by AFSCME Council 31.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Art Institute of Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits, hires and promotes qualified individuals compliant with federal and state laws. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the Department of Human Resources at  [email protected].