Buyer

Position Summary The Lucas Museum seeks a highly motivated Buyer to join the Revenue & Engagement team in support of the opening and ongoing operations of the Museum’s retail store. Reporting to the Director of Retail & Product Licensing, this role will lead the sourcing, development, and procurement of merchandise that reflects the Museum’s mission, exhibitions, and storytelling approach. The Buyer will support the identification and evaluation of vendors, support licensing and product development initiatives, and ensure timely procurement and delivery of goods. This role will also leverage sales and inventory insights to inform buying decisions, optimize product assortment, and support overall retail performance. The Buyer will partner cross‑functionally with Curatorial, Marketing, and Retail teams to create a compelling and cohesive visitor experience. Retail Strategy Partner with the Director of Retail & Product and Revenue & Engagement team to support the launch of the Museum’s retail store, including licensing strategy, vendor onboarding, and contributing to development of standard operating procedures. Collaborate with Curatorial and internal stakeholders to identify product development opportunities tied to exhibitions and collections. Buying & Product Development Develop exclusive, mission‑aligned products in collaboration with internal teams, ensuring accuracy, quality, and integrity of source materials. As directed by the Director of Retail, support supplier selection and negotiation processes, including product, pricing, and terms evaluation. Support development of unique product assortment strategies, including category mix, pricing architecture, and buy quantities. Source and purchase merchandise that complements exhibitions, programs, and the Museum’s collection. Serve as a key point of contact for product development, licensing, and branded merchandise initiatives, including familiarity with contracts and licensing requirements. Identify and explore new product categories to enhance the retail offering and visitor experience. Inventory, Planning & Performance Ensure timely ordering, delivery, payment and issue resolution with vendors. Analyze sales performance, inventory levels, and product trends to inform buying decisions and optimize assortment to maximize profit. Support forecasting and replenishment decisions by identifying high‑performing items and potential stock risks. Monitor inventory flow and timing to align with exhibition openings, seasonal changes, and key Museum events. Identify risks and opportunities in sales and inventory performance and recommend adjustments to buying strategy. Generate reports and insights to support Revenue & Engagement leadership in decision‑making. Vendor & Relationship Management Support Retail leadership with sourcing, evaluating, and onboarding vendors, wholesalers, and licensing partners aligned with the Museum’s brand and mission. Support Retail leadership with identification and onboarding of new and diverse suppliers to expand product offerings. Establish and cultivate relationships with vendors and licensing partners to support long‑term retail growth. Merchandising & Cross‑Functional Collaboration Stay informed on retail and museum merchandising trends through research, trade events, and industry engagement. Partner with Retail and Marketing teams to support product launches, promotions, and campaigns tied to exhibitions and seasonal programming. Collaborate with creative partners to ensure high‑quality product imagery and storytelling for in‑store and digital channels. Communicate product knowledge and merchandising direction to store teams to support visual presentation and sales. Qualifications Background in business administration, economics, or related field preferred. 5+ years of experience in a purchasing role, preferably for an arts & culture institution or prominent consumer brand. Knowledge of intellectual property principles as it relates to retail inventory management. Comprehensive knowledge of commodities. Excellent communication and negotiation skills. Equal Opportunity Statement The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art embraces diversity and equal opportunity. We are committed to building a team that represents and supports a variety of backgrounds and perspectives. The Lucas Museum fosters a work environment that is free of discrimination and harassment, whether based on race, national origin, gender, gender expression, religion, ethnic background, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other criterion prohibited by applicable federal, state, or local laws. We believe that diversity and inclusion among our team is critical to our success, and we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the best qualified people from a diverse candidate pool. Applications from traditionally underrepresented communities are encouraged. The statements in this description represent typical elements, criteria, and general work performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required for the job. Salary and titles will be assigned commensurate to the successful candidates’ education and experience. An attractive compensation package will be offered to the successful candidate(s). #J-18808-Ljbffr