Manager of Retail Services & Merchandise

Manager Of Retail Services & Merchandise

Join our team at the University Bookstore, a dynamic retail environment at the heart of the vibrant University of Maine campus!

The Manager of Retail Services and Merchandise manages the ordering and inventory of collegiate licensed merchandise for the University Bookstore, Bear Necessities Fan Shop, and their e-commerce platforms. This position leads activities of the merchandise buying team, and the development and collaboration of merchandising and marketing plans while seeking out and developing opportunities to expand the UMaine brand beyond campus. Typical hiring range for this position is $52,000 to $55,000 commensurate with qualifications and experience.

About the University: The University of Maine is a community of more than 11,900 undergraduate and graduate students, and 2,500 employees located on the Orono campus, the regional campus in Machias, and throughout the state. UMaine is a land, sea and space grant university, and maintains a leadership role as the University of Maine System's flagship institution. UMaine is the state's public research university and a Carnegie R1 top-tier research institution, dedicated to providing excellent teaching, research and service for Maine, the nation and the world. More information about UMaine is at umaine.edu. The University of Maine offers a wide range of benefits for employees including, but not limited to, tuition benefits (employee and dependent), comprehensive insurance coverage including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and short and long term disability as well as retirement plan options. UMaine is located in beautiful Central Maine. Many employees report that a primary reason for choosing to come to UMaine is quality of life. Numerous cultural activities, excellent public schools, safe neighborhoods, high quality medical care, little traffic, and a reasonable cost of living make the greater Bangor area a wonderful place to live. Visit the Maine Office of Tourism to learn more about what the Bangor region has to offer.

Qualifications: Required:

• Typically has the education associated with a bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience, and 3-5 years of experience in retail sales, merchandise selection, product management, buying and/or working with vendors.
• Highly organized and able to adapt to quickly changing priorities.
• Strong decision-making, analytical, relationship-building, and negotiation skills.
• Effective computer skills with proficiency in Word and Excel, and experience with retail POS and inventory management systems.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Occasional travel is required, typically requiring a driver's license.
• Experience with assortment planning, merchandising, marketing, visual merchandising, and collegiate merchandise selection.
• College industry experience, particularly with insignia apparel and merchandise.
• Experience in retail buying and working with vendors.
• Experience in inventory management.

Preferred:

• Experience with technology and data analysis, including open-to-buy software and/or plans.

Other Information:

To be considered for this position you will need to "Apply" and upload the documentation listed below:

1.) a cover letter which describes your experience, interests, and suitability for the position 2.) a resume/curriculum vitae

Candidates selected to proceed to the final stages of the search process will be requested to provide a list of names and contact information for references.

Incomplete application materials cannot be considered. Materials received after the initial review date will be reviewed at the discretion of the University. For full consideration, materials must be submitted by 4:30 p.m. EST on October 15, 2026. The successful applicant is subject to appropriate background screening.

University of Maine at Fort Kent