Retail Manager, Apparel and Gifts - Illini Union Bookstore at University of Illinois in Urbana, Illinois

Job Description:

Retail Manager, Apparel and Gifts - Illini Union Bookstore




Illini Union



Applications are now being accepted for the Retail Manager, Apparel and Gifts - Illini Union Bookstore position for Illini Union at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.


As the community center of the University, the Illini Union draws together all members of the University with approximately 16,000 visits of students, faculty, staff, alumni, and guests on a daily basis. We are seeking individuals with diverse backgrounds who can help create and foster communities that strive toward this vision. This includes supporting the academic mission of the University by developing environments conducive to student learning and academic success, respecting, appreciating, and advocating for the diversity of our student population, and supporting the holistic development of all our students.



Job Summary

Responsible for developing merchandising strategies, managing inventory, overseeing team development, determining pricing strategies, and handling vendor relations, aimed at enhancing store standards and operational efficiency in a customer-centric environment through creativity, analytical prowess and leadership.



Duties & Responsibilities

• Merchandising Execution and Store Standards: Design and implement effective merchandising strategies to boost sales and enhance customer engagement, ensuring the store maintains high standards of cleanliness and organization. Conduct regular assessments for presentation optimization and inventory management.
• Team Leadership, Development, and Customer Service Excellence: Lead the recruitment, training, and mentoring of department supervisors and student employees, focusing on excellence in merchandising, presentation, and customer service. Demonstrate exceptional customer service, coaching your team to excel in customer interactions, and instilling a culture that prioritizes the customer experience.
• Inventory Management: Utilize sales reports, inventory data, and turnover metrics to manage inventory levels strategically, adjusting product offerings to maximize sales while ensuring optimal stock levels.
• Purchasing and Pricing Strategy: Partner with the procurement team on purchasing decisions, selecting quality merchandise in appropriate quantities. Determine retail pricing and maintain profitable gross margins in alignment with financial goals.
• Sales Promotion and Markdown Strategy: Devise and execute a dynamic strategy for sales promotion and markdowns to stimulate product interest and manage inventory lifecycle efficiently. Collaborate with marketing teams to create compelling campaigns that drive demand and optimize sales opportunities.
• Fiscal Prudence and Vendor Relations: Manage fiscal expenditures and maintain comprehensive records for all purchases, ensuring cost-effectiveness and accountability in vendor relationships and purchasing decisions. Address ordering or billing disputes with vendors, managing special orders to maintain operational efficiency and financial integrity.
• Operational Support: Assist in daily operational tasks, including managing registers, and overseeing store opening and closing procedures. Perform additional responsibilities as needed to support the bookstore's success.

Additional Physical Demands

The primary workspace for this role is the sales floor, where most working hours are spent, aside from attending meetings, performing business analysis, and drafting action plans in office/conference areas. Frequent transitions are required between the office, retail, and storage spaces. Physical activities like bending and stooping are necessary for handling merchandise or inventory tasks. During peak seasons, extended hours and shorter breaks can be expected. Regular communication with vendors, students, faculty, staff, and the public are essential, facilitated through phone, in-person, and email interactions. Daily engagement with the bookstore team promotes collaboration and supports operational goals.



Minimum Qualifications

• Associate degree in any field or concentration including general studies.


• Two (2) years (24 months) of experience in a retail environment


• One (1) year (12 months) of supervisory experience in a retail environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in visual merchandising, highlighting the ability to create appealing and effective product displays that enhance customer engagement and sales.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Proficient in administrative and supervisory roles, effective leadership and organizational skills.
• In-depth understanding of retail supply chain dynamics, including seasonal cycles.
• Solid business acumen, with expertise in pricing, discounts, and inventory management.
• Strong product knowledge to inform smart purchasing decisions.
• Collaborative skills to work effectively with the procurement team.
• Competent in computer use, familiarity with inventory management or POS systems.

Appointment Information


This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 3889 - Retail Manager position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after 5/3/2024. Salary is commensurate with experience, with the minimum being $45,630 per year. The usual work days for this position are Tuesday through Saturday, with additional days/hours required for operational needs. Work for this position will be expected to work at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus on a full-time basis per the University's Workplace Flexibility policy. Sponsorship for work authorization is not available for this position.


For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/classspec/default.aspx .



Application Procedures & Deadline Information


Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (CST) on Friday, May 3, 2024 . Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. In order to be considered as a transfer candidate, you must apply for this position. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. If required by the position, transcripts or other documentation of credentials are to be provided no later than the first day of employment. For further information about this specific position, please contact Shared AHW Human Resources at iustaffdevelopment@illinois.edu or 217-333-3660. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify .

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal , or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu .


Requisition ID: 1023718
Job Category: Administrative
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu


Apply Now