Retail Specialist
Responsible for providing specialized coordination, guidance, and expertise for a specific retail function. Competencies for this role are typically gained through on the job or specialized training.
Typical Functions
Typical functions are listed within the level descriptors below and are examples of work performed by positions in the level and are not intended to be all-inclusive. Some duties may overlap levels; however, the preponderance of the work will be assessed when assigning positions to the specific levels.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities (KSAs)
Listed below are the minimum requirements for this role. KSAs will become more advanced as the level increases and will vary depending on the requirements of the position.
- Knowledge of retail setting and merchandising.
- Customer service skills.
- Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
- Ability to accurately enter data and maintain databases.
Level Descriptions
Retail Specialist 1
Store Management
- Assists with managing store operations.
- Opens and closes store.
- Provides work direction to store employees.
- Hires, trains, and schedules student employees.
- Resolves customer complaints and concerns.
- Stocks register supplies.
- Assists with buying responsibilities.
Buying
- Assists with store buying and adheres to budget allocation.
- Purchases specialty merchandise.
- Updates website with merchandise images and product descriptions
- Negotiates and meets with vendors.
- Attends trade shows and buying events.
- Manages products in their area of responsibility including pricing, markdowns, and re-orders.
Education/Experience
Typically requires a high school diploma and three years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
Market Range: MR06
Retail Specialist 2
Store Management
- Manages store including operations management, staffing, and payroll budgeting.
- Determines store hours.
- Implements sales goals.
- Oversees store merchandising.
- Solves problems and may grant exceptions to store policies.
- Manages risk and minimizes loss.
- Assists with buying responsibilities.
- Interprets situations and determines which guidelines are most effective out of those available.
Buying
- Oversees all buying and e-commerce for area of purview, which may be a specialty store and may include hot market items.
- Manages merchandise and department budget.
- Analyzes trends, inventory status, and out of date merchandise.
- Communicates product features and determines pricing.
- Creates product launch events.
- Develops and executes marketing plans.
- Ensures compliance with merchandise licensing requirements.
- Attends trade shows and buying events.
- Serves as a liaison with vendors and other campus units on special orders and requests.
- Negotiates with vendors.
- Supervises assistant buyers and students.
Education/Experience
Typically requires a high school diploma and five years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
Market Range: MR08
Effective Date: January 4, 2021
