Buyer Assistant

Follett Higher Education is a leading educational service provider and omnichannel retailer that provides students, faculty and staff, parents, and fans with the course materials, learning tools, and retail services needed to successfully support the collegiate journey. Follett Higher Education supports over 6 million students through its 1,100 physical and 1,750 eCommerce campus stores across North America.

Category Management Support:
Prepares weekly sales reports for distribution to GM and Operations management teams. Analyzes sales using reporting tools (MMS, Retail

IDEAS) as needed for assortment reviews, vendor reviews, internal/external presentations, test programs, and additional reporting as necessary to support sales and merchandise strategy. Works closely with Merchandise Control team to maintain SKU and pricing information. Communicates vendor/product information to the Planning and Allocation team including assortment plans, and lead times. Assists in the assortment execution online including gathering images and proofreading copy.

Executes purchase orders for test programs and seasonal programs. Responds to inquiries from the field operations team regarding product assortments for the existing and new retail locations.

• Corresponds with prospective vendors on an ongoing basis and communicates status in the review process.
• Communicates with vendors continually regarding the product, pricing, minimums, terms, shipping, labor code compliance, digital imagery, and other vendor‑related concerns.
• Updates and distributes assortment plans, term sheets, and correspondence letters to vendors.
• Verifies that pricing and vendor information is accurate in the system. Proofreads correspondence letters.
• Maintains and organizes vendor samples of approved assortment.

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in a related field.
• Educational background in business, marketing, or retail merchandise preferred.
• Work experience in a retail environment is required.
• Intermediate to advanced computer proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Must possess superior oral and written communication skills.
• Strong analytical skills, including an understanding of retail math.
• Ability to work cross‑functionally and build relationships with other departments.

Equal Opportunity Employer. This company considers candidates regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

• Entry level

• Full-time

• Purchasing and Supply Chain

• Retail