General Merchandise Buyer (Contract)

Position Summary

Temporary Full-Time Appendix D Support Staff, replacement contract position (Immediate need – June 22, 2026)

Reporting to the Manager of Course Material Services, the General Merchandise Buyer will support the development and implementation of a comprehensive merchandise and promotions strategy for all Conestoga campus store locations with the goal of delivering an engaging retail experience (both in-store and online) that fosters community engagement, enhances the Conestoga identity and boosts revenue. Additionally, the Buyer will manage inventory and reporting within the inventory management and Point of Sale (POS) systems, as well as the campus store e-commerce platform.

Successful candidates will be required to conduct work on-site five days per week, Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Doon campus located at 299 Doon Valley Dr. in Kitchener. Travel is required occasionally between Conestoga campus locations.

Responsibilities

Retail product management and merchandising

• Under the direction of the Manager, develop and maintain the retail merchandise strategy in alignment with the College Campus Store’s objectives
• Identify new products, adjust product lines, and maintain the official product catalogue
• Evaluate products for purchase through trade shows, vendor interviews, customer feedback, and market research
• Research product trends to enhance college identity, customer engagement, and revenue
• Manage procurement and distribution of custom orders for internal and external stakeholders
• Maintain vendor relationships and manage terms and conditions, credit applications, and customer service experience and issues
• Recommend new retail opportunities to expand product offerings
• Track and report on key performance indicators to guide merchandise strategy development
• Coordinate the full ordering process including sourcing, pricing, and inventory setup
• Approve artwork, negotiate costs, and create purchase orders
• Inspect deliveries and resolve discrepancies in cost, quantity, or quality
• Maintain purchasing data and generate monthly and annual reports to assess the purchasing cycle and its effectiveness
• Document purchasing efficiencies through CANCOLL Membership
• Oversee inventory checks, stock counts, shelving, and e-commerce merchandising
• Ensure accuracy of inventory system at SKU and asset levels
• Determine appropriate pricing within established pricing guidelines
• Monitor inventory levels and initiate reorders based on sales and inventory reports
• Coordinate receiving, labeling, storing, and merchandising with Campus Store staff
• Key contributor to the planning and preparation of annual inventory count for general merchandise and clothing
• Develop processes and procedures for Campus Store staff regarding the timing, execution, and flow of general merchandise activities
• Ensure accurate product coding and information in the inventory management system
• Implement merchandising and displays for College events, such as Open House and Convocation
• Coordinate promotional events, including planning, advertising, and product procurement
• Partner with vendors to maximize marketing and promotional opportunities
• Represent the Campus Store at college and external events to promote the Conestoga College Brand and Campus Store sales
• Collaborate with departments to develop cross-promotions and program-specific merchandise
  
  

Promotions and customer engagement

• Develop and coordinate the Campus Store’s promotion and engagement strategy
• Collaborate on the annual marketing and communications plan
• Map product lines to engagement stories supporting a diverse sales strategy
• Contribute to the promotional calendar with sales and engagement initiatives
• Ensure the website is user-friendly, functional, and engaging for all audiences
• Support communication with students and faculty through surveys and newsletters
• Design marketing materials including posters, signage, and digital content
• Identify and implement marketing initiatives aligned with the strategy and annual business plan of the Campus Store
• Conduct marketing research to understand target audience needs and emerging trends
  
  

Qualifications

• Three-year diploma or degree in Merchandising, Marketing, Sales, Advertising, Communications, or a related field of study is required
• Minimum three years of practical experience implementing and coordinating strategic purchasing, to include marketing and advertising, sales, and graphic/web design publishing is required
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate with diverse audiences
• Ability to practise independent judgement and deal tactfully with people in a busy retail/office environment
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines with frequent interruptions, demonstrating adaptability and flexibility
• Excellent research, organizational, time management and problem-solving skills
• Ability to develop and utilize reporting tools
• Capable of lifting five to 20 kg and standing for extended periods
  
  

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