Merchandising Specialist

About Unity:
At Unity Environmental University we are on a mission to make environmental education accessible and affordable to all. Our unique model combines a functional hierarchy and project-based structure through our four Sustainable Education Business Units (SEBUs) to promote collaboration and innovation (Distance Education, Sustainable Ventures, Hybrid Learning and the Technical Institute for Environmental Professions). We prioritize our students' needs above all else, offering a variety of modalities, including hybrid, in-person, hyflex, and online. Our innovative and inclusive culture prepares students to tackle real-world challenges and cultivate the next generation of environmental professionals and leaders who can make a positive impact on our world.

Our Mission:
We are dedicated to delivering quality education and experiences that produce outstanding environmentally competent professionals and inspire individuals from all walks of life to steward sustainable ecosystems.

About Hybrid Learning:
Hybrid Learning is committed to providing location and modality agnostic educational opportunities to a diverse range of students. Our target audience includes those who may not have access to traditional, residential college experiences due to financial constraints, particularly those with lower estimated family contributions. Our SEBU supports students who value flexibility and affordability, while also seeking immersive residential and learning experiences that align with their career goals. At Unity Environmental University: Hybrid Learning, our courses combine synchronous, face-to-face experiences with innovative online learning to create a personalized, dynamic educational experience. Our goal is to help students achieve their desired outcomes and secure a four-year degree that directly aligns with their chosen career field.

The Opportunity:
The Merchandising Specialist is a revenue generating position which manages the total retail operations of Unity Environmental University, including but not limited to the 90 Quaker Hill Campus, McKay Farm, Sky Lodge, Pineland Farms, and ecommerce. This involves procurement, merchandising, distribution, and selling of eco-concise and sustainable branded Unity Environmental University merchandise. The Merchandising Specialist gathers data regarding product demands from a variety of Unity Environmental University sources to determine order needs. Within the framework of functional leadership, the Merchandising Specialist supports and is supported by other members of the Environmental Business and Sustainable Ventures team while working with all constituencies to realize the Unity Environmental University Mission and Strategic Plan.

Day to day responsibilities:

• Manages the financials of all retail operations to meet or exceed expected returns.
• Executes revenue-generating initiatives and assists in developing, recommending, implementing, and maintaining the annual budget.
• Manages the point-of-sale system (POS), trains staff at all locations, and ensures accountability regarding the POS system and cash management.
• Manages the ecommerce site and maintains social media and all digital communication.
• Sources eco-conscious and sustainable merchandise to align with brand standards for all locations.
• Oversee the processing of daily incoming and outbound merchandise requests and shipments.
• Solicits information on retail needs from all stakeholders including employees and students.
• Gathers data on sales to forecast future replenishment needs.
• Prepares daily deposits. Maintains daily, weekly, and monthly revenue records.
• Maintains clean and organized locations in Unity, Thorndike, Moose River, and New Gloucester, ME that promotes effective visual merchandise presentation.
• Recruits, trains, and supervises staff and students as needed.
• Conduct quarterly self-audits, cycle counts, incident reporting, and monthly inventory reconciliations to ensure annual inventory shrinkage is to a minimum.
• Coordinates vendor relationships for commencement regalia and other commencement related needs.
• Maintains confidentiality of stakeholders, proprietary information, and protects company assets.
• Embodies a passion for the environment and creating a sustainable world.
• Pro-actively communicate challenges, successes, and failures with leadership.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Do you have the skills?

• Bachelors Degree.
• 1 - 3years hospitality or retail experience.
• 1 - 3years retail buying or cost accounting experience.
• An entrepreneurial mindset and revenue-focused attitude.
• Strong business acumen.
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and business processes.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from students, staff, faculty, customers, and the public.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, safety data sheets, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Establish and maintain vendor relationships with the ability to negotiate competitive rates to decrease expenses.
• Ability to juggle multiple tasks & projects with superb accuracy.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
• Ability to look for, suggest, and implement improved efficiencies.
• Implements a hands-on approach to effectively manage the quality of daily operations.
• Ability to work as part of a team or independently as needed.
• Must possess a positive attitude.
• Must be willing to participate in a learning environment.
• Must integrate Unity Environmental University values throughout all interactions.
• Ensures compliance with established Unity Environmental University policies & procedures.
• Strong knowledge of MS Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
• Ability to manage a POS system with a strong knowledge of category management.
• Ability to maintain an ecommerce website along with relevant social media integration.
• Valid drivers license with good driving record.
• Ability to function effectively within a matrix organizational structure, maintaining open lines of communication while being discreet, courteous, and well poised.
  

Preferred skills:

• Bachelors Degree in business, management, retail, or fashion merchandising.
• 3+ years of retail management experience.
• 3+ years of retail buying experience.

Are you contemplating the job but uncertain if you should apply? We encourage you to reach out to us regardless. At our company, we acknowledge that not everyone begins their professional journey with equal advantages, opportunities, or privileges. Therefore, we value your unique skills and experiences. Take a chance and submit your application; you may be precisely the individual we're searching for!

Work Schedule:
Work hours are specific to the requirements of this position and can include days,early mornings,evenings, and weekends. Working extended hours required as needed.On-call hours may also be required.Must be flexible and cooperative in fulfilling responsibilities and meeting theInstitution’s needs. Although Unity Environmental University employees are generally scheduled to work at their specifically assigned locations, there are times when travel is necessary and employees are required from time to time to attend events, meetings or work temporary assignment at any Unity Environmental University location.

Physical Demands:
While performing the duties of this job, it is regularly required to sit and talk or hear.The employee is often required to stand and/or walk, reach with arms,climbor balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl and climb stairs.The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50lbs. and up to 100 pounds with the use of designated moving equipment.Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. The use of either hand for repetitive movements such as grasping,graspingand turning, and fine manipulation is required as is the ability to use the telephone for internal and external communications.

Company Perks:
Unity Environmental University offers a comprehensive and competitive compensation and benefits package for its faculty and staff. Benefits for eligible employees include:

• Paid holidays off
• 17 days of PTO
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Short- and Long-term disability
• Life Insurance
• Retirement Plan with up to 8% match
• Relocation Assistance