Course Materials Buyer
The University of California, San Diego
About this position
Position Overview
Join the Residential, Retail and Supply Chain Services (RRSS) team at UC San Diego, a dynamic and innovative campus department dedicated to delivering exceptional service to the university community. As a valued RRSS team member, you will be contributing to a broad and complex organization consisting of five key units: Housing, Dining and Hospitality (HDH), Integrated Procure-to-Pay Solutions (IPPS), the UC San Diego Bookstore, Triton Print & Digital Media, and the Early Childhood Education Center (ECEC). With a focus on innovation and customer satisfaction, RRSS aims to inclusively meet the diverse needs of the UC San Diego community while fostering a sense of belonging for our students and staff. The UC San Diego Bookstore is a self-supporting auxiliary organization with annual revenue of $25,000,000. The bookstore supports the campus community with academic materials, spirit wear, and technology products. The UC San Diego Bookstore employs approximately 20 career staff and approximately 100-150 student and temporary employees. At UC San Diego, we believe a job is more than just employment - it's a chance to be part of something meaningful. Along with competitive pay, we offer outstanding benefits, retirement plans, and a supportive environment that encourages both professional development and personal growth. Benefits begin on your first day!
Position Description
Uses professional purchasing skills and concepts to complete purchasing assignments of moderate complexity, requiring the analysis and review of multiple procurement options. Has authority to make purchases within a moderate and pre-approved dollar limit. Exercises judgment within defined limits and practices to determine the most effective methodology to acquire common goods and services. Works on problems of moderate scope, where analysis of situations or data requires reviewing a variety of factors. Under the direction of the Bookstore Director, the Course Materials Buyer is responsible for all administrative aspects of Course Materials (CM), including determining procedures, selecting methods, and implementing policy applications. Provide work direction to student staff to ensure excellent customer service and first-rate sales in Course Materials. Analyze and oversee course materials returns to vendors. Plan and oversee the posting of accurate course information. Coordinate sales of University Extension course materials and coordinate buybacks. Maintain thorough knowledge of UCSD academic schedule and classes, and of required and recommended course materials each quarter. Work closely with vendor partner VitalSource. Assist in achieving departmental goals by administering effective inventory management practices and customer service techniques. Assist career staff in promoting Inclusive and Equitable Access programs to the UC San Diego campus community.
Qualifications
Analytical skills to evaluate the quality and cost effectiveness of purchasing options. Demonstrated skill in employing purchasing strategies and previous experience in purchasing new and used course materials. Thorough working knowledge of a computerized textbook inventory management system, including experience using PubNet, EasyLink, and other electronic ordering systems. Demonstrated skill in researching information about authors, titles, editions, and translations of books. Thorough understanding of textbook buyback process. Understands ERP / financial systems (such as Oracle, PeopleSoft, SAP, Banner, etc.). Experience reading and interpreting terms and conditions of basic contracts. Experience reading, interpreting, and analyzing financial statements. Proficiency in the use of excel and Microsoft office suite. Knowledge of fundamental business practices, mathematics, statistics, financial terms, open-to-buy calculations and margins. Demonstrated skills to set and achieve financial goals. Knowledge of the organization's departments and operations required in order to meet their procurement needs. Knowledge of and experience in college store textbook operations. Ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including tact and skill when communicating with a diverse group of customers, faculty, academic department personnel, students, and vendors. Excellent organizational skills; demonstrated attention to detail; ability to work under pressure, prioritize daily functions, and meet established deadlines.
Job Location
Campus