Buyer

Buyer Position at Lucas Museum of Narrative Art

The Lucas Museum seeks a highly motivated Buyer to join the Revenue & Engagement team in support of the opening and ongoing operations of the Museum's retail store. Reporting to the Director of Retail & Product Licensing, this role will lead the sourcing, development, and procurement of merchandise that reflects the Museum's mission, exhibitions, and storytelling approach.

The Buyer will support the identification and evaluation of vendors, support licensing and product development initiatives, and ensure timely procurement and delivery of goods. This role will also leverage sales and inventory insights to inform buying decisions, optimize product assortment, and support overall retail performance. The Buyer will partner cross-functionally with Curatorial, Marketing, and Retail teams to create a compelling and cohesive visitor experience.

Responsibilities

• Partner with the Director of Retail & Product and Revenue & Engagement team to support the launch of the Museum's retail store, including licensing strategy, vendor onboarding, & contributing to development of standard operating procedures
• Collaborate with Curatorial and internal stakeholders to identify product development opportunities tied to exhibitions and collections
• Develop exclusive, mission-aligned products in collaboration with internal teams, ensuring accuracy, quality, and integrity of source materials
• As directed by the Director of Retail, support supplier selection and negotiation processes, including product, pricing, and terms evaluation
• Support development of unique product assortment strategies, including category mix, pricing architecture, and buy quantities
• Source and purchase merchandise that complements exhibitions, programs, and the Museum's collection
• Serve as a key point of contact for product development, licensing, and branded merchandise initiatives, including familiarity with contracts and licensing requirements
• Identify and explore new product categories to enhance the retail offering and visitor experience
• Ensure timely ordering, delivery, payment and issue resolution with vendors
• Analyze sales performance, inventory levels, and product trends to inform buying decisions and optimize assortment to maximize profit
• Support forecasting and replenishment decisions by identifying high-performing items and potential stock risks
• Monitor inventory flow and timing to align with exhibition openings, seasonal changes, and key Museum events
• Identify risks and opportunities in sales and inventory performance and recommend adjustments to buying strategy
• Generate reports and insights to support Revenue & Engagement leadership in decision-making
• Support Retail leadership with sourcing, evaluating, and onboarding vendors, wholesalers, and licensing partners aligned with the Museum's brand and mission
• Support Retail leadership with identification and onboarding of new and diverse suppliers to expand product offerings
• Establish and cultivate relationships with vendors and licensing partners to support long-term retail growth
• Stay informed on retail and museum merchandising trends through research, trade events, and industry engagement
• Partner with Retail and Marketing teams to support product launches, promotions, and campaigns tied to exhibitions and seasonal programming
• Collaborate with creative partners to ensure high-quality product imagery and storytelling for in-store and digital channels
• Communicate product knowledge and merchandising direction to store teams to support visual presentation and sales

Qualifications

• Background in business administration, economics, or related field preferred
• 5 + years of experience in a purchasing role, preferably for an arts & cultural institution or prominent consumer brand
• Knowledge of intellectual property principles as it relates to retail inventory management
• Comprehensive knowledge of commodities
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills

Core Competencies

• Analytical Rigor: Simplifies complex problems by using critical thinking to evaluate problems, gathering information, incorporating multiple perspectives, understanding causes, and identifying best-possible solutions. Invests time in planning, discovery, and reflection to drive better decisions and more efficient implementations. Adopts an audience-centric approach, understanding the needs of the audience and incorporating them, as appropriate, into the decision.
• Courageous Communication: Intentionally works well with others both on the team and cross-functionally to achieve individual, team, department, or organizational goals. Values diverse input and working with others as a way to achieve the best output possible.
• Collaborative Excellence: Displays courage when handling difficult conversations and genuinely and intentionally communicates. Relays key messages effectively, targeted to specific audiences. Identifies others' communication styles and perspectives, adjusting language and approach accordingly. Employs active listening to understand, rather than reply. Asks for, integrates, and values feedback from team, peers, and leaders.
• Adaptive Resilience: Thrives and grows in a rapidly changing and complex environment. Displays flexibility, activates networks, and adopts a continuous growth mindset to learn from mistakes and bounce back from adversity.
• Inclusive Interaction: Actively contributes to an environment in which all employees feel a sense of belonging, valued for their differences and empowered to participate and contribute freely.

$83,000 - $97,000 a year

Equal Opportunity and Our Commitment to DEIB

The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art embraces diversity and equal opportunity. We are committed to building a team that represents and supports a variety of backgrounds and perspectives. The Lucas Museum fosters a work environment that is free of discrimination and harassment, whether based on race, national origin, gender, gender expression, religion, ethnic background, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other criterion prohibited by applicable federal, state, or local laws. We believe that diversity and inclusion among our team is critical to our success, and we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the best qualified people from a diverse candidate pool. Applications from traditionally underrepresented communities are encouraged.

The statements in this description represent typical elements, criteria, and general work performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required for the job.

Mission and Vision

The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art is dedicated to the art of illustrated stories. Our mission is to inspire and connect people through the exploration of visual stories and their influences in society.

Values

Our internal and external practices are shaped by the following beliefs and behaviors.

People First: We meet people wherever they are (physically, intellectually, emotionally). Our inclusive practice connects who people are and what they find emotional in works of art.

Inspired: We believe that art can move you to feel, think, reflect, and act.

Collaborative: We believe that nimble thinking and working together yield exponential results.

Strategic Priorities

Narrative Art: Amplify the social impact of storytelling and illustration.

Community: Connect to a broad and diverse public.

Operational Excellence: Create a healthy and durable institution.

All staff at the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art lead through a deep commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, both within the Museum and with the communities that we serve.

Salary and titles will be assigned commensurate to the successful candidates' education and experience. An attractive compensation package will be offered to the successful candidate(s).