Merchandising Coordinator

Ensured Application Review Date: July 6th, 2026

Sub Department: Merchandising Operations

Michigan Technological University is an R1 technological research university founded in 1885 in Houghton. Our rural campus is situated just miles from Lake Superior in Michigan''s scenic Upper Peninsula and is home to nearly 7,500 students from more than 60 countries around the world. Consistently ranked among the best universities in the country for return on investment, Michigan's flagship technological university offers more than 185 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Research focus areas include defense, health, energy, automotive, environment, and aerospace.

The area's waters, forests, and snowfall support year-round recreation, including skiing, snowboarding, hiking, biking, and paddling. The University is an integral part of the region, supported by a friendly and welcoming community that takes pride in being a true college town. We embrace our size, climate, sense of adventure, and originality.

Summary

Michigan Technological University is seeking a Merchandising Coordinator for our Merchandising Operations Department. The Merchandising Coordinator manages the strategic procurement, inventory health, and visual presentation for Merchandising Operations. This role is responsible for the full product lifecycle for apparel and souvenirs-from initial vendor selection and design visualization to the execution of the Open-to-Buy (OTB) process. Acting as a key leader within the department, the Coordinator ensures both retail locations are strategically stocked and visually compelling, while serving as the University Images' point of contact in the absence of the General Manager.

Responsibilities and Essential Duties

Strategic Procurement & Inventory Management

• Execute the Open-to-Buy (OTB) process; conduct regular audits of sales data and stock levels, and assess markdowns as necessary to optimize turnover ratios, minimize deadstock, and support Merchandising Operations financial performance.
• Direct the purchasing of apparel and general merchandise within budgetary limits, selecting and working with vendors, managing lead times ranging from immediate replenishment to long-term seasonal cycles (up to one year).
• Exercise purchasing authority for designated categories; manage purchase orders, P-card reconciliations, and invoice processing with high accuracy.
• Act as the primary liaison for other university departments to create and fulfill special merchandise orders.
• Conduct surveys and market research to identify customer trends and demographic data. Analyze data and evaluate key performance metrics to determine success and shape future purchasing strategies.

Creative Direction & Brand Integrity

• Apply principles of design and color theory to visualize graphics on specific products, ensuring all merchandise aligns with university brand standards.
• Lead the design and execution of in-store displays to drive engagement and highlight promotions and new arrivals.
• Partner with the Merchandising Operations team to provide creative input for website and social media content.

Operational Leadership

Provide functional supervision for 1-2 full-time staff and 25+ student/temporary employees; assist with scheduling and provide constructive feedback to ensure a high standard of kindness in service.

Direct receiving, pricing, and distribution of goods between University Images and the Campus Store, particularly for special events like orientation and home games.

Utilize university systems (Banner, PrismCore, WebFocus, Concur) to manage vendor information, inventory, budget considerations, and P-card reconciliations.

Commit to learning about continuous improvement strategies and Lean practices and integrating them into daily retail operations. Actively engage in University continuous improvement initiatives.

Apply safety-related knowledge, skills, and practices to everyday work.

Required Education, Certifications, Licensures

• Associate degree in business, graphic design, or a related field (or an equivalent combination of education and experience).

Required Experience

• One (1) or more years of supervisory experience in retail operations, purchasing, inventory management, and/or bookstore administration.
• Experience working with integrated retail, financial, or enterprise systems and databases.
• Demonstrated history of providing excellent customer service

Desirable Education and/or Experience

• Bachelor''s degree in business, graphic design, or a related field (or an equivalent combination of education and experience).
• Previous experience with Point of Sale (POS) or Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems (e.g., PrismPOS, Banner).
• Experience in a college or university bookstore environment.
• Experience training or providing functional direction to student employees.
• Valid U.S. Driver's License and eligibility under University vehicle use requirements.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to use advanced features of word processing, spreadsheet, and database software.
• Demonstrated ability in graphic design or visual communications.
• Excellent interpersonal and oral/written communication skills, with the ability to work harmoniously with diverse groups.
• Ability to work irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays for athletic and university events.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities under strict deadlines.
• Ability to work at any assigned location within the department.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities

• Knowledge of collegiate retail trends and licensing regulations.
• Ability to analyze enrollment trends, special events, and historical sales data to forecast demand.
• Demonstrated success in, or potential future contributions to, working with persons with a wide variety of backgrounds and viewpoints

Work Environment and/or Physical Demands

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.
• Frequent sitting, standing, and walking.
• Use of multi-screen computer systems for extended periods.
• Occasional lifting up to 50 pounds with assistance.
• Peak workload periods are aligned with academic terms.

Required Training and Other Conditions of Employment

Every employee at Michigan Technological University will receive the following 4 required trainings; additional training may be required by the department.

Required University Training:

• Employee Safety Overview
• Anti-Harassment, Discrimination, Retaliation Training
• Annual Data Security Training
• Annual Title IX Training

Background Check:

Offers of employment are contingent upon and not considered finalized until the required background check has been performed and the results received and assessed.

Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) % (1=100%)

1

FLSA Status

Exempt

Appointment Term

12 months

Shift

• Pay Rate/Salary

The salary range for this position is $40,000 - $45,000. However, the final salary will depend on experience and qualifications.

Title of Position Supervisor

Merchandising Coordinator - General Merchandise

Posting Type

Internal & External

Dependent on Funding

No

Additional Information

For ensured application review will be given to applicants who apply on or before Monday, July 6th, 2026

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

If you require any auxiliary aids, services, or accommodations during Michigan Tech's hiring process please notify the Human Resources office at 906-487-2280 or hr-help@mtu.edu.

Other Conditions of Employment:

Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without the need of an employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of your appointment, and maintain eligibility without sponsorship throughout your appointment.

Michigan Technological University is an Equal Opportunity Educational Institution/Equal Opportunity Employer that provides equal opportunity for all, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report contains current campus safety and disciplinary policies, crime statistics for the previous 3 calendar years, and on-campus student housing fire safety policies and fire statistics for the previous 3 calendar years. Michigan Tech will provide a paper copy upon request; please contact the Michigan Tech Public Safety.

In compliance with the federal Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act (DFSCA) and its implementing regulations (34 CFR Part 86), Michigan Tech is committed to maintaining a drugfree campus environment and actively promoting the health and safety of its community. Find our notice that outlines the University''s policies, legal sanctions, health risks, and available support resources related to the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol.

Required Education, Certifications, Licensures* (minimum requirements)