Temporary Buyer - General Merchandise at The Princeton University Store – Princeton, New Jersey

The Princeton University Store is seeking a Temporary General Merchandise Buyer. This role is responsible for day-to-day buying and replenishment across food, beverage, health and beauty, school supplies, dorm essentials, technology accessories, and other general merchandise categories, with particular focus on fresh food and prepared or ready-to-eat assortments.
This is an interim continuity role. It is designed for a practical, experienced retail buyer who can step into an active business, stabilize execution, protect vendor relationships, and maintain inventory flow.
What You Will Do
• Manage day-to-day buying and replenishment for food, beverage, health and beauty, school supplies, dorm essentials, technology accessories, and related general merchandise categories.
• Create and manage purchase orders based on business needs, vendor schedules, delivery timing, and inventory levels.
• Oversee fresh food, grab-and-go, and prepared or ready-to-eat assortments with close attention to in-stock position, flow, and execution.
• Maintain strong vendor communication and follow-through on delivery issues, pricing, credits, and service concerns.
• Monitor inventory levels, analyze sales trends, and make sound replenishment decisions using data, reports, and store feedback.
• Maintain item and SKU information in NetSuite, including setup, updates, pricing changes, and lifecycle tracking as needed.
• Partner with store operations, receiving, eCommerce, and leadership to support product availability and resolve issues quickly.
• Help organize category information, vendor details, and operating routines to support continuity through the transition.
What We Are Looking For
• 8+ years of experience in retail buying, replenishment, category management, or merchandise planning
• Strong experience in food, grocery, convenience, dorm, school supply, or general merchandise categories
• Demonstrated skill in inventory management, vendor communication, and day-to-day product flow
• Experience with NetSuite ERP is essential.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving ability
• Clear communication skills and the ability to work effectively across store, operations, and leadership teams
• Ability to operate independently in a fast-paced retail environment with a high degree of accountability