Licensed Merchandise Buyer - VolShop - UTK

University Of Tennessee College
University Of Tennessee College

Accounting & Finance

Knoxville, TN, USA

Posted on Jul 29, 2026
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The Licensed Buyer develops and executes merchandise strategies for assigned licensed product categories to drive sales, margin, and brand growth for the VolShop. This role uses customer insights, sales analytics, and emerging AI tools to curate trend-right assortments, optimize pricing and inventory decisions, and improve product lifecycle performance. The Buyer partners closely with vendors, licensing partners, and internal teams to introduce innovative products and strengthen the VolShop's brand presence. With a focus on data-driven decision-making, the position plays a key role in

shaping the VolShop's overall retail experience.

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has shaped leaders, changemakers, and innovative thinkers since its founding in 1794. The university is home to more than 38,000 students and 10,000 statewide employees—the Volunteers—who uphold the university’s tradition of lighting the way for others through leadership and service.

UT Knoxville offers over 900 programs of study across 14 degree-granting colleges and schools. As Tennessee’s flagship land-grant university, its footprint spans the entire state. The university holds the highest Carnegie classification for research activity and has deep partnerships with industry leaders and the US Department of Energy’s largest multidisciplinary laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

The Knoxville campus serves and recruits for UT Knoxville, including the Institute of Agriculture and the Space Institute, as well as the UT Institute of Public Service.

UT Knoxville considers its employees its number one asset. With values that focus on work-life balance, compensation, and innovation leadership, all Vols are supported to advance professionally. Employees have access to career development and coaching, continued education, and an extensive list of development and training possibilities. The Volunteer employee experience implements structures and practices to attract and retain top-tier talent, fostering a strong staff community and supporting a culture of involvement and engagement for everyone.

The university holds a strong commitment to its land-grant mission of learning and engagement, with a tradition of service and leadership that carries that Volunteer spirit throughout the state and around the world. It has been ranked nationally as “Best Employer for New Graduates,” “One of America’s Best Large Employers,” and “Best Workplace for Women,” and has been designated as “Best Place for Working Parents” by Forbes Magazine.

Apply today and join the Tennessee Volunteer community!
The Licensed Buyer develops and executes merchandise strategies for assigned licensed product categories to drive sales, margin, and brand growth for the VolShop. This role uses customer insights, sales analytics, and emerging AI tools to curate trend-right assortments, optimize pricing and inventory decisions, and improve product lifecycle performance. The Buyer partners closely with vendors, licensing partners, and internal teams to introduce innovative products and strengthen the VolShop's brand presence. With a focus on data-driven decision-making, the position plays a key role in shaping the VolShop's overall retail experience.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor’s degree

  • 2 years’ experience in a retail environment

  • 1 year buying for retail operation

  • Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment-based visa status.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • 3 years’ experience buying for a collegiate retail operation preferred

  • Knowledge and understanding of retail math
  • Understanding of the culture at the University of Tennessee and passion for the licensed merchandise
  • Some formal training or education in the retail industry
  • Knowledge of and experience with Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies.

Pay Details: Market Range 06

  • Selects specialty merchandise and negotiates optimal costs, terms, and delivery timelines for assigned categories.

  • Analyze sales, inventory, and margin performance by store, class, and SKU to identify opportunities and inform strategic decisions.

  • Execute the open-to-buy process to guide in-season business management and maximize financial results with input from inventory management consultants.

  • Develop and lead the allocation strategy for assigned categories, ensuring alignment with assortment plans and maintaining accuracy and adherence to budget.

  • Negotiates with vendors and attends trade shows and buying events. Identifies and sources new products for assigned categories. Updates website with merchandise images and product descriptions.

  • Creation of SKUs and purchase orders for incoming merchandise.

  • Work with the distribution center to ensure correct flow of merchandise.

  • Regularly monitor emerging trends and competitor activity to inform merchandising strategy.

  • Process price changes and markdowns, collaborating with the Distribution Center to resolve issues related to style numbers, pricing, tagging, and UPC information.

Apply now
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