Part-Time Bookstore Buyer

Job Summary

JOB TITLE: Bookstore Buyer
DEPARTMENT: Auxiliary Services / ABAC Bookstore
LOCATION: Tifton, Georgia
POSITION TYPE: Part-Time (29 hours per week)
REPORTS TO: Bookstore Manager

About the Role

The Bookstore Buyer is responsible for coordinating, purchasing, and managing textbooks and course materials for the ABAC Bookstore. This position works closely with faculty, academic departments, and publishers to ensure timely and cost-effective acquisition of required and recommended course materials. The role supports student success by ensuring accurate, affordable, and accessible textbook availability for each academic term while maintaining strong inventory control and vendor relationships.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Coverage of faculty and academic departments to identify required and recommended course materials and ensure timely submission of textbook adoptions.
• Review course schedules, enrollment, and historical sales data to determine appropriate quantities of textbooks and instructional materials.
• Place orders for textbooks and related materials through approved vendors while adhering to institutional purchasing guidelines and budget expectations.
• Communicate with publishers and suppliers to verify pricing, availability, shipping timelines, and product updates including new editions and digital resources.
• Maintain accurate inventory records, purchase orders, returns, and vendor documentation.
• Cookbook returns, buy-back programs, and reordering processes to maximize cost efficiency and minimize excess inventory.
• Monitor open purchase orders, shipments, and backorders and resolve discrepancies to ensure timely delivery.
• Aid faculty, bookstore staff, and vendors to address textbook-related issues and ensure clear communication across all parties.
• Aid with bookstore operations as needed, including customer service, inventory counts, and peak registration periods.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• At least two years of experience in retail, purchasing, bookstore operations, or a closely related field is preferred.
• Experience working with textbooks, academic materials, or inventory systems is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Knowledge of purchasing procedures, inventory control practices, and basic budgeting principles.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to analyze data and make informed purchasing decisions.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to build working relationships with faculty, students, and vendors.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced academic environment.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft 365 applications.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift and move books and materials up to approximately 25 pounds.
• Ability to stand, walk, and perform tasks in a retail bookstore environment.

Work Schedule

Up to 29 hours per week. Schedule may vary based on academic calendar needs, including peak periods at the beginning of semesters.

USG Core Values

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct. Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC) does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, age, veteran status, or genetic information in its programs and activities, including admissions and employment, as required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and changes made by the ADA Amendments Act of 2008, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and other applicable statutes, regulations, and USG and ABAC policies. For questions or more detailed information, please contact Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College's Human Resources Office at (229) 391-4887.