-
Technology Buyer and Planner
- University of Utah (Salt Lake City, UT)
-
Details
**Open Date** 08/21/2025
**Requisition Number** PRN42903B
**Job Title** Buyer
**Working Title** Technology Buyer and Planner
**Job Grade** D
**FLSA Code** Administrative
**Patient Sensitive Job Code?** No
**Standard Hours per Week** 40
**Full Time or Part Time?** Full Time
**Shift** Day
Work Schedule Summary
M- F, 8a-5p, some weekends and holidays
**VP Area** President
**Department** 00435 - University Campus Store
**Location** Campus
**City** Salt Lake City, UT
**Type of Recruitment** External Posting
**Pay Rate Range** $55,000 - $65,000 DOE
**Close Date** 11/21/2025
Priority Review Date (Note - Posting may close at any time)
Job Summary
The University Campus Store is seeking a Technology Buyer and Planner, a key member of the University of Utah Campus Store’s buying and technology sales division. This full-time position is responsible for the strategic procurement and inventory planning of computer hardware, accessories, and related technology products. The role supports two primary customer segments: University community members—including students, faculty, staff, and alumni—for personal technology purchases, and University departments for institutional technology needs.
With annual technology sales exceeding $12 million, this position ensures the Campus Store maintains a competitive, relevant, and well-stocked assortment of technology solutions. This position serves as a primary liaison between the store, campus departments, and external vendors. Success in this role requires strong analytical skills, deep product knowledge, and precision in managing purchasing cycles and vendor relationships.
As one of the top-ranked Apple Campus Stores in the nation, the University Campus Store requires this position to uphold all contractual obligations and partnership standards with Apple, including compliance with brand guidelines, pricing structures, and product availability.
Why Work at the University Campus Store?
Full-time employees at the University of Utah Campus Store enjoy a wide range of benefits that support both personal and professional well-being. These include:
* Employee discounts on Campus Store merchandise
* Opportunities for career growth and advancement within the store
* Comprehensive University of Utah benefits, including:
* Health, dental, and vision insurance
* Retirement and pension plans
* Generous paid time off and holidays
* Tuition reduction for employees and their dependents
* Access to campus wellness programs, fitness facilities, and cultural events
As part of the University of Utah—the state’s flagship public institution and a top-tier research university—you’ll be joining a community that values innovation, service, and excellence. The Campus Store is consistently ranked among the top 15 institutionally run stores in the nation and proudly serves over 40,000 students, faculty, and staff, along with millions of visitors each year.
At the Campus Store, Everything Goes Back to U. Our mission is to support the University community through every latte, textbook, and piece of Utah gear we provide. We are guided by four core values:
* Empower Student Success
* Support Faculty and Staff
* Foster Pride and Tradition
* Deliver Unmatched Customer Service
We are also aligned with the six core principles championed by President Taylor Randall and the Board of Trustees: leadership, education, research, service, patient care, and unity with sister institutions. These values shape our culture and daily operations.
Join a team where Your Pride is Our Purpose—and help us make a lasting impact at the University of Utah.
Responsibilities
Key Responsibilities Include:
* Procurement & Vendor Management
o Lead the sourcing and purchasing of all technology products, including laptops, desktops, tablets, peripherals, and accessories.
o Negotiate pricing, terms, and delivery schedules with vendors to ensure optimal cost, availability, and margin.
o Maintain strong relationships with major technology brands such as Apple, Dell, HP, and others.
o Ensure compliance with university procurement policies and vendor agreements, including Apple-specific contract terms.
o Ensure timely order placement and delivery coordination to meet internal deadlines and customer expectations.
* Inventory Planning & Product Strategy
o Monitor inventory levels and coordinate with internal teams to maintain optimal stock and product mix.
o Manage open-to-buy planning and ensure inventory investments align with financial goals.
o Analyze product lifecycles and technology trends to inform buying decisions and seasonal planning.
o Collaborate with store leadership to forecast demand and align inventory with academic calendars and institutional needs.
o Evaluate new product opportunities and recommend additions to the assortment based on relevance and demand.
* Sales Support & Departmental Engagement
o Partner with inside sales and customer service teams to support departmental buyers with product recommendations and quotes.
o Provide insights and data to help guide purchasing decisions for campus departments.
o Assist in developing promotional strategies and campaigns to drive awareness of technology offerings.
* Reporting & Performance Analysis
o Maintain accurate records of purchase orders, vendor agreements, and inventory transactions.
o Analyze sales and inventory data to identify trends, gaps, and opportunities for growth.
o Track performance against key metrics including sales targets, gross margin, inventory turnover, markdowns, and return on investment ( ROI ).
o Support budgeting and financial planning for the technology category.
o Monitor vendor performance and delivery timelines to proactively address delays and maintain service standards.
Work Environment and Level of Frequency typically required
Nearly Continuously: Office environment.
Physical Requirements and Level of Frequency that may be required
Nearly Continuously: Sitting, hearing, listening, talking.
Often: Repetitive hand motion (such as typing), walking.
Seldom: Bending, reaching overhead.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Business, Accounting, related field or equivalency (one year of education can be substituted for two years of related work experience). Knowledge of purchasing and contracting policies, laws and regulations as well as demonstrated human relations and effective communications skills also required.
Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.
Preferences
* 3+ years of experience in technology sales, procurement, or retail operations.
* Strong understanding of computer hardware, accessories, and technology trends.
* Excellent communication, negotiation, and vendor management skills.
* Proficiency in NetSuite and Microsoft Office Suite.
* Familiarity with Apple, Dell, HP, and other major technology vendors.
* Experience with B2B sales and institutional procurement processes.
* Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced retail environment.
* Experience working in a university or institutional environment is a plus
**Type** Benefited Staff
Special Instructions Summary
Additional Information
The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems (“URS”). Eligible new hires with prior URS service, may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581-7447 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS’ post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581-7447 if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.
This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.
The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and patients from all backgrounds and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education and quality healthcare for historically underrepresented students and patients.
All qualified individuals are strongly encouraged to apply. Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.
The University of Utah is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran’s status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.
To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action ( OEO /AA). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator’s office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at: https://www.utah.edu/nondiscrimination/
Online reports may be submitted at oeo.utah.edu
https://safety.utah.edu/safetyreport This report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action, and Violence Against Women Act offenses. They also provide information about safety and security-related services offered by the University of Utah. A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South.
-