Job Tester (West County)

Purpose of Classification:

Performs activities associated with selling, ordering, and overall management of a sales area dealing with specialized merchandise that requires knowledge of a unique and/or specialized nature. These activities include researching and utilizing knowledge of highly technical products that are appropriate to their specific and/or unique needs. Also includes responsibility to order specialized merchandise. Incumbents will supervise subordinate sales staff in areas of expertise, exercise judgement within the perimeters of areas of specialized knowledge.

Distinguishing Characteristics:

This is the third in a series of three classifications. It is distinguished from the Sales Assistant Senior by supervisory responsibility, unique knowledge of technical products, and expectations of independent decision-making within the area of specialized knowledge.

Examples of Duties:

• Coordinates the activities of subordinates.
• Informs and assists customers regarding technical and specialized merchandise; demonstrates use upon request.
• Identifies need for materials and merchandise; identifies criteria and selects vendor to procure specific merchandise meeting identified criteria, such as price, quality, quantity, and delivery date, and places orders.
• Coordinates activities with Purchasing, as required to meet unit and University needs, Arizona Board of Regents policies, and state and federal statutes.
• Plans special promotions; coordinates advertising, procurement of specialized merchandise, staff scheduling, and event marketing.
• Interviews vendor representatives to develop new sources of technical supplies, securing favorable terms for the University.
• Totals prices and tax on merchandise selected; calculates discounts when appropriate.
• Compiles and tracks sales data for evaluation.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of merchandising techniques and methods for specialized and/or technical products.
• Knowledge of product selection and purchasing practices.
• Knowledge of supervisory practices and principles.
• Skill in dealing with the public; knowledge of and proven ability to apply customer service techniques.
• Skill in preparing and analyzing complex technical specifications.

Minimum Qualifications:

Associates degree in Marketing or field appropriate to area of assignment AND two years' progressively responsible and directly applicable experience in retail sales of highly technical products and associated specialized merchandise; OR, Four years' progressively responsible retail sales experience, which includes two years' progressively responsible and directly applicable experience in retail sales of highly technical and/or specialized merchandise; OR, Any equivalent combination of experience and/or education from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved. Certain positions may require one year of supervisory experience.