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Computer Acquisitions Co-ordinator

Department: CampusTechshop, Retail Services Effective Date: February 2005
Grade: USG 06 Reports to:

General Accountability

This position is accountable to the Campus Techshop Manager for  procuring technology products/services in Campus Techshop and providing the highest quality service through consultation, research and negotiation.

Nature and Scope

CampusTechshop is the on campus agent for sourcing and reselling computer goods and services to students, staff and faculty.

The CampusTechshop is a university ancillary operation located in the Student Life Centre.  CampusTechshop is an authorized Higher Education Reseller for Apple, Hewlett-Packard, IBM, SUN, Microsoft and other major computer vendors.

CampusTechshop is one of five business units reporting to Retail Services.  Other stores reporting to Retail Services are the Bookstore, UW Shop, Techworx and Artworx.   Retail Services is an ancillary operation generating $16M annual revenue, employs 35 full-time staff and approximately 70 part-time students.  The Director of Retail Services reports to the university’s Business Operation Director.

Our mission is to provide goods and services to students, faculty, staff and alumni at the best price, quality and customer service excellence that will enhance the academic experience at the University of Waterloo. 

This position reports to the CampusTechshop manager and has signing authorization for a single transaction not exceeding $50,000.   A single transaction exceeding $50,000 requires signed authorization by the CampusTechshop manager.  Also reporting to the CampusTechshop Manager are the Technician,  Supplies Buyer, Sales Associate and part-time sales assistants (students). 

Challenges include dealing with demanding faculty, staff and students.    

The incumbent must be familiar with the UW computing standards, software licensing program and campus computing policies approved by IST.

Statistical Data

Specific Accountabilities

Provides quotes and  resource information for the many research proposals, NSERC grants,  faculty, staff and  student purchases.    Provides hardware and software recommendations including custom configurations that meet the user’s requirements.  Schedules demo meetings with departments including joint visits with the appropriate vendor such as Apple or IBM.

Research and develops new product lines that will support our customers’ needs while meeting financial objectives.  Accountable for developing higher education price categories and exclusive agreements for CampusTechshop.

Forecasts monthly sales projections and accountable for taking initiatives to achieve the projected forecast and effective inventory turnover.  

Analyses all sales reports and inventory reports in collaboration with the CampusTechshop manager.  The incumbent is expected to make buying recommendations resulting in positive financial gains.

Negotiates with vendors for the best pricing, promotions and products.  The incumbent in consultation with the CampusTechshop manager will develop and implement the Back-to-School  product lines for the beginning of each academic term.

Develops marketing promotions and implements marketing agenda in consultation with the CampusTechshop manager and Retail Services Marketing Manager.

Provides excellent customer service for students and departments by recommending the appropriate configuration, technology product, and service support both before and after completion of the transaction.

Co-ordinates the student lease program and UW employee payroll deduction plan through timely marketing and sales service to students, parents and UW faculty/staff.

Responsible for continual education/training as required on new technology developments.

Authorizes customer returns/credits and requests RMA approvals from vendors.  Resolves shipping/receiving concerns with the manager and/or the Retail Services Receiving department.

Supports all aspects of CampusTechshop retail operations and serves as the staff resource for product and service information. 

Working Conditions