The Specialist, Special Orders will support the special orders process within the Merchandising department by carefully monitoring each step of the special-order life cycle, providing up-to-date information to our retail, school services, and e-commerce sales channels regarding purchase orders, and serving as a collaborative partner with other internal department members to further the company’s mission and goals.
Responsibilities (not all-inclusive):
- Manage special order (SPO) purchase orders for an assigned group of vendors.
- Maintaining accurate information regarding item costs and delivery estimates and updating purchase orders as needed. o
- Be knowledgeable of unique vendor rules regarding the ordering of products and drop shipping to customers. o
- Communicate regularly with vendors on open backorders. o
- Communicate with customer service and/or sales channels whenever items are discontinued or no longer available. o
- Keep meticulous notes within the ERP system on any changes or communications with vendors and customers regarding SPO purchase orders. o
- Manage inventory responsibly to maximize EBITDA dollars
- Communication, Collaboration, and Triage o Partner with Planners, Category Managers, and other stakeholders to support business initiatives and strategies.
- Serve as the first point of contact to review, prioritize, and resolve internal customer queries through platforms such as email and internal tools.
- Work with colleagues and the Manager, Special Orders, to provide the company with data-driven support for strategic and tactical decision-making as needed.
- Troubleshoot and resolve customer-impacting issues while maintaining the company’s best practices.
- Additional duties as assigned.
About Music & Arts
Music & Arts embodies the world of creativity and music by encouraging our teammates to find their own individual sound. We strive to create lifelong musicians and make a difference in the world by enabling musicians and non-musicians alike to experience the almost indescribable happiness that comes from playing an instrument. We believe in putting our customers first, engaging with respect and integrity and fulfilling our mission with passion.
The first Music & Arts was located in a small house in Bethesda, MD and run by founder Benjamin O'Brien. When Music & Arts opened its doors in 1952, we offered printed music, music lessons, dance lessons, and art supplies. Ben decided shortly after opening his business that he wanted to focus on music to better serve his customers - a decision that remains intact to this day.
Since the 1990's, Music & Arts has expanded nationwide through organic growth and a series of acquisitions and mergers with other music dealers. In 2005, Music & Arts joined forces with American Music to become the largest band and orchestra instrument retailer in the United States. Based in Frederick, MD, Music & Arts is now part of the Guitar Center enterprise and comprises 225+ retail stores, 200+ educational representatives, and 250+ affiliate locations.
To join our band, you'll need the following experience:
- Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience in a related field.
- 1-3 years’ direct experience in retail, operations, merchandising, music education/performance, or customer service
- Attention to detail – Maintain accuracy in communications, purchase order maintenance, and operational execution.
- Organizational and Time Management Skills – Effectively manage multiple priorities between merchandising and key stakeholder communication functions.
- Collaboration and Communication – work effectively across teams, ensuring precise, timely, and cordial communication.
- Adaptability – Flexibility to handle evolving priorities, seasonal needs, and ad hoc projects.
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to foster a professional, respectful workplace while committing to continuous improvement and maintaining high standards.
- Knowledge of MS Office programs is strongly desired.
- Knowledge of Band and Orchestra categories strongly desired.
Why Guitar Center? Here's just some of the rewards:
For our employees who are musicians we offer the unique opportunity of gig leave-take time off to share your music with the world and return to your job after your tour! Guitar Center offers robust benefits and perks, including Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K plus company match, mental health support, paid sick/holiday/vacation time, employee discount program, and tuition reimbursement options.
Pay Rate: $24-27/hr depending on background and experience.
The job posting is not necessarily reflective of actual compensation that may be earned, nor a promise of any specific pay for any specific employee, which is always dependent on actual experience, education, and other factors. The pay range(s) listed are provided in compliance with state specific laws. Pay ranges may be different in other locations.
With a career at Guitar Center, you become part of the world's largest multichannel musical instrument retailer. Whether at our Stores, Contact Centers, Distribution Centers, or Support Center, Guitar Center employees have a common goal: to help people find their sound and fill the world with more music.
Love this gig and want to apply?
Guitar Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides fair and equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or any other protected status prohibited under Federal, State, or local laws. All employment decisions are based on valid job‐related requirements.
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