Assistant Buyer

Assistant Buyer – Fiction Books

About the job

Attention all book lovers! We’re on the hunt for an Assistant Buyer to join our team in the Fiction book area. Do you have a passion for books, a love of fiction, and a keen eye for trending books on social media? If so, then we should talk! As our Assistant Buyer, you will work closely with our Senior Fiction Buyer to bring the most exciting and diverse books to our shelves while ensuring that key backlist and classic titles are always in stock. This entry level job is ideal for a current bookseller or book lover with a diverse range of interests who reads various genres. The Assistant Buyer will assist in identifying new and emerging authors, evaluating sales trends, and working with both outside vendors and internal marketing teams. The successful candidate will be self-starting, flexible, organized, and results oriented.

Responsibilities
Management of Assigned Book Categories (60%)

• Execute merchandising activities including full life cycle of purchase orders through judgement and problem solving.
• Produce sales recaps and analysis to identify new and existing business opportunities. Communicate findings and advocates for intended purchases.
• Take initiative to develop collaborative publisher relationships, including cost negotiation, problem resolution and follow up.
• Make independent decisions on proper maintenance of data accuracy and integrity for the company without supervision.
• Ensure timely delivery of merchandise via consistent communication and follow up with publishers, vendors, and distribution center.
• Develop book planograms for in store merchandise sets that drive sales and fixture productivity.
• Communicate regularly with stores using appropriate communication channels.
• Travel to trade shows, vendor meetings and store visits.
  

Buyer and Division Support (40%)

• Monitor latest book trends and share with book team to identify sales and marketing opportunities.
• Execute contracts and incentives including promotional partnerships.
• Provide organizational support for cross functional team projects.
• Monitor competitor merchandising and share findings with stakeholders.
• Projects as assigned by the Buyer/Divisional Merchandise Manager or Vice President.
  

Education and/or Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in merchandising or business-related field or equivalent combination of work experience
• 2 -3 years of retail or relevant experience which may include retail internship
  

Qualifications:

• Passion and appreciation for books and reading
• Able to work independently and thrive in a multi-task, fast paced environment within an area that spans a high breadth of titles
• Exercise independent judgement to make decisions and work with minimal supervision
• Display strong business acumen with the ability to analyze data and draw conclusions
• Demonstrate assertiveness and intellectual curiosity
• Exhibit high standards, accountability, attention to detail and accuracy
• Utilize time management skills to include prioritizing tasks and meeting deadlines
• Develop strong business partnerships both internally and externally
• Adaptable, flexible and perseveres to overcome obstacles
• Present information effectively and accurately, expressing ideas clearly and concisely
• Prefer proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Outlook, and Word
  

Special Requirements:

• Up to 10% travel may be required depending upon area assigned.
  

About the Company

Books-A-Million, America’s hometown bookstore since 1917

Founded in 1917 as a street corner newsstand in Florence, Alabama, Books-A-Million, Inc. (BAM!) has grown to become the second largest chain of bookstores in the United States, operating over 220 stores in 32 states as well as an on-line store, www.booksamillion.com. Headquartered in Birmingham, AL, Books-A-Million stores range from 4,000 to 30,000 square feet and provide an expansive selection of books, magazines, bargain books, collectibles, and house toy and gift departments. Special category shops within the store range from Faithpoint, which features the best of references and writings for the Christian market to Pop Culture, which highlights an extensive Manga assortment and related collectibles.