Associate Buyer

Job DescriptionAbout the Job:Books-A-Million, America’s hometown bookstore since 1917, is headquartered in Birmingham,AL, and is home to a family of brands including Books-A-Million, 2nd & Charles, Joe Muggs, andYogurt Mountain. We’re seeking an experienced and motivated Associate Buyer to join ourMerchandising team supporting our Gift business. This hybrid role is based at our Birmingham,AL corporate office and is ideal for a professional with 2–5 years of buying, planning, ormerchandising experience who is ready to own categories. You’ll take ownership of assignedcategories, vendor relationships, and results, while working alongside an experienced buyingteam. • Position: Associate Buyer• Department: Merchandising• Location: Birmingham, AL (Hybrid) Role SummaryThe Associate Buyer owns the buying for assigned Gift categories, from assortment planning andvendor negotiation to SKU lifecycle, open-to-buy, and markdown management. Working closelywith their assigned Buyer or Senior Buyer, as well as outside vendors, the distribution center,stores, and internal marketing teams, the Associate Buyer drives sales, margin, and inventoryresults for their categories. Assigned categories may change as the Gift business evolves. Thisrole thrives in a fast-paced, detail-oriented, and collaborative environment and is ideal for a selfstarting, flexible, organized, and results-oriented team member who is eager to take on more. Role ResponsibilitiesManagement of Assigned Categories• Execute and achieve assigned category sales, gross margin, and inventory goals.• Develop merchandise assortments and strategies that support company anddepartmental goals while ensuring customer needs and satisfaction are met.• Manage all aspects of the merchandise offering, including selection, mix, brand, pricing,promotion, negotiation, and disposition.• Create, manage, and track purchase orders, including order entry.• Complete item creation and SKU management, maintaining data accuracy and integrity.• Manage the full life cycle of SKUs, from item creation through markdown and exit.• Deliver accurate sales forecasts and projections by evaluating financial information andtracking current trends. Anticipate market changes and build a buying plan to reachsales and margin goals.• Manage open-to-buy to stay on plan and support buying decisions.• Plan and execute markdowns to protect margin and keep inventory fresh.• Create planograms and in-store presentations that drive sales and fixture productivity.• Conduct competitive and product category analyses to identify new licenses, brands,and proprietary opportunities that expand selection across categories.• Prepare for and present product and merchandise analysis at assortment and businessreview meetings.• Plan promotional events and execution, ensuring accuracy on details such as pricing andmarketing signage.Vendor Management• Learn the vendor base and take ownership of vendor relationships for assignedcategories.• Develop and maintain collaborative vendor relationships to ensure merchandiseavailability, including exclusives, and timely delivery.• Lead vendor and marketing negotiations, including costs, terms, and promotionalsupport, and resolve problems quickly.• Manage vendor performance to maximize profitability and achieve financial objectives,including cooperative marketing, incentive, and partnership plans.Division & Cross-Functional Projects• Collaborate with the Merchandising group, Marketing and Graphic Design team, andvendors on proprietary product sourcing, development, and presentation.• Provide guidance and support to the Merchandise Planning group on merchandise flow,key items, and store groupings.• Work with the Merchandising Operations group to deliver merchandising strategy anddirectives in stores.• Guide Omnichannel on key themes and initiatives in assigned categories to maximizeonline sales.• Visit stores to evaluate merchandise mix, observe competition, and weigh individualstore needs, and translate findings into executable product plans.• Attend relevant trade shows, vendor meetings, and markets to observe trends, gatherproduct information, select merchandise, and build business relationships with vendors.• Drive compliance with company processes, policies, and tools within your area.• Other duties as assigned by the Buyer, Senior Buyer, Divisional Merchandise Manager,or Vice President.Role QualificationsRequired Qualifications:• Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university, or equivalent combination ofeducation and experience• 2–5 years of related buying experience with progression in buying volume and financialresponsibility, or 2–5 years with a mix of buying and planning responsibilities• Strong financial, strategic, planning, merchandising, negotiation, and relationshipbuilding skills• High degree of retail math proficiency and the ability to apply financial concepts to dailyoperations to drive sales• Forward thinking, with the ability to analyze data, set goals, and make decisions in atimely manner• Self-driven and achievement oriented, consistently delivering results with productivity,effectiveness, and determination• Strong working knowledge of merchant processes and systems• Adaptable and analytical, staying positive in the face of challenges and calm underpressure; a settling influence with co-workers and stores• Comfortable taking calculated risks and working through change• Proficient in desktop applications and Windows-based programs, including MicrosoftExcel Preferred Qualifications:• Passion for the gift industry; knowledge of and interest in popular culture and onlinetrends, with a strong sense of style and a keen eye for developing trends• Experience in gifts, toys, collectibles, or pop culture categories• Experience creating planograms or in-store presentations• Experience managing open-to-buy and markdowns Work Environment & Expectations• This hybrid position is based at our Birmingham, AL corporate office: 4 days in office and1 day remote, with Monday in office preferred.• Occasional travel to trade shows, vendor meetings, new stores, and store visits,depending on area assigned.• PTO blackout days may apply during the peak holiday season.• Company laptop provided; reliable home internet required for remote work days. The PerksAt Books-A-Million, we believe in taking care of our employees. As part of the team, you’ll enjoya comprehensive benefits package, including:• Competitive Compensation: We offer competitive pay and performance-basedincentives.• Health & Wellness: Medical, dental, and vision insurance to keep you healthy.• Paid Time Off (PTO): Enjoy generous PTO and paid holidays.• Employee Discounts: Get discounts on books and other products across our stores.• Retirement Savings: Build your future with our 401(k) plan and company contributions. Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) StatementBooks-A-Million is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive,and welcoming workplace. We celebrate and embrace differences, and we strive to create anenvironment where every individual feels valued and empowered. We do not discriminatebased on race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age,national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state,or local law.All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to theirbackground or personal characteristics. We are dedicated to creating a culture of respect,equity, and opportunity for all employees, and we encourage individuals from all backgroundsto apply.