Lead Bookseller - FT

Job Summary

A Barnes & Noble bookstore is a gathering place for readers and the community. As a Lead Bookseller, you are an integral member of the bookselling team at the heart of our stores. You play a leadership role in guiding the bookselling team to maintain compelling merchandise presentations and overseeing the efficient running of the salesfloor.

About the Role

You are both a trusted expert and hands-on leader, creating a welcoming environment where booksellers feel supported, comfortable bringing forward questions or concerns, and they trust that you will address them promptly and effectively.

Responsibilities

• Maintain reliable and punctual attendance for scheduled shifts, setting the standard for the team and ensuring consistent leadership presence on the floor.
• Fill scheduling gaps when you are able, being flexible and responsive to the needs of the store — we are open from early mornings to late evenings every day, including weekends and most holidays.
• Be positive and proactive in your approach to work; lead by example with purpose and energy, working hard and reliably while inspiring others to do the same.
• Be supportive and considerate of colleagues; consistently going out of your way to help others in the team and setting a positive example.
• Show aptitude and willingness to learn new skills, acquire new knowledge and apply it appropriately in the store while guiding and supporting others.
• Show curiosity, want to continuously learn, and demonstrate ambition and initiative to develop a bookselling career.
• Act as a resource for booksellers and baristas, addressing and resolving concerns and raising these issues to leadership.
• Prioritize resources and bookseller support appropriately to keep the shift on track.
• Master the operational competencies of a Barnes & Noble bookseller, including using BookMaster and other tools and processes, coaching others in their effective use, utilizing strong merchandising skills, guiding booksellers in applying effective visual merchandising skills, coordinating and modeling cross-functional support of the café team during busy periods, demonstrating expert knowledge of store layout and inventory, and leading the store team in maintaining the sections and presenting books in an interesting and attractive manner.
• Use extensive book knowledge of varied subjects (fiction, nonfiction, Children’s) and categories to engage and provide informed service to customers, inspiring booksellers to broaden their expertise.
• Drive sales of key titles by modeling enthusiastic, and customer-focused hand-selling appreciated by customers.
• Lead and support the store’s focus on key sales objectives such as Our Monthly Picks, Book of the Year, Membership, pre-orders, etc., actively sharing this knowledge genuinely with customers and colleagues.
• Maintain extensive knowledge, expertise and understanding of ETG, SHC, Media and Newsstand, to maintain all sections and backstock effectively, help customers with their shopping and lead the store team in doing the same.

Qualifications

• Physical activity which includes prolonged standing, repetitive bending, lifting, and a lot of walking.
• Ability to work in other stores if needed, and collaborate with the wider Cluster.

Benefits

• For those scheduled to work less than 20 hours per week: Employee Discount, EAP, Sick Pay.
• For those scheduled to work between 20 and 29.99 hours per week: Employee Discount, EAP, Sick Pay, Paid Time Off including paid Maternity and Parental Leave, Company Paid Holidays, Transit, and 401(k) with Company Match.
• For those scheduled to work 30 hours or more: Employee Discount, EAP, Sick Pay, Paid Time Off including paid Maternity and Parental Leave, Company Paid Holidays, 401(k) with Company Match, Comprehensive Health Benefits (Medical, Dental and Vision), Healthcare and Dependent Care Spending Accounts, Healthcare Spending Account, Disability Benefits, Life Insurance, Transit, and Tuition Reimbursement.

Benefits may vary depending on location/state regulations. More information can be received by the recruiter or Human Resources.