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.
• 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, creating and maintaining book presentations, and managing deliveries.
• Use extensive book knowledge to engage and provide informed service to customers, leading the store team in maintaining sections and presenting books attractively, and driving sales of key titles.
• Use extensive knowledge, expertise, and understanding of ETG, SHC, Media and Newsstand to maintain all sections and backstock effectively, helping customers with their shopping and leading the store team in doing the same.

Requirements

You must have:

• Good behaviors including reliable and punctual attendance, flexibility, positivity, supportiveness, and a willingness to learn.
• Extensive book knowledge of varied subjects (fiction, nonfiction, Children’s).
• Expert knowledge of store layout and inventory.
• Strong merchandising skills and visual merchandising abilities.
• Effective communication and customer service skills.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple responsibilities.
• Physical stamina for prolonged standing, repetitive bending, lifting, and walking.

Qualifications

You should have:

• At least 1 year of experience in a similar role.
• Experience with BookMaster and other store management systems.
• Proven ability to lead and motivate a team.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Knowledge of loss prevention procedures.

Skills

Essential skills include:

• Customer service skills.
• Leadership and motivational skills.
• Problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Time management and organizational skills.
• Physical stamina and endurance.

Benefits

Benefits vary based on the number of hours worked per week:

• Less than 20 hours: Employee Discount, EAP, Sick Pay.
• 20-29.99 hours: Employee Discount, EAP, Sick Pay, Paid Time Off including Maternity and Parental Leave, Company Paid Holidays, Transit, and 401(k) with Company Match.
• 30+ hours: Employee Discount, EAP, Sick Pay, Paid Time Off including 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.