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 in an interesting and attractive manner.
• Drive sales of key titles by modeling enthusiastic, and customer-focused hand-selling, and share this knowledge genuinely with customers and colleagues.
• Lead and support the store’s focus on key sales objectives, such as Our Monthly Picks, Book of the Year, Membership, pre-orders, etc.
• Coordinate and model cross-functional support of the café team during busy periods, ensuring booksellers assist effectively while maintaining café standards.
• Coach the store team in following loss prevention procedures, and maintain a safe, secure bookstore by the ability to spot theft and effectively de-escalate challenging situations and problematic behaviors.

Requirements

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

Qualifications

• Extensive book knowledge of varied subjects (fiction, nonfiction, Children’s).
• Strong merchandising skills to coach the store team in creating and maintaining appropriate book presentations.
• Expert knowledge of store layout and inventory, quickly locating books and other products with ease and accuracy.
• Ability to spot theft and effectively de-escalate challenging situations and problematic behaviors.

Skills

• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Leadership and motivational skills.
• Customer service orientation.
• Problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Time management and organizational skills.

Benefits

• Employee Discount
• EAP and Sick Pay
• Paid Time Off including paid Maternity and Parental Leave, Company Paid Holidays
• Comprehensive Health Benefits (Medical, Dental and Vision)
• Tuition Reimbursement