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, creating and maintaining book presentations, and coordinating with the café team.
• 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 as defined by the company, including reliable and punctual attendance, flexibility, positivity, supportiveness, learning agility, and enthusiasm.
• Extensive book knowledge of varied subjects (fiction, nonfiction, Children’s) and categories.
• Expert knowledge of store layout and inventory, quick locating of books and other products with ease and accuracy.
• Ability to spot theft and effectively de-escalate challenging situations and problematic behaviors.

Qualifications

You should have:

• Physical stamina for prolonged standing, repetitive bending, lifting, and walking.
• Experience in a similar role or relevant field.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Skills

Essential skills include:

• BookMaster proficiency.
• Merchandising skills.
• Visual merchandising skills.
• Customer service skills.
• Loss prevention procedures.

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 per week:

• 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