Sr. Sales Margin & Inventory Analyst

Job Summary

Barnes & Noble is a leading book retailer with a rich history dating back to 1873. Under CEO James Daunt and private ownership by Elliott Advisors, the company operates approximately 700 bookstores nationwide, serves over 700 communities, and maintains a robust digital presence. The company is experiencing strong momentum with plans to open approximately 60 new stores in 2026, reflecting renewed confidence in physical retail and local bookselling.

About the Role

The Senior Sales Margin & Inventory Analyst provides actionable insights to support commercial decision-making and profitability improvement. Key responsibilities include leading comprehensive analysis of sales performance, overseeing store margins, evaluating the impact of pricing and promotions, and collaborating with various teams to optimize inventory and promote strategies.

Responsibilities

• Lead comprehensive analysis of sales performance by product, category, region, and channel to identify growth opportunities and margin improvement areas.
• Evaluate the impact of pricing, promotions, and discounting on gross margin and profitability.
• Manage weekly scorecard process by ensuring executive team has access to high-quality insights and accurate data from key areas of the company.
• Partner with Books and Specialty teams to provide insights on product mix, markdown effectiveness, and margin optimization.
• Support monthly and quarterly business reviews with detailed sales and margin reporting and commentary.
• Maintain and improve financial and operational models used to evaluate business performance.
• Ensure data accuracy, consistency, and timeliness across reporting tools and systems.
• Contribute to budgeting and forecasting processes by providing data inputs, performance tracking, and variance analysis.
• Prepare regular dashboards and reports that summarize key metrics for sales, margin, and inventory productivity.
• Mentor junior analysts by sharing best practices in financial analysis, reporting, and cross-functional communication.
• Proactively identify risks and opportunities, influencing strategic decisions through scenario modeling and impact analysis.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Accounting, or a Business-related field.
• Five years’ experience in a Finance or Business role.
• Proven experience in finance, financial planning, or analytics roles, preferably within retail or consumer goods.
• Experience analyzing sales performance, gross margin, and inventory productivity.
• Proven track record of delivering actionable insights, managing budgets, and supporting senior leadership.
• Strong knowledge of financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and financial modeling.
• Proficient in financial and variance analysis, including sales, margin, and inventory drivers.
• Ability to manage budgets and operational metrics to achieve profitability and sustain growth.
• Knowledge of financial controls and retail performance metrics.
• Demonstrated ability to build effective cross-functional relationships.
• Works with a strong sense of urgency while maintaining attention to detail and accuracy in deliverables.
• Effective communication and presentation skills, with the ability to concisely articulate financial insights.
• Ability to translate financial analysis into actionable recommendations for non-financial stakeholders.
• Ability to anticipate challenges and take initiative to implement solutions that positively influence the business.
• Comfortable challenging assumptions and presenting data-driven perspectives when needed.
• Demonstrates a growth mindset and willingness to continuously learn and improve analytical skills.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and data analysis tools, with willingness to continue developing advanced skills.
• Familiarity with ERP systems, financial reporting tools, and retail data platforms.
• Experience with retail accounting is a plus.
• Familiarity with B&N’s operational model and a strong love of books is a plus.
• Experience with key data analytics programming languages and visualization tools (e.g., Power BI, SQL, Tableau) is a plus.

Qualifications

• FPAC (Certified Corporate FP&A Professional), FMVA (Financial Modeling & Valuation Analyst), CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst), or CMA (Chartered Management Accountant) preferred.
• Knowledge of retail performance metrics.
• Ability to build effective cross-functional relationships.
• Works with a strong sense of urgency while maintaining attention to detail and accuracy in deliverables.
• Effective communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to translate financial analysis into actionable recommendations for non-financial stakeholders.
• Ability to anticipate challenges and take initiative to implement solutions that positively influence the business.
• Comfortable challenging assumptions and presenting data-driven perspectives when needed.
• Demonstrates a growth mindset and willingness to continuously learn and improve analytical skills.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and data analysis tools.
• Familiarity with ERP systems, financial reporting tools, and retail data platforms.
• Experience with retail accounting is a plus.
• Familiarity with B&N’s operational model and a strong love of books is a plus.
• Experience with key data analytics programming languages and visualization tools (e.g., Power BI, SQL, Tableau) is a plus.

Benefits

• Employee Discount
• EAP and Sick Pay
• Annual Salary Range: $100,000 - $115,000
• Hybrid Position with Office Location in Union Square, NYC