Assistant Buyer

Barnes & Noble • Chicago, IL

6d • $53,000 - $58,000

About The Position

The Assistant Buyer supports the Buyer in selected categories throughout the product lifecycle. The role manages assortment data and in-office samples, helps execute category strategy, and works to understand business needs across Barnes & Noble and Paper Source. It also develops and maintains relationships with vendor and internal partners in support of business goals.

The Assistant Buyer monitors vendor communications and escalates concerns, manages accurate product setup and maintenance, collaborates on onboarding new vendors, and analyzes weekly business performance with the Buyer. The role also works with cross-functional teams, including design, visual merchandising, store operations, the data team, and New Store Planning, to develop assortments and support effective execution.

Requirements

• Proficiency in Excel, Word, and Microsoft Outlook.
• Ability to identify assortment opportunities and work with internal partners to execute them.
• Strong written and verbal communication and presentation skills, with the ability to adapt communication style to vendors, internal partners, and management.
• Strong Excel and reporting skills and an analytical mindset for interpreting data.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritize and adapt to changing priorities.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with all levels of management and build partnerships across cross-functional teams.
• Ability to work under deadlines as a self-starter who is innovative, team-oriented, and customer-focused.
• Creative, solution-oriented problem-solving skills and the ability to make informed decisions using feedback and experience.
• Ability to use industry and competitor knowledge to support company goals.
• Ability to anticipate issues, use resources effectively, and plan realistically to accomplish objectives.
• Ability to build collaborative relationships through open dialogue and listening.
• Ability to understand the target customer and apply customer insights to product recommendations.

Nice To Haves

• College degree in Business or Retail Management preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of two years of experience as a Bookseller (preferred for internal candidates), or three or more years of buying experience.

Responsibilities

• Support management of category and vendor assortments.
• Support seasonal and core assortment reviews.
• Source and nominate products for seasonal space.
• Collaborate with design, visual merchandising, and store operations to create distinctive assortments and strong store execution.
• Conduct regular market analysis to identify opportunities and monitor market trends.
• Communicate strategy and intent through presentations to management, the SIM team, and commercial strategy partners.
• Collect, organize, and submit samples for website, catalog, and public relations photography.
• Build partnerships with vendors aligned with the company’s direction.
• Assist the Buyer with ad hoc tasks as required.
• Monitor and respond to vendor communications, proactively escalating concerns to the Buyer as needed.
• Manage item setup and ongoing maintenance to ensure product information is accurate and up to date across systems.
• Collaborate with the data team to onboard new vendor partners.
• Attend relevant cross-functional meetings to stay informed about departmental initiatives and strengthen internal relationships.
• Analyze weekly business performance and work with the Buyer to identify opportunities and address challenges.
• Partner with New Store Planning as the Merchandising liaison to support communication and execution of initiatives.

Benefits

• Employee discount
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Sick pay
• Paid time off, including paid maternity and parental leave, for employees scheduled 20 or more hours per week
• Company-paid holidays for employees scheduled 20 or more hours per week
• 401(k) with company match for employees scheduled 20 or more hours per week
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits for employees scheduled 30 or more hours per week
• Healthcare and dependent care spending accounts for employees scheduled 30 or more hours per week
• Disability benefits for employees scheduled 30 or more hours per week
• Life insurance for employees scheduled 30 or more hours per week
• Transit benefits for employees scheduled 20 or more hours per week
• Tuition reimbursement for employees scheduled 30 or more hours per week

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level