Assistant Store Manager

Barnes & Noble•Dothan, AL

About The Position

The Assistant Store Manager (ASM) helps ensure the smooth operation of a Barnes & Noble bookstore through leadership and effective deployment of the store team. The role leads and motivates booksellers and café staff to meet performance expectations, maintain consistent bookstore standards, and provide a welcoming, knowledgeable customer experience. The ASM supports the Store Manager and team, develops leadership skills, and runs the store in the Store Manager’s absence. The role may also involve supporting other stores within the wider Cluster when needed and able.

Requirements

Ability to lead, motivate, and support a store team and to deliver expected results.
Ability to maintain high standards for customer service, store presentation, operations, and team performance.
Ability to communicate clearly, provide feedback, and hold team members accountable fairly.
Ability to remain resilient, equitable, and consistent under pressure while working toward goals.
Ability to perform prolonged standing, repetitive bending, lifting, and extensive walking.
Willingness and ability to work in other stores when needed to support the wider Cluster, if able.

Responsibilities

Lead and support the store team and operations to ensure smooth day-to-day store operations.
Maintain bookstore presentation and operational standards, including an organized stockroom and backstock, timely receipt and shelving of deliveries, appropriate stock levels, and effective section detail.
Guide commercial presentation and execution across the Front of Store, tables, Children’s Department, café, and specialty and non-book sections, including gifts, toys, and games.
Support effective replenishment, visual merchandising, and execution of store promotions and displays.
Foster positive partnership with the café team and promote Membership and book picks.
Ensure the Front of Store is well covered and that team members greet and assist customers naturally and unobtrusively.
Promote friendly, knowledgeable, and professional service at registers and support sales objectives for Membership, Our Monthly Picks, and other store services.
Evaluate and strengthen the team’s natural, effective selling behaviors for Our Monthly Picks.
Prioritize health, safety, and loss prevention, including de-escalation, active-threat response, Code Adam, and emergency procedures.
Execute a store roster aligned with budget and collaborate with Rota Cluster Support and, when needed, Recruiter Cluster Support.
Support team development and help booksellers build the skills needed for store responsibilities and individual potential, working with the Store Manager and relevant cluster support.
Hold team members accountable for position-appropriate standards and address performance opportunities promptly and fairly.
Create a positive working environment by treating and supporting the team with kindness, fairness, and respect.
Communicate company messages clearly and consistently, and share necessary feedback and questions with Cluster or Home Office resources.
Demonstrate integrity, resilience, and determination while inspiring team engagement and performance.
Run the store effectively in the Store Manager’s absence and support the team or other Cluster stores when needed.
Pursue personal development by listening to feedback, reflecting on it, and applying it toward career goals.
Comply with company policies and procedures.