Lead Bookseller - FT

Barnes & Noble•San Diego, CA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

A Lead Bookseller is an integral member of Barnes & Noble’s bookselling team and helps guide the team, maintain compelling merchandise presentations, and oversee efficient salesfloor operations. The role combines trusted expertise with hands-on leadership to create a welcoming environment where booksellers feel supported and concerns are addressed promptly and effectively. The Lead Bookseller models reliable attendance, flexibility, a positive and proactive approach, supportive teamwork, cheerful customer service, and a willingness to learn and develop. They act as a resource for booksellers and baristas, resolve or raise concerns, and prioritize resources and support to keep shifts on track. The role requires mastering the operational competencies of a Barnes & Noble bookseller and coaching others in their use. The position includes developing extensive knowledge of books, store sections, inventory, and sales initiatives; providing informed customer service and recommendations; and leading the team in attractive merchandising, effective hand-selling, and achievement of key sales objectives. The Lead Bookseller complies with company policies and procedures and may support other stores in the wider Cluster when able and needed. The work involves prolonged standing, repetitive bending, lifting, and substantial walking. The position is hourly, with a starting rate of $23.75, depending on experience, seniority, geographic location, and other factors permitted by law.

Requirements

Demonstrated reliability and punctuality for scheduled shifts.
Flexibility to fill scheduling gaps when able; stores are open from early mornings to late evenings every day, including weekends and most holidays.
Positive, proactive, energetic, and reliable approach to work.
Supportive and considerate attitude toward colleagues and customers.
Aptitude and willingness to learn new skills and knowledge and apply them in the store while supporting others.
Curiosity, initiative, and ambition to develop a bookselling career.
Ability to master operational competencies and use BookMaster and other store tools and processes.
Ability to perform physical work including prolonged standing, repetitive bending, lifting, and extensive walking.
Willingness and ability to work in other stores when needed and able, collaboratively supporting the wider Cluster.

Responsibilities

Guide the bookselling team in maintaining compelling merchandise presentations and oversee efficient salesfloor operations.
Create a welcoming and supportive environment for booksellers and address concerns promptly and effectively.
Model reliable attendance, flexibility, positive and proactive work habits, helpful teamwork, and cheerful customer service.
Act as a resource for booksellers and baristas, resolving concerns and escalating issues to leadership as appropriate.
Prioritize resources and bookseller support to keep shifts on track.
Use BookMaster and other tools and processes proficiently, model best practices, and coach the store team in effective use.
Coach booksellers in creating and maintaining book and Specialty presentations, setting fixtures, replenishing products, and meeting cleanliness and presentation standards.
Maintain a visible leadership presence at registers and coach booksellers on Membership conversations, register speed, and accuracy.
Guide and support booksellers in receiving and unpacking deliveries, anticipating issues, and ensuring efficient and accurate shelving.
Maintain expert knowledge of store layout and inventory, locate books and other products accurately, and coach others to do the same.
Coordinate and model cross-functional support of the café team during busy periods while ensuring café standards are maintained.
Coach the store team in following loss prevention procedures and maintaining a safe, secure bookstore; identify theft and de-escalate challenging situations and problematic behaviors.
Use book knowledge across varied subjects and categories to provide informed customer service and inspire booksellers to broaden their expertise.
Lead the team in maintaining sections and presenting books attractively; coach effective recommendations across varied sections.
Drive sales of key titles through enthusiastic, customer-focused hand-selling.
Lead and support store focus on sales objectives such as Our Monthly Picks, Book of the Year, Membership, and pre-orders.
Use knowledge of ETG, SHC, Media, and Newsstand to maintain sections and backstock, help customers, and guide the team.
Support other stores in the Cluster when able and needed.
Comply with company policies and procedures.