Assistant Buyer 1 in Homewood, AL at Books-A-Million, Inc.

Date Posted: 1/14/2021

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Job Snapshot

Employee Type:

Full-Time
Location:

Homewood, AL
Job Type:

Merchandising
Experience:

Not Specified
Date Posted:

1/14/2021

About Us

Founded in 1917 as a street corner newsstand in Florence, Alabama, Books-A-Million, Inc. has grown to become the premier book retailing chain in the Southeastern United States, and the second largest book retailer in the nation. Based in Birmingham, Alabama, the company currently operates more than 260 stores in 32 states. In addition to its primary retail component, the corporation includes a book wholesale and distribution subsidiary, American Wholesale Book Company, an e-commerce division operating as BOOKSAMILLION.COM, and an internet development and services company, NetCentral, in Nashville, Tennessee.

Job Description

As part of the Buying team, the Assistant Buyer helps to create timely product assortments that maximize sales and profit. The Assistant Buyer is self-starting, flexible, highly organized, and results-oriented. He or she must have the proven ability to work well under pressure in a demanding environment where teamwork is key. The Assistant Buyer will be career-oriented with a strong desire to take on increasing levels of responsibility. The Assistant Buyer will purchase and manage $3 -$14 million in sales volume with volume dependent upon complexity of the assigned categories.

Job Requirements

Primary Responsibilities:

Use of discretion and independent judgment with the following matters of significance:

Management of Assigned Categories (60%)

Executing merchandising activities including full life cycle of purchase orders through judgment and problem solving.
Producing financial sales recaps and analysis to identify new and existing business opportunities, communicating findings, and advocating for intended purchases.
Taking initiative to develop collaborative vendor relationships, including cost negotiation, problem resolution, and follow up.
Making independent decisions on proper maintenance of data accuracy and integrity for the company without supervision.
Ensuring timely delivery of merchandise via consistent communication and follow up with publishers, vendors and distribution center.
Developing product planograms for in store merchandise sets that drive sales and fixture productivity.
Communicating regularly with stores using appropriate communication channels.
Traveling to trade shows, vendor meetings, and store visits.

Buyer and Division Support (40%)

Executing cooperative marketing contracts and incentives including vendor promotional partnerships.
Providing organizational support for cross functional team projects.
- Monitoring competitor merchandising and sharing findings with stakeholders.
- Handling projects as assigned by the Buyer/Divisional Merchandise Manager.

Education and/or Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in merchandising or business-related field or equivalent combination of work experience
2 -3 years of retail or relevant sales experience which may include retail internship

Qualifications:

Exercises independent judgement to make decisions and work with minimal supervision
Displays strong business acumen with the ability to analyze data and draw conclusions
Demonstrates leadership skills, assertiveness, and intellectual curiosity
Exhibits high standards, accountability, attention to detail, and accuracy with time management skills to include prioritizing tasks and meeting deadlines
Develops strong business partnerships both internally and externally
Adaptable, flexible, and perseverance to overcome obstacles
Presents information effectively and accurately, expressing ideas clearly and concisely
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Outlook, Word, and PowerPoint

Special Requirements:

Up to 25% travel may be required depending upon area assigned.