Position Overview

As a Senior Bookselling Leader, your passion for literature and the retail environment drives you to create outstanding customer experiences by sharing your expertise with both your team and patrons.

Your leadership role involves guiding the team and overseeing store operations to meet sales objectives, enhance efficiency, and achieve operational excellence.

In this capacity, you mentor and empower booksellers, fostering their growth and success in the bookselling profession.

You collaborate within the cluster framework to ensure an exceptional shopping experience, ensuring customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Key Responsibilities

• Craft unforgettable shopping experiences that encourage customers to return, facilitated by your friendly, knowledgeable service and the comprehensive training of your store team.
• Maintain a lively bookstore atmosphere through the meticulous execution of retail fundamentals, demonstrating a commitment to presentation, commercial appeal, and local relevance.
• Exhibit strong handselling techniques to successfully promote initiatives such as Featured Selections and preorders, showcasing your expertise and driving sales.
• Develop the bookselling team by recognizing individual strengths and providing engagement and coaching opportunities.
• Collaborate effectively with your cluster's commercial support to ensure tailored inventory, consistent local pricing, and assortments that resonate with your community.
• Oversee the efficient management of store operations, including timely handling of receiving, returns, and daily processes, while being mindful of shrinkage and operational costs.
• Identify and communicate opportunities for continuous operational improvement, sharing insights with your team and cluster to enhance the bookstore experience for customers and fellow booksellers alike.
• Work collaboratively with your store team and cluster to implement initiatives that support booksellers through fair feedback and respectful accountability.
• Contribute to the betterment of the cluster through effective operations and structural enhancements.
• Engage actively on the sales floor, which involves physical activity such as prolonged standing, bending, lifting, and climbing, as well as assisting in the café when necessary.
• Manage the opening and closing of the store, ensuring the safety and security of both employees and customers.

Qualifications & Skills

• Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of bookselling across diverse genres.
• Possess solid operational expertise to effectively manage bookstore functions.
• Consistently deliver high standards of bookselling service.
• Exhibit excellent decision-making abilities.
• Show confidence in your leadership approach.
• Direct team efforts towards productive outcomes.
• Have experience in training and developing team members.
• Ability to organize, plan, and prioritize tasks effectively.
• Adept at delegating responsibilities and empowering others.
• Communicate effectively and collaboratively with team members.
• Provide constructive feedback in a respectful manner.

Expected Attributes

• Curious and committed to deepening knowledge about books and the industry.
• Prioritize customer experience as the foremost goal.
• Support results-driven initiatives while understanding financial implications.
• Value interpersonal relationships and enjoy working with others.
• Exhibit strong organizational skills and manage time efficiently.
• Adapt well to dynamic and changing work environments.
• Effectively shift priorities and manage multiple tasks.
• Demonstrate resilience and confidence in challenging situations.
• Make sound judgments and decisions.
• Maintain focus and thoughtfulness in all interactions.
• Stay calm and composed during escalated situations.
• Motivate and recognize the contributions of each team member.
• Take ownership of personal actions and decisions.
• Be open to feedback and utilize it for personal and professional growth.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Barnes & Noble is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, ancestry, national origin, citizenship status, military or veteran status, religion, creed, disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, medical condition as defined by applicable law, genetic information, gender, gender identity, gender expression, hairstyle, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions, reproductive health decisions, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances.

Please inform us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job.

Examples of reasonable accommodation include modifications to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, or using specialized equipment.

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