What are the responsibilities and job description for the Gift Associate Buyer, Close Outs position at Books A Million?
Job Description
Are you enthusiastic about finding the best deals? Do you have an eye for the unique and a knack for predicting the next big trend in gifts and toys? If so, we want you on our team! We’re seeking a dynamic Associate Buyer, Closeout Toys & Gifts. In this role, you’ll be the curator of joy, handpicking the merchandise that connects with our diverse community of readers. You will be responsible for sourcing and acquiring high-quality products from closeout opportunities, from closeout marketplaces to existing vendors. You’ll have the opportunity to blend your love for literature with your pulse on value and pop culture, ensuring our shelves are stocked with the most sought-after items that tell a story and spark imagination. If you’re passionate about your profession and want to create experiences that resonate with fellow fans, apply today!
Primary Responsibilities:
Management of Assigned Categories (80%)
Books-A-Million, America’s Hometown Bookseller since 1917
Founded in 1917 as a street corner newsstand in Florence, Alabama, Books-A-Million, Inc. (BAM!) has grown to become the second largest chain of bookstores in the United States, operating over 220 stores in 32 states as well as an on-line store, www.booksamillion.com. Headquartered in Birmingham, AL, Books-A-Million provides an expansive selection of books, magazines, bargain books, collectibles, and house toy and gift departments. Special category shops within the store range from Faithpoint, which features the best of references and writings for the Christian market to Pop Culture, which highlights an extensive Manga assortment and related collectibles.
Are you enthusiastic about finding the best deals? Do you have an eye for the unique and a knack for predicting the next big trend in gifts and toys? If so, we want you on our team! We’re seeking a dynamic Associate Buyer, Closeout Toys & Gifts. In this role, you’ll be the curator of joy, handpicking the merchandise that connects with our diverse community of readers. You will be responsible for sourcing and acquiring high-quality products from closeout opportunities, from closeout marketplaces to existing vendors. You’ll have the opportunity to blend your love for literature with your pulse on value and pop culture, ensuring our shelves are stocked with the most sought-after items that tell a story and spark imagination. If you’re passionate about your profession and want to create experiences that resonate with fellow fans, apply today!
Primary Responsibilities:
Management of Assigned Categories (80%)
- Executes and achieves assigned category sales, gross margin, and inventory goals.
- Sourcing Closeout Gifts: Identify, evaluate, and secure closeout opportunities from vendors, manufacturers, and distributors, ensuring products align with company pricing and quality standards in conjunction with the Director of Buying – Children’s Toys, Plush and Closeouts.
- Develops merchandise assortments and strategies that support company and departmental goals while ensuring customer needs, orientation and satisfaction are met.
- Manages all aspects of the merchandise offering – selection, mix, brand, pricing, promotion, negotiation, and disposition.
- Conducts competitive and product category analyses to identify new licenses, brands, and proprietary opportunities to increase and expand selection across categories.
- Delivers accurate sales forecasts and projections by evaluating financial information, utilizing open to buy and current trends. Anticipates market changes and establishes a buying plan to attain sales and margin goals.
- Prepares for and presents products and merchandise analysis at assortment and business review meetings.
- Develops and maintains collaborative relationships with vendors to ensure merchandise availability including exclusives and timely delivery of merchandise.
- Manages vendor performance to maximize profitability and achieve financial objectives including cooperative marketing, incentive, and partnership plans.
- Plans promotional events and execution while ensuring accuracy on details such as pricing and marketing signage.
- Coaches and develops Assistant Buyer(s) to ensure growth and readiness for the next level position.
- Drives compliance and standards for company processes, policies, and tools within their area and with direct report(s).
- Visits stores to evaluate merchandise mix, observe competition, weighs individual store needs and translate findings into executable product plans.
- Travels to attends relevant trade shows, vendor meetings, and markets to observe trends, gather product information, select merchandise, and establish business relationships with viable vendors.
- Collaborates with Merchandising group, Marketing/Graphic Design team, and Vendor on proprietary product sourcing, development, and presentation.
- Provides collaborative guidance, direction, and support to the Merchandise Planning group on merchandise flow, key items, and store groupings.
- Works cross-functionally with the Merchandising Operations Group to deliver merchandising strategy and directives in stores.
- Guides Omnichannel on key themes and initiatives in assigned categories to maximize online sales.
- Additional projects as assigned by the Director of Buying or VP of Merchandising.
- Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- 2-5 years of related buying experience with demonstrated progression in buying volume and financial responsibility or 5–7 years with a mix of buying and planning responsibilities.
- Displays strong financial, strategic, planning, merchandising, negotiation, and relationship building skills.
- Demonstrates forward thinking including ability to identify and initiate new businesses through analysis, initiative-taking goal setting and execution. Makes decisions in a timely manner.
- Drives self and others to consistently deliver results by maintaining high levels of productivity working with vigor, effectiveness, and determination. Achievement oriented.
- Demonstrates leadership and coaching skills and ability to lead and build a team.
- Displays high degree of retail math proficiency and application of financial concepts to daily operations to drive sales.
- Exhibits strong sense of style and ability to spot future trends.
- Adaptable analytical person who stays positive in the face of challenges, displays calm under pressure and recovers quickly from setbacks. Acts as a settling influence when interacting with direct reports, co-workers, and stores.
- Comfortable taking calculated risks and working through change.
- Strong working knowledge of merchant processes and systems.
- Proficient in the use of desktop applications and Windows-based programs
- Up to 40% travel may be required, depending on area assigned
- Must be able to sit at a computer or desk for extended periods of time.
- Must be able to use hands/arms to operate keyboard, telephone and for repetitive motion activities.
- Must be able to lift objects up to 25 lbs. with or without assistance.
- Must be able to communicate using speech, sight, and sound with or without assistive device.
- Must be able to stand, walk, stoop or crouch while performing daily activities of the job.
Books-A-Million, America’s Hometown Bookseller since 1917
Founded in 1917 as a street corner newsstand in Florence, Alabama, Books-A-Million, Inc. (BAM!) has grown to become the second largest chain of bookstores in the United States, operating over 220 stores in 32 states as well as an on-line store, www.booksamillion.com. Headquartered in Birmingham, AL, Books-A-Million provides an expansive selection of books, magazines, bargain books, collectibles, and house toy and gift departments. Special category shops within the store range from Faithpoint, which features the best of references and writings for the Christian market to Pop Culture, which highlights an extensive Manga assortment and related collectibles.
