Senior Book Buyer

Books-A-Million (BAM!), one of the nation's leading book retailers, is looking for a Book Buyer who shares our passion for storytelling and has the expertise to curate a Fiction book category while leveraging new opportunities. The Buyer role is accountable for achieving budgeted sales, margin and inventory turnover goals for their designated area while driving overall curation of the book merchandising strategy and assortment. This position reports directly to the Senior Buyer or Divisional Merchandise Manager and has management responsibility for Associate Buyer(s) and/or Assistant Buyer(s). The Buyer works closely with the Buying and Merchandise Planning team, Marketing/Ecommerce Group, and Senior Management.Primary ResponsibilitiesManagement of Assigned Categories (80%)*

Executes and achieves assigned category sales, gross margin, and inventory goals. * Develop merchandise assortments and strategies that support company and departmental goals while ensuring customer needs, orientation and satisfaction are met. * Manage all aspects of the merchandise offering - selection, assortment, brand, pricing, promotion, negotiation, and disposition. * Conduct competitive and product category analyses to identify new licenses, brands, and proprietary opportunities to increase and expand selection across categories. * Deliver accurate sales forecasts and projections by evaluating financial information, utilizing open to buy and current trends. Anticipate and stay ahead of market changes, establishing a buying plan to attain sales and margin goals. * Prepare for and present products and merchandise analysis at assortment and business review meetings. * Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with publishers to ensure merchandise availability including exclusives and timely delivery of merchandise. * Manage publisher performance to maximize profitability and achieve financial objectives including partnership plans. * Plan promotional events and execution while ensuring accuracy on details such as pricing and marketing signage. * Coach and develop Associate Buyer(s) and Assistant Buyer(s) to ensure growth and readiness for next level position. * Drive compliance and standards for company processes, policies, and tools within managed area and with direct report(s). * Visit stores to evaluate merchandise mix, observe competition, weigh individual store needs and translate findings into executable product plans. * Travel to attend relevant trade shows, publisher meetings, and markets to observe trends, gather product information, select merchandise, and establish business relationships with viable vendors.Division and Cross Functional Projects (20%)* Collaborate with the Merchandising and Marketing teams, and Publishers on proprietary product sourcing, development, and presentation. * Provide collaborative guidance, direction, and support to the Merchandise Planning group on merchandise flow, key items, and store groupings. * Work cross-functionally to deliver merchandising strategy and directive to stores. * Guide Ecommerce on key themes and initiatives in managed category to maximize online sales.Education and/or Experience * Bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university; or equivalent combination of education and experience * Minimum of 4-7 years of related buying experience with demonstrated progression. Opportunity for more Senior role with additional experience.Qualifications * Display passion for the book business along with strong financial, strategic, planning, merchandising, negotiation, and relationship building skills. * Demonstrate forward thinking including ability to identify and initiate new opportunities. Make decisions in a timely manner. * Drive self and others to consistently deliver results by maintaining high levels of productivity working with effectiveness and determination. Achievement oriented. * Demonstrate leadership and coaching skills, ability to lead and train direct reports. * Display high degree of retail math proficiency and apply to daily operations to drive sales. * Exhibit strong knowledge of book business and ability to interpret into merchandising statements. * Adaptable problem solver who stays positive in the face of challenges. Overcomes complex issues, escalates and partners on others. * Comfortable taking calculated risks and adapts to work through change. * Proficient in the use of desktop applications and Windows-based programsSpecial Requirements * Up to 15% travel may be required. * This hybrid position is based at our Birmingham Alabama office and encompasses both work from home and in office work.About the CompanyBooks-A-Million, America's Hometown Bookseller since 1917Founded 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 stores range from 4,000 to 30,000 square feet and provide 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.