About the Job
Books-A-Million, America's hometown bookstore since 1917, is headquartered in Birmingham, AL, and is home to a family of brands including Books-A-Million, 2nd & Charles, Joe Muggs, and Yogurt Mountain. We're seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Assistant Buyer to join our Merchandising team supporting our Gift business. This entry-level, hybrid role is based at our Birmingham, AL corporate office and is ideal for a recent Merchandising graduate or someone with a combination of retail store experience and strong merchandising skills. You'll start by mastering the fundamentals of the business - purchase orders, item creation, and vendor partnerships - while building toward buying for assigned categories.
- Position: Assistant Buyer - Gifts
- Department: Merchandising
- Location: Birmingham, AL (Hybrid)
Role Summary
The Assistant Buyer supports the Gift buying team by managing the operational details that keep our assortment moving - from purchase order creation and tracking to item setup, SKU management, and on-time delivery. Working closely with their assigned Buyer, as well as outside vendors, the distribution center, stores, and internal marketing teams, the Assistant Buyer builds a strong foundation in merchandising and progressively takes on category buying responsibilities. This role thrives in a fast-paced, detail-oriented, and collaborative environment and is ideal for a self-starting, flexible, organized, and results-oriented team member who is eager to learn.
Role Responsibilities
Purchase Order & Item Management
- Execute merchandising activities including the full life cycle of purchase orders, from PO creation and order entry through tracking and receipt.
- Complete item creation and SKU management, maintaining data accuracy and integrity for the company.
- Ensure timely delivery of merchandise via consistent communication and follow up with vendors and the distribution center.
- Use company merchandising systems and Excel according to procedures to record all transactional activity, perform processes, and complete required analyses.
- Maintain logical and clear working papers, spreadsheets, and checklists/calendars, monitoring the detail and quality of your own work.
- Communicate regularly with stores using appropriate communication channels.
Category & Vendor Support
- Learn the vendor base and take initiative to develop collaborative vendor relationships, including cost negotiation, problem resolution, and follow up.
- Produce sales recaps and analysis to identify new and existing business opportunities. Communicate findings and advocate for intended purchases.
- Identify patterns, gaps, or related trends when reviewing data, and provide your Buyer with suggestions drawn from your analysis.
- Develop planograms for in-store merchandise sets that drive sales and fixture productivity.
- As skills develop, progress into buying for assigned Gift categories, including open-to-buy management.
Buyer & Division Support
- Monitor the latest trends and share with the Gift team to identify sales and marketing opportunities.
- Execute contracts and incentives, including promotional partnerships.
- Provide organizational support for cross-functional team projects by breaking assignments into tasks and coordinating with internal and external partners.
- Monitor competitor merchandising and share findings with stakeholders.
- Other duties as assigned by the Buyer, Divisional Merchandise Manager, or Vice President.
Role Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in merchandising or a business-related field, or equivalent combination of work experience
- 1-2 years of retail or relevant experience, which may include retail store, customer service, or internship experience
- Basic retail math skills and the ability to analyze data, identify trends, and draw conclusions
- High standards, accountability, and a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail
- Strong prioritization and time management skills, with a sense of urgency and the ability to re-prioritize as needs change
- Clear, effective written and verbal communication; listens attentively and asks questions to confirm understanding
- Intellectual curiosity, personal ownership, and a drive to learn and improve processes
- Collaborative team player who builds strong internal and external partnerships and stays positive and adaptable under pressure
Preferred Qualifications:
- Passion for the gift industry; knowledge of and interest in popular culture and online trends, with a keen eye for developing trends
- Degree or coursework in merchandising
- Retail internship or retail store experience
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Outlook, and Word
Work Environment & Expectations
- This hybrid position is based at our Birmingham, AL corporate office: 4 days in office and 1 day remote, with Monday in office preferred.
- Up to 25% travel to trade shows, vendor meetings, new stores, and store visits, depending on area assigned.
- PTO blackout days may apply during the peak holiday season.
- Company laptop provided; reliable home internet required for remote work days.
The Perks
At Books-A-Million, we believe in taking care of our employees. As part of the team, you'll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including:
- Competitive Compensation: We offer competitive pay and performance-based incentives.
- Health & Wellness: Medical, dental, and vision insurance to keep you healthy.
- Paid Time Off (PTO): Enjoy generous PTO and paid holidays.
- Employee Discounts: Get discounts on books and other products across our stores.
- Retirement Savings: Build your future with our 401(k) plan and company contributions.
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement
Books-A-Million is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming workplace. We celebrate and embrace differences, and we strive to create an environment where every individual feels valued and empowered. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their background or personal characteristics. We are dedicated to creating a culture of respect, equity, and opportunity for all employees, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply.