Assistant Buyer

Title: Assistant Buyer

Category: Merchandising & Product Development

EmploymentType: Full-Time

Location: IL-Chicago

LocationType: corporate

JobLocation: Chicago, Illinois 60647

JobSummary: Barnes & Noble is the leading book retailer in the United States, with roots dating back to 1873 and a long history of growth through innovation and expansion. Today, under CEO James Daunt and private ownership by Elliott Advisors, Barnes & Noble operates approximately 700 bookstores nationwide, serves over 700 communities across all 50 states, and maintains a robust digital presence through BN.com, NOOK® eBooks and audiobooks, and educational resources such as SparkNotes. The company also includes complementary retail brands such as Paper Source, Books Inc., Tattered Cover, and B. Dalton, further strengthening its market reach. Following a period of revitalization, Barnes & Noble is experiencing strong momentum, with plans to open approximately 60 new stores in 2026, underscoring renewed confidence in physical retail and local bookselling. Combining expansive store networks, curated selections, enhanced in-store experiences, and growing omnichannel capabilities, Barnes & Noble remains the #1 bookseller in the U.S. and a trusted, evolving partner within the publishing and retail ecosystem.

Position Overview:

An Assistant Buyer is responsible for supporting the Buyer in selected categories throughout the lifecycle of the product. The Assistant Buyer will be responsible for assortment data management, in office sample management and review, executing the outlined category strategy, understanding the business needs across Barnes & Noble and Paper Source and establish and maintain a good relationships with vendor partners as well as internal partners who support business goals.

Position Responsibilities:

• Supporting management of category and vendor assortments.

• Support assortment reviews for seasonal and core.

• Source and nominate product for seasonal space.

• Collaborate with internal partners such as design team, visual merchandising and store operations to create a unique assortment with strong store execution.

• Regular market analysis to identify opportunities and to stay abreast of market trends while continuing to push forward our representation of trends in store.

• Clearly communicate strategy and intention in presentations to management, SIM team and commercial strategy partners.

• Collect, organize & submit samples for photography for website, catalog, and PR efforts.

• Build partnerships with vendors who are aligned with our direction.

• Assist Buyer with adhoc tasks as required.

Position Requirements:

• College degree in Business or Retail Management preferred.

• Proficient in Excel, Word & Microsoft Outlook.

• Ability to identify assortment opportunities and work with internal partners to execute.

• Communication skills that can adapt style in accordance with who they are speaking with (vendors, internal partners, management etc.).

• Thoughtful and diplomatic with ability to prioritize.

• Creative and solution-oriented approach to problem solving.

• Uses knowledge of the industry and the competition to support company goals.

• A decision-maker, who can accurately assess situations and use feedback and experience to customize solutions to achieve results.

• Strong organizational and time management skills.

• Works well under deadlines, is a self-starter, innovative, team-oriented, customer-focused.

• Effectively copes with change, comfortably shifting focus and priorities while handling the unexpected.

• A planner who can anticipate issues before they occur; uses resources effectively and has a realistic plan of action to accomplish objectives.

• Builds collaborative relationships by fostering open dialogue and listening to others.

An employee in this position can expect a starting rate of between $53,000 - $58,000 annually, depending on experience, seniority, geographic locations, and other factors permitted by law.

Benefits for those who are scheduled to work less than 20 hours per week include Employee Discount, EAP and Sick Pay. For those scheduled to work between 20 and 29.99 benefits include Employee Discount, EAP, Sick Pay and Paid Time Off including paid Maternity and Parental Leave, Company Paid Holidays, Transit and 401(k) with Company Match. For those scheduled to work 30 hours or more benefits include Employee Discount, EAP, Sick Pay and Paid Time Off including paid Maternity and Parental Leave, Company Paid Holidays, 401(k) with Company Match, Comprehensive Health Benefits (Medical, Dental and Vision), Healthcare and Dependent Care Spending Accounts, Healthcare Spending Account, Disability Benefits, Life Insurance, Transit, and Tuition Reimbursement. All benefits provided are in accordance with the terms of the current plan and may be subject to future change. Benefits may vary depending on location/state regulations. More information can be received by the recruiter or Human Resources.

WhatYouDo:

• Monitor and respond to issues and opportunities arising from vendor communications, proactively escalating concerns to the Buyer as needed.

• Manage item setup and ongoing maintenance to ensure accurate and up-to-date product information across systems.

• Collaborate with the data team to onboard new vendor partners.

• Attend relevant cross-functional meetings to stay informed of departmental initiatives and strengthen internal relationships.

• Analyze weekly business performance and collaborate with the Buyer to identify opportunities and address challenges.

• Partner with New Store Planning as the key liaison for Merchandising, ensuring smooth communication and execution of initiatives.

Knowledge&Experience:

• Demonstrates strong written and verbal communication and presentation skills to effectively convey ideas and strategies.

• Highly organized with the ability to quickly adapt to changing priorities.

• Ability to collaborate effectively with all levels of management and build strong partnerships across cross-functional teams.

• Strong Excel and reporting skills, coupled with an analytical mindset to interpret data effectively.

• Excellent communication skills with vendors and internal teams, ensuring timely follow-up and effective collaboration.

• Bachelor's Degree along with a minimum of two years of experience as a Bookseller preferred (internal) or 3+ years of buying experience.

• Demonstrate a deep understanding of the target customer and effectively apply customer insights to guide product recommendations.

EeoStatement: 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.