Join Our Team as a Full-Time Central Gifts Buyer at Powell’s Books!
Are you ready to play a key role in shaping the future of Powell’s Books’ non-book offerings? We have an exciting opportunity for a Central Gifts Buyer who will be at the forefront of acquiring, merchandising, and managing inventory for all non-book products across the company. This dynamic role covers a wide range of categories and comes with the responsibility of overseeing a significant buying budget.
We’re seeking someone with previous retail buying experience, and a deep knowledge of gift products, vendor relationships, and industry practices, who thrives on negotiating the best deals, including discounts and freight terms. If you’re passionate about sourcing unique and exciting items that will delight our customers, this could be the perfect fit for you! Ready to make an impact? Apply today and be a part of something extraordinary!
Powell’s Books is known worldwide as a premier independent bookstore and an icon in the Portland community. We’re committed to fostering a culture and environment of inclusion, empowerment, and respect – a place where everyone can show up fully as themselves and do their best work every day.
Powell’s offers an extensive benefits package including:
- Generous healthcare plan (medical, vision, and dental)
- 401(k) savings plan
- Education benefit
- Childcare subsidy
- Substantial employee discount that is also available to your significant other, children, parents, and siblings
- Book borrowing privileges
Pay: $19 per hour, or more, depending on experience, for a 37.5 hour week
Schedule: Monday through Friday, 9am to 5pm (flex time)
Closing Date: Sunday, May 4th, 2025
Additional Information: Please include a cover letter with a brief description of relevant skills and experience and the reason why you’re interested in the position.
This is a remote position. There will be regular site visits to Powell’s locations in the Portland, Oregon area, as well as a weekly on-site meeting. Oregon residency is required.
The purchasing portfolio is to be determined. Powell’s Gift Buyers bring in a diverse product mix including Board Games, Home Goods, Toys, Personal Accessories, Stationery, and products celebrating the Pacific Northwest.
Position Title: Central Gifts Buyer
Location: Industrial/Corporate
Group: E
Date: 09/2024
Position Summary:
The Central Gifts Buyer is responsible for the acquisition, merchandising, and inventory control of all non-book products for the Company. This position serves as a liaison for merchandising, customer service and product fulfillment to customers and staff across the company, and may provide training to in-store Gifts Generalist and RDC staff as necessary. This position orders for a broad range of categories and is responsible for a large buying budget. Communicates within the team, with booksellers and with other inventory purchasers across Powell’s to meet company needs. Demonstrates leadership and takes on projects to further Powell’s strategic goals. Assists in setting objectives, goals, and timelines for the department. Reports to Gifts Purchasing and Merchandising Manager.
Essential Functions:
- Places both multi-store and individual store orders for new and existing non-book products based on each store’s unique market. Operates within a multichannel supply chain.
- Reviews vendor catalogs and determines products to be ordered for all company locations. Meets with vendors and vendor representatives as necessary.
- Works closely with the Gifts Purchasing and Merchandising Manager to coordinate the life cycle of gift inventory, buying strategies, projects and goals. Identifies areas in gift ordering and receiving that need improvement and helps resolve issues.
- Reviews reorders and other ordering issues on a daily basis. Maintains accurate records of orders placed, either directly to vendors or scheduled through the Central Order process.
- Works within a quarterly budget for the category, with established on hand and turn rate goals for each store. Responds to changing market conditions at each location.
- Negotiates terms on store and company level orders, ensuring that the best discounts, return and freight terms are received.
- Responsible for consistent data entry in Bookscape. Responsible for accurate and complete product, vendor and purchase order files. Maintains accurate Autobuy parameters to ensure efficient Store 18 replenishment.
- Directs the Gifts Generalist staff in completing maintenance tasks, including markdowns, through the Priority List and white board. Provides leadership in the maintenance of in-store displays by Gifts Generalists.
- Works to maintain and increase profit margin. Identifies special opportunities to improve margin and turn rates and advocates action to realize extra margin and improved turn rates.
- Troubleshoots and communicates problems to vendors, staff, management, RDC, Corporate, Marketing, and other stakeholders.
- Reorders from Store 18 as appropriate. Communicates with Gifts Purchasing and Merchandising Manager, the Order Office, and in-store Gifts Generalist staff regarding Store 18 needs. Recommends products for Store 18.
- Regularly attends and participates in Purchasing Department meetings.
- Works with marketing and publicity departments for in-store and Powells.com promotions. Where needed, recommends titles and merchandise for promotions, including continuity programs promotion.
- Coordinates cycle counting with store level inventory teams.
- Uses software tools appropriate to Powell’s and the non-book industry.
- Works autonomously and as part of the Gifts Purchasing t team.
- Mentors and trains other Gifts Purchasers and staff. Acts as a resource on ordering information for staff.
- Demonstrates leadership in the implementation of new technology, methodology, and workflow.
- May attend trade shows depending on departmental needs.
- Other duties as assigned.
Requirements / Qualifications:
- Minimum two years of Gifts buying or equivalent experience purchasing and working within a budget.
- Demonstrated ability to effectively merchandise gift products.
- Knowledge of gift products, vendors and industry practices with demonstrated experience negotiating exceptional discounts and freight terms.
- Proven ability to manage time and work effectively. Ability to handle multiple tasks and priorities.
- Superior communication and interpersonal skills with fellow staff, vendors and customers.
- Excellent computer, data entry and spreadsheet skills.
- Strong problem solving skills.
- Willingness to learn new tasks and to train others.
- Ability to maintain absolute confidentiality of sensitive information.
- Ability to adapt to industry changes.
- Extensive knowledge of stores’ stock and customer preference.
- Ability to work independently and as a team member.
- Love of reading and books.
- Physical requirements – Group J.
