Powell's Books is seeking to hire one or more full-time Used Book Buyers at our Beaverton location.

This position works primarily in the processing, preparation and distribution of used books while they learn the buying process at Powell's. This position requires ongoing development of skills related to used book pricing, processing and book flow. They also provide engaged customer service that supports whole store needs and may have customer service, section, and shelving assignments. Individuals in the position will take on more complex tasks and responsibilities as they gain proficiency.

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: $18.00 per hour or more, depending on experience.

Schedule: The schedule is to be determined, but will include both weekend days. Shifts could begin as early as 8am or end as late as 9pm.

Closing Date: Thursday, September 12th, 2024

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.

Position Title: Used Book Buyer I

Location: All Stores

Group: B

Date:  07/2021

Position Summary: 

Individuals in this position work primarily in the processing, preparation and distribution of used books while they learn the buying process. This position requires ongoing development of skills related to used book pricing, buying, processing, and book flow. They also provide engaged customer service that supports whole store needs and may have customer service, section, and shelving assignments. Individuals in the position will take on more complex tasks and responsibilities as they gain proficiency. Reports to the location specific manager.

Essential Functions:

• Understands basic Bookscape database functions.
•  Efficiently processes books at the buying table and other work areas.
•  Assists in pricing, buying, and sorting as needed.
• Gains proficiency in pricing and data entering used books using department and corporate standards and procedures.
• Develops an understanding of the buying process, including counter diplomacy and negotiation skills.
• Achieves broad understanding of sections content; understands and upholds Powell’s shelving and visual presentation standards, as well as productivity expectations.
• Prepares and distributes used book stock.
• May distribute books delivered from the outside, i.e. new book deliveries, inter-store transfers, and miscellaneous deliveries.
• May help coordinate the flow of carts and books leaving the store.
• Understands and upholds Powell’s customer service standards. Maintains strong customer awareness while working on sales floor tasks, modeling engaged and knowledgeable interactions with customers.
• Exhibits good time management skills, balancing the immediate and ongoing needs of the team with the customer service needs of the store.
• Effectively communicates with teammates, leads, managers, and other departments.
• Effectively communicates to other departments as needed.
• May participate in training others.
• Fosters a professional, team-oriented work environment.
• Demonstrates consistent adherence to safety protocols; maintains sanitary and organized work stations, workspaces, and sales areas.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements / Qualifications:

• Generally requires demonstrated experience in a position equivalent to Generalist Level I.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Competence using technology specific to the position
• Ability to work independently and as a part of a team.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and priorities.
• Love of books and reading.
• Physical requirements – Group L.

Position Title: Used Book Buyer II

Location: All Stores

Group: C

Date:  07/2021

Position Summary: 

Individuals in this position have successfully completed Used Book Buyer I or the equivalent and have a comprehensive understanding of department operations. Level II Used Book Buyers are fully competent in pricing, data entry, preparation and distribution of used books. They demonstrate an ongoing development of skills related to buying, processing and book flow. Level IIs are actively involved in training and mentoring other employees. They also participate in whole store support with customer service, shelving, and section assignments as needed. In this position, individuals demonstrate a high level of self-direction. They identify opportunities for improving processes and systems, and problem-solve solutions. Level IIs are assigned more complex tasks and responsibilities as they gain proficiency. Reports to the location specific manager.

Essential Functions:

• Demonstrates a high degree of competence in all used book buying processes and procedures.
• Demonstrates sound judgment in used book buying and pricing decisions and accuracy in data entry.
• Demonstrates proficiency in research of scarce or unusual inventory using available tools, resources, websites and bibliographic references.
• Ensures that the department functions efficiently internally and in collaboration with other departments and locations.
• Provides expert customer service and troubleshooting.
• Supports whole store operations by demonstrating effective engagement and competence at customer service, shelving and section assignments.
• Prepares and distributes used book stock.
• Works to advance location and corporate goals, balancing fiscal possibilities and limitations.
• Actively participates in training and mentoring other employees in departmental functions and procedures.
• May be involved in outside buying, assisting with appointment and house buys.
• May be assigned to take leadership on smaller house & appointment buys.
• Demonstrates interpersonal skills necessary to communicate effectively and contribute as a constructive team member.
• Takes initiative and demonstrates independent decision making.
• Demonstrates flexibility and the ability to adapt to change and revised priorities.
• Continues to perform all of the functions of the Used Book Buyer I.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements / Qualifications:

• Full competence as Used Book Buyer I or equivalent.
• Demonstrated buying and pricing accuracy.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Full competence using technology and programs required of the position.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and responsibilities.
• Demonstrated accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to consistently work productively with minimal supervision.
• Ability to maintain flexibility in a growing and changing environment
• Love of books and reading
• Physical requirements – Group L