Job Title: Senior Manager - Buying & Merchandising (Books Category).

Location: Pune.

Department: Buying & Merchandising.

!!! Retail Book Trade OR Publishing Industry Experience is MANDATORY !!!.

Job Overview:

The person joining the Buying & Merchandising (Books Category) will be responsible for developing and executing the buying and merchandising strategy for the books category across all Crossword stores and online platforms.

This role will play a key part in shaping the product assortment, vendor relationships, and commercial performance of the category.

Key Responsibilities:

- Develop and implement the overall buying strategy for the Books category aligned with the company's business objectives.

- Curate and maintain an assortment mix based on market trends, customer preferences, and sales data.

- Identify and onboard publishers, distributors, and independent authors to ensure a diverse and competitive range of products.

- Negotiate commercial terms, margins, and promotional agreements with vendors to maximize profitability.

- Plan and manage category budgets, including sales forecasts, margins, and inventory levels.

- Monitor sales performance and take corrective actions to optimize product performance and inventory turnover.

- Collaborate with the Marketing team to design and execute category promotions, events, and campaigns.

- Stay updated on industry trends, new releases, and bestsellers to maintain a relevant product assortment.

- Coordinate with the supply chain team to ensure timely delivery and stock replenishment.

- Prepare regular reports and insights on category performance, customer preferences, and competitor analysis.

- Mentor and guide junior team members within the buying team.

Key Requirements:

- Bachelor's degree in Business, Retail Management, or related field (MBA preferred).

- Minimum 7-10 years of experience in buying, merchandising, or category management within the books or publishing industry.

- Strong negotiation and vendor management skills.

- Excellent understanding of the books market, including key publishers, authors, and trends.

- Analytical mindset with proficiency in sales data analysis and reporting tools.

- Proven ability to curate assortments that drive both sales and customer satisfaction.

- Strong project management and organizational skills.

- Passion for books and reading culture.

- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

What We Offer:

Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.

Opportunity to shape the book category strategy for a leading retail brand in India and Overseas.

A vibrant, book-loving work environment.

Employee discounts on books and merchandise.

Career growth opportunities within the organization.

About Crossword Bookstores:

Crossword Bookstores is India's leading book retail chain, known for its wide range of books, stationery, and lifestyle products.

We are passionate about creating immersive reading experiences and curating products that inspire knowledge and creativity.