Merchandising Assistant

Job Description

Job Description

The primary function of this position is to support the work of the Merchandising Department by doing various tasks including, sending, and following up on purchase orders, working closely with vendors to ensure accurate product availability and information, and communicating this information with other Christianbook departments.

Key Responsibility Areas 

• Assist Merchants with a variety of tasks and projects, including title research, competitive analysis, and product line reviews specific to Books & Bibles categories
• Cross-functional department communications for key business areas regarding stock inquiries, system updates, meeting preparations and other key inter-departmental deliverables
• Daily vendor and publisher engagement regarding shipping/receiving, scheduling for on-site visits and/or market appointments with Merchants, overall invoicing, and coordination of title release schedules for new Books & Bibles product launches
• Managing all activities related to samples for Merchant review, photo shoots, and digital assets/images to support catalog and website requirements; including Bible format samples (translation, binding, cover), cover art approvals, and interior layout review copies
• Manage catalog data input for seasonal and specialty catalogs (including Books & Bibles editions), promotional web pricing, product descriptions, ISBN/item setup, and compose lists for special customer service projects
• Support the catalog creation process by coordinating page allocation inputs, managing deadlines for copy and image submission, proofing catalog page layouts for accuracy of pricing, product descriptions, ISBN numbers, and Bible translation/format details, and serving as the primary liaison between Merchandising and the Creative/Marketing teams during catalog production cycle
• Maintain and update assortment product master data files for Merchandising teams
• Manage data integrity / reconciliations for catalog vs data in system
• Track upcoming publication dates, new release schedules, and reprint availability from Christian publishers to ensure timely purchase order placement and catalog inclusion. 
• Manage price plans cross-functionally

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge

• Working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook
• Understanding of purchase order processes, vendor management workflows, and basic retail/wholesale buying concepts
• Familiarity with catalog production processes including data entry, image/asset management, and proofing workflows

Skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to communicate professionally with publishers, vendors, and internal teams
• Superior organizational and planning skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously, including concurrent catalog deadlines
• Excellent time management skills and ability to prioritize work in a fast-paced publishing and retail environment
• Good attention to detail; ability to produce accurate product and catalog data with high volume and tight deadlines
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (2+ years required); assertive interpersonal communication skills; ability to work effectively in a team environment

Abilities

• Ability to work effectively in a team environment and collaborate across Merchandising, Marketing, Creative, and Customer Service departments
• Ability to solve problems and make sound, timely decisions with accuracy under deadline pressure
• Ability to manage catalog and product data entry tasks with a high degree of accuracy and consistency across multiple concurrent projects

Qualifications and Education Requirements

• Minimum 2 years of administrative experience (preferred)
• Minimum 2 years of Microsoft Excel experience (required)
• Prior experience in retail buying, merchandising, catalog production, or Christian publishing a plus

Required Education

• High School
• College

Hybrid Role

Monday - Thursday in office, Friday remote

Christianbook provides equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information or any other protected characteristic under applicable law. This applies to all phases of employment including, but not limited to, recruiting, employment, placement, promotion, transfer, demotion, reduction of workforce and termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation, selection for training, the use of all facilities, and participation in all company-sponsored employee activities. Provisions in applicable laws providing for bona fide occupational qualifications, business necessity or age limitations will be adhered to by the company where appropriate.