Purchasing Buyer, Senior

We have an opening for a Senior Buyer - Gifts. This role will be primarily based out of our warehouse in NW Portland, with the option of working remotely a couple days each week, after training is complete. The Senior Buyer - Gifts is a key leadership role responsible for the execution of multi-location buying strategies for non-book products. This position serves as a team leader, mentoring the Gift Buying team and collaborating with the Gifts Planner, the Gifts Buying Manager, Store Managers and logistics teams to ensure gift selections support promotional campaigns, sales goals, and assortment strategies. In addition to managing a select buying portfolio, this role ensures alignment between buying, inventory control, and visual presentation, contributing to overall business growth and engagement. The Senior Buyer - Gifts owns the product development and vendor management of all Powell’s branded logo and branded merchandise. Reports to the Buying and Merchandising Manager - Gifts.

Identifies, develops, and expands high-growth product categories by analyzing market trends, customer behavior, and unmet opportunities.

Identifies and selects vendors for both branded and non‑branded gift products, negotiates competitive pricing, quality standards, delivery timelines, manages vendor relationships and ordering for multi‑store and individual store needs in alignment with company goals.

Anticipates and translates consumer trends into curated assortments for specific customer groups.

Coaches, trains, and educates the Gift Buying team on range and assortment strategies, seasonal planning and product storytelling to optimize sell‑through and product presentation.

Coordinates the go‑to‑market calendar, ensuring timely execution of display changes and product deliveries, and collaborates with stakeholders to align store and warehouse operations.

Develops strategies for both evergreen core products and seasonal product launches. Owns sales, margin, and inventory turn for all stores, while working within the established open‑to‑buy budget for gifts, stationary, and logo categories.

Analyzes weekly and seasonal sales performance to draw conclusions; presents findings and strategy shifts to management for alignment.

Identifies emerging brands and independent makers aligned with each store’s identity.

Collaborates on custom, exclusive, or private‑label product development.

Partners with store leadership to ensure local relevance while maintaining brand consistency.

Uses software tools, including Bookscape and Excel, to ensure accurate data entry, order management, and inventory control.

Demonstrates leadership in the implementation of new technology, methodology, and workflow.

5+ years of Gifts buying or equivalent experience with a focus on retail or specialty, with proven budget management.

Proficiency in computer systems, creative visual suite, data entry, and spreadsheet management.

Proficient in analyzing sales trends, forecasting demand, and using data to make purchasing decisions.

Expert‑level knowledge of MS Excel and experience with procurement/ERP systems.

Superior communication and interpersonal skills with fellow staff, vendors, and customers.

Generous healthcare plan (medical, vision, and dental)

Substantial employee discount that is also available to your significant other, children, parents, and siblings

Pay: $25 - $38 per hour, depending on experience.
Schedule: Monday through Friday, 9am to 5pm, with some flexibility to start and end time possible, for a 37.5‑hour workweek.
Position Title: Senior Buyer - Gifts
Industrial
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.

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