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Textbook Buyer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Barnes & Noble Education, Inc.

$17 - $19.75/hr

The Department Manager in textbooks will assist customers with locating course materials for rental ... Qualifications * 2+ years' experience in a retail setting as a manager or buyer preferred or a ...

BNED

Department Manager- Textbooks

Durham, NH · On-site

In the textbook department you are integral in making sure we have the right book, in the right ... Qualifications: * 2+ years' experience in a retail setting as a manager or buyer preferred or a ...

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Textbook Buyer information

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$34.5K

$68.4K

$102.5K

How much do textbook buyer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for textbook buyer in the United States is $68,384.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,000.00 and $79,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by a textbook buyer and how can they be addressed?

Textbook Buyers often encounter challenges such as managing tight budgets, predicting demand for specific titles, and negotiating with publishers or vendors for the best pricing. Staying updated on new editions and digital materials is also crucial, as these can impact inventory decisions. To address these challenges, strong analytical skills, effective communication, and relationship-building with suppliers are essential. Collaborating closely with faculty and academic departments can also help ensure textbook selections align with course requirements and student needs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a textbook buyer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Textbook Buyer, you need strong analytical skills, negotiation abilities, and a foundation in supply chain or business administration, often supported by a related degree. Familiarity with inventory management systems, procurement software, and market analysis tools is typically required. Excellent communication, attention to detail, and relationship-building skills help you collaborate effectively with vendors and internal stakeholders. These competencies ensure cost-effective purchasing, accurate inventory levels, and timely acquisition of educational materials essential for institutional success.

What is the difference between Textbook Buyer vs Textbook Coordinator?

AspectTextbook BuyerTextbook Coordinator
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles prefer associate's or bachelor's degreeHigh school diploma or equivalent; experience in inventory or procurement helpful
Work EnvironmentRetail or educational supply stores, bookstores, or online platformsEducational institutions, bookstores, or supply departments within schools
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by bookstores, educational suppliers, and online retailersEmployed by schools, universities, or educational organizations
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding purchasing roles in textbook procurementManaging textbook inventory and distribution within institutions

The main difference is that a Textbook Buyer focuses on purchasing textbooks from suppliers or vendors, ensuring the best prices and availability. In contrast, a Textbook Coordinator manages the distribution, inventory, and organization of textbooks within an educational institution. Both roles require knowledge of textbooks and procurement but serve different functions in the supply chain.

What is a textbook buyer?

Textbook buyers are professionals responsible for selecting and purchasing textbooks for educational institutions, bookstores, or online retailers. They evaluate curriculum needs, review publisher catalogs, negotiate prices, and manage inventory levels to ensure students and faculty have access to required course materials. Their role may also include tracking market trends, coordinating with vendors, and ensuring timely delivery of textbooks.
More about Textbook Buyer jobs
What job categories do people searching Textbook Buyer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Textbook Buyer jobs are:
Textbook Buyer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Textbook Buyer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $68,384 per year, or $32.9 per hour.

Ole Miss Bookstore Textbook Manager

Barnes & Noble Education, Inc.

On-site

$17 - $19.75/hr

Other

Re-posted 22 days ago

Barnes & Noble Education rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

4th of 11 rated book shops

Job description

Introduction
Barnes & Noble College is a retail partner for nearly 800 colleges and universities nationwide. We offer a retail environment like no other - uniquely focused on delivering essential educational content, tools, and merchandise within a dynamic retail environment on campuses of higher education. Our teams interact directly with our customers including students, faculty, administration, alumni, and the general public to provide outstanding customer service to sell or rent books, general merchandise, and an array of products and services for an academic community.
Overview
Barnes & Noble College is seeking a resourceful, driven, adaptable, and customer-focused team member to work as a Department Manager in our Textbook department. The Department Manager in textbooks will assist customers with locating course materials for rental or purchase while assisting in the daily operation of the store. You will be a subject matter expert for your department, but also remain knowledgeable of other operational areas to provide outstanding customer service by suggesting complementary products and supplies, supporting team members in our store with shelving, restocking, and processing customer transactions.
Responsibilities
As a Department Manager you will support all store operations and departments in partnership with the management team. In the textbook department you are integral in making sure we have the right book, in the right quantity, at the right time. You may work directly with campus partners, students, and faculty to increase adoptions, rentals, and promote digital sales while successfully executing our textbook timeline each term. You will drive our team to create customer experiences that enhance bookstore loyalty, and deliver measurable results daily. And best of all, you'll be part of a company that is consistently rated as a great place to work - and where employees love what they do.
Expectations:
  • Execute the textbook cycle from setup to returns independently or with the support of team members that you train, guide, direct, and counsel under the direction of Store Management.
  • Ability to use department specific technology to answer questions about course material, recommend products and/or services, create textbook adoptions, maintain book inventory, receive and pay invoices, and locate or obtain materials based on course descriptions or customer needs.
  • Maintain a working knowledge of all departments in the store to provide daily support, direction, and guidance to customers and team members.
  • Maintain a presence on the sales floor to greet customers, answer questions, and assist with purchases of textbooks, merchandise, or services when necessary.
  • Maintain an appealing sales floor-tag, shelf, arrange, clean, and organize product or space within the store.
  • Assist with processing sales transactions involving cash, credit, or financial aid payments as needed.

Physical Demands:
  • Frequent movement within the store to access various departments, areas, and/or products.
  • Ability to remain in a stationary position for extended periods.
  • Frequent lifting.
  • Occasional reaching, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and climbing ladders.

COVID-19 Considerations:
Our stores comply with all applicable federal, state and local requirements and/or recommendations regarding social distancing and sanitizing. In accordance with individual campus requirements, positions may require confirmation of vaccination. The use of face masks throughout the day and while on campus may also be expected or required.
Qualifications
  • 2+ years' experience in a retail setting as a manager or buyer preferred or a graduate of the Best Seller Program.
  • High school diploma/GED required.
  • Outstanding customer service skills to match customers to products that meet their needs.
  • Basic reading, writing and accounting skills required.
  • Excellent customer service and communication skills needed.
  • Strong interpersonal, communication, and problem solving skills.
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

EEO Statement
Barnes & Noble College is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer committed to diversity in the workplace. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status.

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