Retail Manager

The Retail Manager oversees the day-to-day management and execution of bookstore retail operations, focusing on general merchandise, staff supervision, and the overall customer experience. This role leads the retail team in delivering strong in-store performance, maintaining operational standards, and ensuring a high level of customer service and store presentation. Key responsibilities include supervising, training, and supporting bookstore staff-including student employees-while consistently executing the merchandising, inventory, and promotional plans established by bookstore leadership. Additionally, the Retail Manager supports the Director of Bookstores in achieving the bookstore's financial, operational, and service objectives.

Specific Responsibilities

Operations & Staff Supervision

• Manage daily store operations, including the active management of the sales floor, service desk, and cashier functions.
• Serve as the primary manager-on-duty, managing opening and closing responsibilities.
• Supervise, schedule, and train retail staff, with a strong focus on recruitment, retention, and mentoring of student/work-study employees.
• Monitor and manage student employee labor allocations and hours in strict compliance with student employment guidelines.
• Provide continuous coaching, mentoring, and performance feedback to team members.
• Ensure strict team compliance with all bookstore policies, campus safety procedures, and institutional guidelines.
• Provide enhanced leadership coverage during peak periods (e.g., campus rush, start of semesters) and support overall store operations as needed.

• Execute core merchandising plans, including strategic product placement, pricing accuracy, and high-impact displays for apparel, supplies, and giftware.
• Maintain accurate signage, labeling, and professional product presentation across all departments.
• Ensure merchandise is consistently stocked and available to meet customer demand, aligning floor stock with seasonal campus events (e.g., orientation, homecoming, graduation).
• Implement promotional activities, seasonal sets, and targeted in-store initiatives.
• Monitor sales data and communicate product performance trends directly to the Director of Bookstores.

• Oversee the efficient receiving, stocking, and structural organization of incoming merchandise.
• Monitor inventory levels and proactively coordinate replenishment needs with leadership.
• Participate in routine inventory counts, fiscal year-end audits, and ensure highly accurate inventory records.
• Support and track the transfer and return of merchandise to vendors or distributors.

• Promote and model customer service excellence for the entire retail team.
• Personally assist customers, troubleshoot issues, and resolve complex student, faculty, or visitor concerns.
• Maintain a clean, organized, safe, and welcoming store environment.

• Oversee daily register operations to ensure transaction accuracy and smooth checkout flow.
• Train staff and enforce guidelines for processing specialized transactions, including student financial aid vouchers and departmental accounts.
• Support ongoing compliance with internal financial controls and institutional audit requirements.

• Support the seamless implementation of core merchandising strategies and ordering direction from the Director of Bookstores.
• Assist with the planning and execution of special high-profile programs, such as graduation regalia distribution, alumni events, and campus promotional activities.
• Perform other professional duties as assigned.

• Bachelor's Degree.
• Significant retail management experience, including direct supervisory responsibility.
• Strong leadership, conflict resolution, and customer service skills.
• Demonstrated experience with visual merchandising principles and inventory control processes.
• Proficiency with modern point-of-sale (POS) systems, inventory management software, and standard business applications (e.g., Microsoft Office, Google Workspace).
• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including occasional evenings, weekends, and peak academic periods as needed.
• Experience working in, and contributing to, a culturally diverse environment.

• Prior retail management experience specifically within a college or university bookstore environment.