Job Details

CLASSIFICATION: Administrative

DEPARTMENT: Finance and Administration

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Works under the direction of VP for Finance and Administration

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: Book Shop staff including the Textbook Manager, Trade Book Manager and the Supervisor-General Merchandise

POSITION SUMMARY: The Store Manager is the on-site leader responsible for the overall health and growth of our independent Book Shop. This role blends day-to-day retail management with the initiative and creativity of a small-business entrepreneur. The manager oversees operations, drives sales, curates new and used books and gifts, leads the staff, manages our online storefront, and builds strong connections with customers, schools, and community partners.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Business Leadership & Entrepreneurial Growth:

• Approach the store as a business you are actively building, spot opportunities, test new ideas, and refine them based on results.
• Create and carry out plans to increase revenue, customer loyalty, and community visibility.
• Monitor key performance indicators (sales, margins, inventory turns, labor, website performance) and use data to guide decisions.
• Recommend and roll out new offerings, product lines, services, or events that align with our mission and market.

Store Operations & Visual Presentation:

• Oversee all daily in-store operations to ensure a smooth, efficient, and profitable environment.
• Maintain high standards for merchandising and visual presentation across new and used books, gifts, and general merchandise.
• Adjust store layout and displays seasonally and in response to trends and sales results.
• Ensure the store is consistently clean, inviting, well-organized, and safe for customers and staff.

Buying, Inventory & Product Mix (New/Used Books & Gifts):

• Partner with Moravian University on buying decisions for new and used books, gifts, and sidelines; regularly review sales and adjust assortments.
• Manage inventory flow: receiving, pricing, shelving, returns, and periodic counts to minimize both out-of-stock and overstock.
• Oversee used book intake and presentation to keep selection fresh, relevant, and well-organized.
• For any school/adopted titles: coordinate with educators to confirm required materials and timelines; oversee any buyback or resale programs.

Website & Online Store Management:

• Maintain the bookstore’s website and online store, ensuring accurate product information, pricing, and availability for books and general merchandise.
• Regularly add and update titles, gifts, and featured collections online, coordinating with in-store promotions and displays.
• Monitor online orders, customer inquiries, and fulfillment processes for accuracy and timely service.
• Track online sales and traffic, and recommend improvements to content, navigation, and promotions to grow e-commerce performance.

Staff Leadership & Development:

• Recruit, hire, train, schedule, and supervise booksellers and other team members.
• Set clear expectations and goals; provide ongoing coaching and conduct performance conversations.
• Foster a positive, inclusive culture built on curiosity, accountability, and excellent service.
• Lead by example on the sales floor, modeling handselling, problem-solving, and effective use of time.

Customer Experience & Community Engagement:

• Ensure every customer online and in-store receives thoughtful, informed, and solution-focused service.
• Resolve complex customer issues and special requests with professionalism and care.
• Build and maintain relationships with regular customers, local authors, faculty, librarians, and community organizations.
• Plan and host events such as author visits, signings, book clubs, school nights, and other programs that drive traffic and deepen engagement.
• Establish and coordinate a Book Shop Advisory Group made up of engaged faculty, students, and staff members to: Provide feedback on inventory, events, and services. Help identify campus community needs and partnership opportunities. Serve as ambassadors for the store in the wider campus community.

Marketing, Promotions & Digital Presence:

• Develop and execute in-store and online promotions, themed displays, and seasonal campaigns for books and gifts.
• Collaborate on email, social media, and website features to highlight new releases, staff picks, used-book finds, events, and special offers.
• Use POS, inventory, and website analytics to understand customer behavior and inform marketing and merchandising decisions.

Financial & Administrative Management:

• Assist with budgeting, goal setting, and regular financial reporting.
• Provide oversight and leadership with all Oracle interfaces and operations.
• Track expenses and implement cost controls while protecting the customer experience.
• Ensure accurate cash handling, deposits, and adherence to store policies and applicable regulations.
• Protect store assets through thoughtful loss prevention and attention to safety and security.

QUALIFICATIONS: 3–5+ years of retail management experience, ideally in a bookstore or specialty retail setting. Proven entrepreneurial mindset demonstrated experience creating initiatives, improving a department, or growing sales through your own ideas. Experience managing both product and people: buying or assortment planning, scheduling, coaching, and performance conversations. Strong customer service skills and a genuine enthusiasm for books, reading, and gift retail. Comfortable working with numbers: able to read sales reports, understand margins, and make basic budgeting decisions. Proficiency with POS and inventory systems; experience managing website content or an online store is strongly preferred. Excellent communication, organization, and problem-solving skills; able to juggle multiple priorities and deadlines. Willingness to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and peak periods (holidays, events, back-to-school).

TO APPLY: Qualified candidates should attach their cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references to the online application by clicking “Apply Now”. Please attach documents as a PDF file.

Moravian University will not sponsor applicants for a U.S. work visa for this position.