Bookstore Manager

Central Bible; Moberly, Northern (MO, KY); Hybrid; USD 26,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Central Bible University is seeking a Bookstore Manager to plan, organize, and oversee the university bookstore operations onsite, online, and at events. You will manage inventory, collaborate with departments, and drive revenue for students, churches, and the community.

The role requires strong leadership, budgeting, and process improvement to maintain profitability and align with the university’s mission and values.

Qualifications

• High ethical standards.
• Ability to motivate and supervise staff.
• Strong organizational, communication, time-management, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work cooperatively with professionals, faculty, staff, students, church leaders, donors, and the general public.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, and manage bookstore operations onsite, online, and at events.
• Develop and maintain an advertising and marketing plan to increase sales.
• Increase social media presence and identify promotional opportunities.
• Maintain a current textbook list and source copies needed by students.
• Determine inventory sources based on pricing, availability, and returnability.

Skills

Ethical leadership

Staff supervision

Organization & communication

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Job description

Compensation
$19–$20 per hour, based on experience

General Description

The Bookstore Manager is responsible for planning, organizing, and managing the operations of the Central Bible University Bookstore while advancing the mission and vision of the University. The Bookstore Manager oversees the appearance and reputation of the bookstore onsite, online, and at events. This position serves the bookstore’s three primary markets: students, churches, and the community.

Responsibilities

Specific Responsibilities

• Impressions: Make the bookstore visually appealing, spiritually beneficial, and safely navigable at the onsite store, online, and at remote events.
• Promotion: Develop and maintain an advertising and marketing plan that increases sales and expands the customer base while positioning the bookstore as a resource that furthers the Kingdom.
• Social Media: Increase the bookstore’s social media presence and identify new promotional opportunities that drive traffic and sales.
• Textbooks: Work closely with the Academics Department to maintain a current textbook list and source physical copies needed by students.
• Inventory: Determine the best sources for inventory based on pricing, availability, service, returnability, and other relevant criteria.
• Maintain appropriate inventory levels, achieving one turn or less in all categories.
• Understand the market, maintain stock of products that are selling, and process returns promptly so older inventory does not occupy marketable space.
• Manage the physical inventory-counting process at least annually.
• Maintain knowledge of bookstore products, with particular attention to the needs and concerns of the Restoration Movement.
• Collaboration: Collaborate with departments throughout the University to meet their resource needs.
• Revenue: Secure new revenue sources annually, remain current with industry developments, and pursue innovative opportunities.
• Operations: Perform or oversee all aspects of daily bookstore operations, including opening and closing, assisting customers, processing transactions, cleaning, receiving shipments, processing returns, and resetting displays.
• Help resolve customer concerns and complaints.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Develop and oversee the annual bookstore budget with the goal of maintaining profitability.
• Be available during audits to produce reports and answer questions.
• Perform all periodic operations, including end-of-month reporting.
• Develop, analyze, and report key performance indicators and metrics, including sales, expenses, customer counts, marketing performance, customer types, and related data.
• Establish and maintain a policy and procedure manual containing the operational details of the bookstore.
• Work with the Human Resources Department to select, hire, and train bookstore employees and implement disciplinary or termination procedures when necessary.
• Develop, motivate, and mentor staff to encourage continuous improvement in performance and skills.
• Conduct staff performance reviews at least annually.

Qualifications

Knowledge and Skills

• High ethical standards.
• Ability to motivate and supervise staff.
• Strong organizational, communication, time-management, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work cooperatively with professionals, faculty, staff, students, church leaders, donors, and the general public.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stretch, stand, walk, bend, climb, stoop, and kneel as required to arrange merchandise and displays.
• Ability to lift or carry boxes and materials weighing at least 40 pounds.
• Ability to stand for extended periods.
• Ability to work weekends and travel.
• Ability to work extended days during conferences, shows, and other events.

Education and Position Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience.
• A valid Class E driver’s license may be required to transport students.
• Ability to use computer applications such as point-of-sale software, Microsoft Office, student information systems, and Google Workspace.
• Complete support of and willingness to adhere to Central Bible University’s mission, vision, and core values. Applicants must personally uphold these standards.

Acknowledgement

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed within this role. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and tasks. Other similar or additional duties may be assigned as needed. Job descriptions do not create employment contracts. Central Bible University maintains its status as an at-will employer, and employees may be terminated for any reason not prohibited by law.