Co Manager

Books A Million; Hattiesburg (MS); On-site; USD 40,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Health insurance

Life insurance

401(k) plan

Paid time off

Employee discounts

Employee assistance

Job summary

Books-A-Million in Hattiesburg, MS is seeking a Co-Manager to run the store as a Manager On Duty with the management team, bringing the merchandising plan to life on every table and shelf. This leadership role sets the tone for customer experience and store execution.

You will lead daily operations, develop associates, and ensure standards while growing the team and delivering strong sales and service in a community bookseller environment.

Qualifications

• HS diploma or equivalent required.
• Previous experience in a supervisor role preferred.
• Background screenings required.

Responsibilities

• Lead with ownership each shift as Manager On Duty.
• Drive sales and service by leading category teams.
• Ensure store standards and merchandising plan execution.
• Develop Associates and Leads with coaching and feedback.
• Partner with General Manager on performance and development.
• Communicate goals and progress in regular meetings.

Skills

Supervision

Leadership

Customer service

Communication

Merchandising

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Cash registers

POS systems

Job description

US:MS:Hattiesburg | Retail | ACTIVE FULL TIME

Posted 3 days ago | Apply before November 15, 2026

Description

Job Description

About the Job

Love books? Love leading people? Even better. As Co-Manager, you share the keys to the business—running the store as a full Manager On Duty alongside your management team and bringing the merchandising plan to life on every table and shelf. You don't just keep the store running. You set the tone for it. Ready to lead a team that connects every customer with their next great read, and build the experience that sets you up for what's next? This is a leadership role based in one of our Books-A-Million retail store locations, built for leaders who are ready to grow.

Role Summary

Great bookselling starts with people who love books, and you'll help lead the team that brings that love to every customer. The Co-Manager manages the day-to-day operation of the store as a Manager On Duty in conjunction with the management team to elevate sales and customer service, and oversees the execution of the Merchandising plan to maintain compliance and store standards. A passion for books isn't a bonus here, it's the foundation. You'll bring that energy to the sales floor, bring the merchandising plan to life, and help build a team that shares it.

Role Responsibilities

Store Leadership & Results

• Lead with ownership every shift. As Manager On Duty, partner with the management team to set expectations, create momentum, and run the store in line with company policies, procedures, and guidelines, so the team and store are ready to deliver their best each day.
• Drive stronger sales and standout service by leading your category team and making thoughtful decisions on the floor that bring customers back and move the business forward.
• Be the leader your store can count on—create a safe, secure environment where associates can thrive, customers feel welcome, and the store runs with care and confidence.
• Grow the next generation of booksellers and store leaders by training and developing Associates and Leads with patience and purpose, because the best leaders grow other leaders.
• Partner with the General Manager on associate performance—recognizing contributions, addressing gaps early, and making sure every team member gets the support they need to grow.
• Keep everyone connected and moving in the same direction through daily briefings and weekly and monthly meetings that ensure every associate knows the goals, the plan, and why it matters.

Customer Experience & Store Standards

• Make every customer feel like they belong by setting the highest standard for customer service and turning customer challenges into opportunities to build lasting loyalty.
• Bring the merchandising plan to life across the store by overseeing its execution and maintaining compliance and store standards, so every table and shelf offers something worth picking up.
• Turn great visits into lasting loyalty by coaching the team to share customer benefits and company-sponsored programs with the same enthusiasm they'd bring to a great book recommendation.

Store Operations

• Handle the behind-the-scenes details that keep the store running smoothly, from dropping off the bank deposit to picking up the change order as needed.
• Keep the café ready to serve by making sure essential supplies are always stocked, fresh, and available when the team and customers need them.

Additional Responsibilities

• Every shift is different, and great stores run on leaders who jump in wherever they're needed. Be the leader your team can count on, on the busiest day and the quietest one.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Role Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• 21 years of age or older
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Previous experience in a supervisor role
• Successful completion of all required background screenings

Preferred Qualifications

• Some college coursework, bringing the business sense to read the numbers, spot opportunities, and turn insight into results.
• Comfort with technology and transactions, using computers and cash registers accurately while staying curious about new systems and tools.
• Experience in book, specialty, or media retail, and a genuine excitement for where the industry is headed.
• A genuine love of books and reading — with the curiosity to know what's new, what's trending, and what customers are excited about.
• An ownership mindset — taking action, making decisions with confidence, and holding yourself and your team accountable for results.
• A commitment to connection and community — building genuine relationships with customers, associates, and local partners, and creating a store that feels welcoming, relevant, and truly part of the neighborhood.
• A passion for developing others — coaching, training, and growing a team that's ready for what's next.

Work Environment & Expectations

Physical requirements

• Must be able to stand and walk for extended periods of time
• Must be able to use hands/arms to operate a keyboard and telephone for repetitive motion activities
• Must be able to lift or team lift objects up to 50 lbs., with or without assistance
• Must be able to communicate using speech, sight, and sound with or without an assistive device
• Must be able to stand, walk, climb, bend, stoop, or crouch while performing daily activities of the job

Scheduling requirements

• All managers follow the 3 or 4 Manager Rotation schedule, depending on the number of managers in the store.
• All managers must have open availability and be able to work opening shifts, closing shifts, or other shifts as needed, OR have availability approved by District Manager if open availability is not possible.
• All managers are Full Time and may work up to 45 hours per week.

The Perks

At Books-A-Million, we’re in the business of connecting people with stories—but our story starts with our associates. We believe that when our people feel supported, valued, and cared for, they’re empowered to do their best work and create exceptional experiences for our customers.

• Competitive Compensation: Competitive pay with opportunities to earn performance-based incentives that recognize your contributions.
• Health & Wellness: Medical, dental, and vision coverage, along with Healthcare and Dependent Care Spending Accounts to help you care for yourself and those who depend on you.
• Financial Protection: Life insurance and disability coverage that provide peace of mind when you need it most.
• Retirement Savings: A 401(k) plan with company matching contributions to help you invest in your future with confidence.
• Paid Time Off: Generous paid time off so you can recharge, celebrate life's moments, and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
• Employee Discounts: Special discounts on books, gifts, toys, collectibles, and more—because we believe the things you love should be a little more accessible.
• Employee Assistance Program: Confidential counseling, resources, and support for you and your family whenever life brings unexpected challenges.

Benefit availability and eligibility are based on applicable requirements, including hours worked, employment status, position, and other plan-specific eligibility criteria.

When you join Books-A-Million, you’re joining more than a workplace—you're becoming part of a team that believes in supporting one another, celebrating successes, and growing together as a community. We’re proud to invest in our associates because when you thrive, we all do.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement

Books-A-Million is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.