Store Operations Manager

Harvard Book Store--a landmark, independent bookstore--was founded in 1932 and operates an award-winning bookstore in Cambridge and a warehouse in Needham, Massachusetts. We recently announced an exciting project to build a major, new bookstore at 33 Union Street in historic downtown Boston. The new project includes both the bookstore and an adjoining café, the latter operated by award-winning Lakon Paris Patisserie. We expect this new location to be a major destination for book and pastry lovers far and wide, including the many tourists who visit Faneuil Hall, Quincy Market, and the Freedom Trail.

We are seeking a manager, for immediate hire, who will lead the day-to-day operations of the new bookstore. Until the store opens in the fall of this year, this manager will engage in planning and hiring, working primarily out of our Cambridge offices, while spending significant time in Boston.

Job Description

The Store Operations Manager is instrumental in creating and maintaining a positive work environment, developing an engaging customer experience, and overseeing daily operations. The Store Operations Manager will hire and train booksellers, supervisors, and shipping/receiving staff. All this effort will have the creation of a unique, well-curated, and financially successful independent bookstore as its primary goal. This is a 40 hours per week position that will require some nights and weekends.

Reporting Structure

The Store Operations Manager reports to the General Manager of Harvard Book Store, who has overall responsibility for all functions in the company. It is expected that the Store Operations Manager will:

• Operate within a budget set by the General Manager

• Hire, train, and supervise all store staff

• Maintain regular and clear communication with the Harvard Book Store management team, including the accounting office, buyers, customer orders office, events team, and warehouse

• Understand the Collective Bargaining Agreement with our staff’s union and work with representatives of the bargaining unit and the People Operations Manager to resolve any issues that arise

Store Responsibilities

• Coordinate efforts, to recruit, train, and supervise bookselling and shipping/receiving staff

• Mentor and manage sales-floor Supervisors

• Provide written schedules for staff according to Union contract guidelines

• Facilitate general staff and supervisor meetings

• Maintain a clean, meticulously well-merchandised sales floor

• Maintain and order store supplies as necessary

• Establish procedures to secure cash and receipts, stock cash drawers, and identify and correct cash-handling errors 

• Oversee timely receiving and vendor returns processes

• Oversee annual physical inventories

• Ensure customer satisfaction by addressing requests and resolving problems in a timely manner

• Ensure a safe workplace and shopping experience

• Develop and maintain successful relationships with customers, clients, and other neighborhood tenants

• Serve as liaison with operations managers of partner businesses

• Work with vendors and the property manager for facilities maintenance and repairs

• Help the bookstore achieve financial goals and apply resources appropriately

Business Responsibilities

The Store Operations Manager is a part of the Harvard Book Store management team, which includes colleagues who perform core activities such as buying and inventory management, people operations, accounting, events, and marketing, and warehouse operations. All Harvard Book Store managers share these responsibilities:

• Lead by example

• Represent the store in a professional manner

• Provide excellent customer service

• Listen and respond to the needs and concerns of a large staff

• Remain open to suggestions made by others

• Offer support and resources necessary for team members to perform their jobs well

• Provide constructive feedback; raise concerns and questions to the team to build greater understanding and find solutions to problems

• Develop and execute improvement plans as needed

• Bring ideas to Owners, the General Manager, and management team

• Report progress towards goals to Owners and General Manager

Skills, Knowledge, and Interests

• Readers and book lovers wanted! The successful candidate believes in the value of books and reading

• Strong understanding of retail practices and customer service techniques 

• Basic accounting knowledge

• Able to generate, interpret, and use reports to make informed business decisions

• Can organize and prioritize their workload

• Fair, accessible, and approachable

• Willing to take calculated risks

• Resourceful

• Excellent written and oral communication skills

• Sets the tone for a positive, collaborative, and service-centered work environment

• Thrives in a dynamic and fast-paced environment

• Enjoys collaboration

• Adept at planning, organizing, and scheduling

• Excels at both seeing the big picture and being responsible for implementing ideas and strategies

• Comfortable supervising beer and wine service. Servesafe and/or TIPS training may be provided.

• Ability to lift 50 pounds and stand for long periods of time on the sales floor

Experience

Must have at least five years of experience managing a retail operation. Bookstore management experience, though not required, is a definite plus!

We recognize that many women, members of historically marginalized or underrepresented groups, and those with nontraditional backgrounds may be less likely to apply when they do not possess all ideal skills and experience. We encourage applicants to apply if they meet most, if not all, skills and experience.     

Benefits

Salary: $65,000-$75,000, commensurate with experience

Benefits include medical, vision, and dental insurance; vacation; sick, and personal paid time off; a store discount; and a company-managed 401K. 

How To Apply

Harvard Book Store is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all applicants regardless of ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.

Send your resume and cover letter to View email address on shelf-awareness.com.