Key Holder

Posted 7 days ago | Apply before November 9, 2026

Description

About the Job

Love books? Good. Ready to lead? Even better. As Keyholder, you'll take your first step into store leadership—operating as a limited Manager On Duty under the direction of the management team, leading your category team, and keeping the store secure and ready for every reader who walks through the door. You're the one the team turns to when something needs to get done right. Ready to see where leadership can take you at Books-A-Million? This is a leadership role based in one of our Books-A-Million retail store locations, built for booksellers who are ready to grow into leaders.

Role Summary

Great bookselling starts with people who love books, and as Keyholder you'll help lead the team that brings that love to every customer. The Keyholder operates as a limited Manager On Duty under direction from the management team—maintaining the physical security of the store, leading an assigned category team, and making sure every shift runs to standard. A passion for books isn't a bonus here, it's the foundation. You'll bring it to your category, your team, and every customer you help, while building the skills it takes to lead a store.

Role Responsibilities

Store Leadership & Results

• Step up and lead the shift. Operate as a limited Manager On Duty in partnership with the management team, keeping the store running to standard in line with company policies, procedures, and guidelines so every shift delivers for customers.
• Own your category's results by leading your category team to stronger sales and standout service, so every table and shelf gives readers a reason to stay and explore.
• Be someone your store can count on. As a key-holding member of management, keep your Books-A-Million store physically secure, open and close with care, and follow loss prevention standards with honesty and integrity, so associates and customers always feel safe.
• Share what you know and love by training and developing Associates within your category, helping every bookseller build the confidence and product knowledge to connect customers with their next great read.
• Build a more flexible team by leading cross-training that helps Associates discover new corners of the store, so the team is ready to jump in wherever the store needs them.
• Keep your shift connected and focused by leading daily briefings when you're on duty, so every associate knows the goals, the plan, and why it matters.

Customer Experience

• Turn a quick visit into a favorite bookstore. Set the standard for warm, genuine service, and when something goes wrong, own it and bring it to a satisfying resolution that leaves the customer with a reason to come back.

Store Operations

• Make every shelf tell a story. Keep your categories inviting, clean, and running efficiently, so readers find what they came for and discover a book they didn't know they needed.
• 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:

• 18 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:

• Experience in book, specialty, or media retail, and a genuine excitement for where the industry is headed.
• Comfort with technology and transactions, using computers and cash registers accurately while staying curious about new systems and tools.
• 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 initiative, making decisions with confidence, and following through on every commitment.
• A commitment to connection — building strong relationships and communicating clearly, in writing and in person, with customers, associates, and leadership.
• A drive to grow — building the leadership skills to take on more of the store, one shift at a time.

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

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.