Position Description – Bookstore Manager

POSITION DESCRIPTION
Position Title:	Bookstore Manager	FLSA Status: Exempt
Reports to:	Vice President of Fiscal and Physical Affairs
Department:	Bookstore/Auxiliary (Fiscal and Physical Affairs)
Date Prepared:	June 2005

BASIC FUNCTION

The Manager has the responsibility of ensuring the efficient management of the ABAC Bookstore and vending operation. The primary function of the ABAC Bookstore is to provide students with an easily accessible source for textbooks, academic aids, supplies, and materials needed for their course of study. The Bookstore Manager is responsible for the overall planning and management of the store.

NATURE & SCOPE

The Bookstore Manager reports to the Vice President of Fiscal and Physical Affairs, although most work is mission driven and self-assigned. The incumbent supervises approximately ten employees.

The Bookstore Manager must be a superior organizer. The bulk of business for the bookstore comes in short periods at the beginning and end of each semester. It is imperative that the bookstore manager organizes and plans adequately leading up to these periods in order to capitalize on the opportunity.

A large part of planning for the Bookstore Manager involves contacting professors and taking orders for books. This is often a tedious process as professors do not always fully cooperate. In addition, publishers constantly change products in order to combat competition from used book sellers. Thus, the Bookstore Manager must exhibit patience and flexibility.

Furthermore, the Bookstore manager must have a shrewd business sense. A college bookstore does not differ significantly from other businesses, so the basic skills required are similar. Understanding of accounting principles, merchandising, marketing, advertising, human resource management, and time management is critical to making a profit.

Position Description – Bookstore Manager

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

Ø Plans and executes operational procedures to ensure that the most efficient management practices are utilized in achieving a smooth flow of business

Ø Manages textbook inventory

Ø Plans for and executes the end of term book buyback

Ø Handles personnel matters, including directing activities and staffing the bookstore

Ø Meets with vendor representatives to review current merchandise

Ø Coordinates with other departments on campus to prepare for special events

Ø Compiles fiscal reports and maintains accurate and adequate records providing an audit trail for all fiscal activity in the store

BUDGETARY RESPONSIBILITIES

The Bookstore Manager monitors and manages the expenditures of an operating budget of approximately $2.1 million.

SPECIALIZED KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

This position requires a two years of college or vocational school and three to five years of experience in the field. In addition, understanding of Word, Excel, SellMate, ComText, and Webmate applications is required.