Job Description
Birdie Books, a thriving independent bookstore and café in Westerville, Ohio, is looking for a dynamic Bookstore Manager to join our team. As a cornerstone of the community, we take pride in offering a warm, inclusive space where everyone feels at home. We’re seeking a thoughtful leader with proven experience in bookstore and retail operations to help guide our continued growth and impact in the community we serve.
Ways You’ll Make an Impact
- Oversee daily bookstore operations, ensuring exceptional customer service, store organization, and a positive, welcoming environment.
- Lead and support staff in inventory management, special orders, and merchandising, including themed and seasonal displays.
- Collaborate with management in hiring, training, scheduling, and ongoing staff development.
- Participate in regular team meetings and huddles to plan, set goals, and align on upcoming events and shop needs.
- Curate and order frontlist titles weekly using sales data and industry tools; support backlist planning and buying.
- Maintain accurate POS data, troubleshoot inventory issues, and lead regular inventory checks.
- Contribute content for newsletters, signage, and team communications on new releases and key titles.
- Stay actively engaged in daily retail operations through bookselling, customer connection, and team support.
Skills and Strengths for the Role
- Clear, kind communication that builds trust and connection
- A natural approach to customer service—genuine, thoughtful, eager to help
- Reliable and steady presence, with strong follow-through and punctuality
- Love of order and attention to detail, knowing small things make a big difference
- Collaborative spirit, with the confidence to take initiative when needed
- Able to juggle tasks, prioritize, and stay calm in a busy environment
- Committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion
- Curious mindset—asks questions, seeks solutions, and lifts others up
- Passionate reader across genres, with broad knowledge for all ages
- Comfortable with bookstore tech (Bookmanager preferred!)
- 3-5 years’ experience in a leadership role in bookstore operations and retail management (required)
- Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts in Business, Marketing, Literature or similar (required)
Physical Demands
- Standing and walking for extended periods (2–4 hours at a time or more)
- Intermittent bending, stooping, reaching, and twisting
- Lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling items up to 50 pounds
- Ability to climb ladders or step stools for shelving and displays
- Using a computer workstation, POS system, and phone for extended periods
- Comfortable navigating a fast-paced environment with periods of high activity
- Occasional exposure to cleaning supplies and café-related equipment
How We Take Care Of You...
- Paid time off and holiday pay
- Company-paid Health Insurance
- Retirement Savings Plan with Company Match
- Staff discounts
- Ability to showcase your individual talents
- Located in Uptown Westerville, a hip community of local merchants
- Connection to the many events in Uptown
- Work with a team of creative optimists
- Professional development opportunities
Job Tags
Holiday work, Full time, Seasonal work, Local area,