Bookstore Manager at Rovingheights

Position Overview: 

• The Bookstore Manager oversees the day-to-day operations of the bookstore, ensuring efficient functioning and exceptional customer service. Responsible for managing inventory, supervising staff, maintaining financial records, and fostering a positive work environment.

Business/ Customer Experience Management

• Attend to walk-in customers and ease them through their shopping experience.
• Ensure that customers receive prompt and courteous service at all times.
• Address customer inquiries, complaints, and feedback professionally.
• Foster a customer-centric culture among staff members.
• Conduct studies and research to discover new techniques necessary for improving customer experience, train the team, and implement best practices to engage walk-in customers.
• Develop metrics to measure customer satisfaction and collect data. Embed them into team members' performance management, provide feedback, and report performance to the leadership team.
• Ensure the bookstore maintains a clean, organized, and visually appealing environment.

Operations and Inventory management

• Monitor and maintain appropriate levels of inventory to meet customer demand.
• Coordinate with the Inventory Team to ensure timely replenishment of stock.
• Implement inventory control measures to minimize shrinkage and losses

Business Development

• Provide market feedback to the leadership team regarding competitive offerings based on insights gleaned from interacting with walk-in customers.
• Generate product development ideas to boost in-store sales and support the development and marketing of in-store literary events.
• Utilize social media platforms like Whatsapp and other marketing channels to drive customer engagement and sales.
• Monitor the effectiveness of marketing initiatives and adjust strategies as needed.
• Foster positive relationships with the local community, schools, libraries, and literary organizations.
• Participate in community events, book fairs, and fundraisers to promote the bookstore and encourage literacy initiatives.
• Collaborate with local authors, educators, and book clubs to host literary events and book discussions.
• Support the implementation of expansion plans and new outlet development.

Financial Management:

• Monitor sales performance and analyze financial reports to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.
• Develop and implement strategies to achieve sales targets and maximize profitability.
• Manage cash handling procedures and reconcile daily sales transactions.
• Develop and manage the bookstore budget, including revenue projections, expenses, and cost control measures.
• Monitor financial performance, analyze variances, and implement strategies to optimize profitability.
• Review invoices, purchase orders, and financial reports to ensure accuracy and compliance with budgetary guidelines.

Facility Maintenance, Safety & Compliance:

• Maintain the physical condition of the bookstore, including cleanliness, organization, and repairs.
• Schedule routine maintenance tasks, such as AC servicing, plumbing, and electrical work.
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations and implement measures to prevent accidents and hazards.
• Coordinate with vendors and contractors for store renovations, shelving installations, and signage updates
• Ensure compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, and company policies.

Reporting

• Compile reports like sales figures, sales by category or genre, sales trends, and comparisons to previous periods regularly for management. (daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly)
• Generate inventory reports, and identify fast-moving and slow-moving titles
• Financial reporting (profit and loss, budget analysis, Administrative expenses, petty cash etc.).
• Customer feedback collection and reporting.
• Marketing and promotional effectiveness reporting.
• Compliance monitoring and reporting; ensuring compliance with company policies
• Operational reporting (store cleanliness, maintenance, customer service)

Requirements:

• A genuine passion for books and reading
• Proximity to Wuse II Abuja (This will be a deciding factor)
• Excellent customer service and communication skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Basic computer skills for managing inventory and sales systems