Bookstore Manager (Key Carrier)

Location: Atlanta, GA
Company: Village Books
Compensation: $15–$16 per hour
Schedule: 20–40 hours per week | Full shifts required (10:30 AM – 6:30 PM) Must be available mornings, evenings, weekends, and some nights (events)

About Village Books

Village Books is a vibrant, community-centered space where readers, learners, and creatives gather. Rooted in curiosity and connection, we offer curated titles, warm customer service, and a welcoming environment that celebrates the power of story.

Position Overview

Village Books is seeking a dependable, experienced Bookstore Manager (Key Carrier) to oversee daily store operations and ensure exceptional customer service. This role requires someone who is reliable, organized, and confident managing the store independently—including opening, closing, monitoring communications, supervising staff, and maintaining the overall customer experience during full shifts.

The ideal candidate brings strong bookstore or retail leadership experience, knowledge of books, a reader, thrives in a customer-facing environment, and understands the rhythm of bookstore operations- from inventory to event support to handselling.

Key Responsibilities

Store Operations & Leadership

• Serve as the primary key carrier, responsible for opening and closing the store, securing the premises, and executing end-of-day procedures.

• Supervise daily operations, ensuring the store remains clean, organized, fully stocked, and welcoming.

• Monitor the bookstore email inbox throughout each shift and respond or escalate as needed.

• Lead full 10:30 AM – 6:30 PM shifts with professionalism, customer service  and strong decision-making.

• Support booksellers by providing direction, answering questions, and ensuring steller customer experience.
   

Customer Experience

• Deliver excellent customer service by greeting, assisting, and engaging customers.

• Handsell books and maintain strong working knowledge of genres, new arrivals, and featured titles.

• Foster an inclusive, warm, and inviting environment for all readers.

Inventory & Merchandising

• Receive, unpack, tag, shelve, and organize new books and merchandise.

• Maintain visually appealing and orderly displays, ensuring featured titles and staff picks are regularly refreshed.

• Track inventory levels and communicate restock needs or issues to leadership.

Sales & Digital Transactions

• Operate the digital POS system accurately and efficiently (100% digital transaction environment).

• Ensure all digital sales, exchanges, and refunds are processed correctly.

• Monitor sales goals and support overall store performance through strong product recommendations.

Events & Community Engagement

• Monitor all scheduled bookstore events; ensure the store is prepared with setup, signage, and materials.

• Assist with author talks, book signings, workshops, and community gatherings.

• Manage customer flow and maintain a welcoming experience during events.

Team Support

• Train and coach booksellers on store systems, service standards, and inventory processes.

• Communicate clearly with leadership regarding staffing, inventory, or operational needs.

Qualifications

• 1–2+ years of bookstore or retail management experience required; indie bookstore experience preferred.

• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.

• Excellent customer service abilities.

• POS/digital transaction experience required (Square, Shopify, or similar).

• Ability to lift up to 30 lbs., shelve books, and stand for extended periods.

• Must be available for full shifts (10:30 AM – 6:30 PM), including weekends and evenings.

• Passion for books, literacy, and cultivating community through reading.

Schedule & Compensation

• Hours: 20–40 hours per week, depending on store needs and events

• Shifts: Full-shift availability required, including weekend and evening coverage

• Compensation: $15–$16 per hour, commensurate with experience