Bookstore Retail Manager

Since 1906, UWG has been home to those who are eager to take their own path, learn, and grow. With more than 12,700 students from across Georgia, 34 other states and 64 countries, 95+ undergraduate programs and concentrations, and 35 master’s, specialist, and doctoral degree programs, we’ve come a long way since then. Today, we’re a regional powerhouse making a $626 million local economic impact.

With locations in Carrollton, Douglasville, and Newnan, Georgia, we take pride in making a difference in the lives of our students, our neighbors, and the world. In essence, UWG provides a safe, quality and affordable college experience that transforms lives. Amazing things happen when you Go West!

The university is organized into our College of Art, Culture, and Scientific Inquiry; College of Education; Richards College of Business; University College; School of Communication, Film, and Media; Tanner Health System School of Nursing; Honors College; Graduate School; UWG Newnan; and our UWG Douglasville Center.

This position is responsible for the management of all non-textbook retail operations within the UWG Bookstore. Including merchandise sales forecasting, product line and product mix analysis, and coordinating with University Creative Services team for design feedback and production/sourcing of special series items. Responsible for sourcing and purchasing all non-text inventory. Responsible for inventory control system and point of sale user access levels and training. Works in collaboration with the Bookstore Coordinator to support special events. This position works directly with Auxiliary leadership team to set revenue and profitability goals for the department, develops and drives sales initiatives to achieve these goals. This position has pCard responsibilities therefore requires a successful credit check.

Sales Floor Management

Responsible for the entire sales floor presentation for general merchandise. Refresh fixture placement weekly based on sales in each category, campus events, external factors such as weather. Maintain proper inventory levels of all non-text related merchandise, ensure stocking/restocking of items, implement purchasing plans through inventory. Create and manage forecasts for inventory based on relevant inputs such as the promotional calendar, explicit customer needs, product flooring, product availabilty, seasonality, and industry dynamics. Analyze store product category performance on a weekly and monthly basis, and communicate results to key stakeholders, making suggestions to the store manager regarding pricing, sales, and mark downs.

Purchasing, Vendor Meetings & Order Placement

Maintain contact with suppliers to ensure maximum efficiency in meeting sales goals. Implement purchasing plans through inventory levels for all non-text merchandise. Handle all university departmental special orders by working with the department liasion. Approve all artwork from vendors. Enter all orders into the bookstore's POS system.

Operations and Special Transactions

Assist in the daily operations of the bookstore; including preparing the store for opening and closing, running a register when needed, and preparing/reconciling daily deposits in partnership with the Accounting Assistant. Organize and provide logistical support for all in-store and remote events in partnership with the Bookstore Coordinator/Receiving. Coordinate and troubleshoot Bookstore to the Rescue, NMRP Rentals, voucher payments, and departmental charges. Manage graduation "rental regalia" process. Oversee web order completion to ensure all web orders are filled in a timely manner. Notify Textbook Supervisor of any textbook web order concerns. Manage Bookstore email address and ensure response/forward of e-mails as appropriate within 24 hours of receipt.

Evenings and weekend work is required on an occassional and as needed basis.

Business Planning and Analysis

Provide operational reports to Auxiliary leadership for inventory levels, sales turns, discount plans to reduce cost of goods sold. Support the Assistant Director for Auxiliary Services with monthly budget reviews, year end forecasting and monthly sales and expense goals, and annual 5 year business plan submissions. To include any course correcting plans for areas that are not performing up to goals.

Required Education

Bachelors Degree

Required Experience

5 years of retail experience required. Pass a credit check for purchasing responsibilities. Demonstrated ability to provide sales reporting and analysis and forecasting. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Suite to include data visualization. Bachelor's degree in marketing, business management or other related degree required.

Preferred Education

Bachelors Degree

Preferred Experience

Experience in Higher Education environment, retail management, and/or inventory purchasing/management position. Proficiency in data analytics tools for example: PowerBI, SmartSheets, and Tableau. Experience administering a point of sale system.

$47,000 - $50,000 annually, paid on a monthly basis

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of West Georgia, as determined by the University of West Georgia in its sole discretion, confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. Applicants may be subject to a pre-employment drug test. Offers are made expressly subject to the applicable federal and state laws, to the statutes, rules and regulations of this institution and to the Bylaws and Policies of the Board of Regents (BOR) of the University System of Georgia (USG), which are available for your inspection upon request.

It is the policy of the University of West Georgia to follow federal law in regards to affirmative action and equal opportunity. The University of West Georgia's affirmative action program and related policies are developed in compliance with Executive Orders 11246 and 11375, as amended; Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Sections 503 & 504) and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (Title II) and their implementing regulations; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967; and the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974, as it amends 38 U.S.C. 4212.