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

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