Manager of Retail Operations (West Loop)

Open Books seeks an enthusiastic retail leader passionate about literacy in the City of Chicago to serve as its West Loop Retail Operations Manager. The Manager of Retail Operations (West Loop) contributes to the Open Books mission and vision through the management of day-to-day operations and procedures of the organization’s West Loop location to support the sustainability, growth, and impact of the Open Books mission. The Manager of Retail Operations (West Loop) contributes to the earned income revenue component of the organization and ensures that literacy placemaking through the Open Books West Loop Store remains active and reflective of the organization’s mission, vision, and impact goals. The Manager leads the team of booksellers in the West Loop store and collaborates with the managers of Open Books Pilsen and Logan Square to optimize inventory, systems, and customer experience. They will join a team of 29 staff members who seek to transform lives through reading, writing, and the unlimited power of books. The Manager of Retail Operations (West Loop) reports to the Director of Book Operations.

Retail Operations

• Manage the operations and implementation of revenue strategies for the West Loop store, including in-store, e-commerce, and off-site events.
• In partnership with the Director of Book Operations, design and implement systems and procedures related to store activities including, but not limited to, open/close, customer service, inventory management, display, facilities management, and security.
• In partnership with the Logan Square Retail Manager, co-Lead and manage the purchasing of new books and remainders for the respective bookstores and Booksmobile; partner with the Community Engagement Team on purchasing needs for the Booksmobile.
• Collaborate with the Book Operations Manager, Logan Square Retail Manager, and Book Access Manager to ensure effective and equitable inventory disbursement across Open Books spaces.
• In partnership with the Director of Book Operations, develop, manage, and evaluate short and long term goals, objectives, and initiatives for the West Loop store to support sustainability, impact, and Open Books’ mission.
• Partner with the Development Coordinator - Volunteer Lead to lead store volunteer training and serve as the on-site manager for retail volunteers.
• Collaborate with the Development and Communications team to support implementation and bookseller training of effective marketing strategies, displays, and collateral for Open Books’ retail spaces.
• Maintain an active participation within the Chicago booksellers community.
• Manage maintenance and upkeep (repairs and troubleshooting) of the West Loop store: facility, technology, and software.
• Lead recurring West Loop team meetings.

Data and Evaluation

• Create, analyze, and share West Loop metrics, sales trends, and other reports as needed or requested.

Management and Leadership

• Manage the West Loop Retail Team, leading and coaching 3 staff with direct supervision.
• Hire, onboard, and train new retail staff, and support the hiring processes of other Open Books staff where appropriate and as requested.
• Create and manage staff work plans.
• Set and track individual and collective weekly, monthly, and quarterly inputting goals for the West Loop Retail Team.
• Conduct mid-year and annual reviews.
• Act as an advisor to the Director of Book Operations.
• Support the implementation and progress toward achieving Open Books Strategic Plan goals.
• Be an active participant and partner in cross-departmental meetings including, but not limited to, the Warehouse, Program Collaborators, and Bookflow meetings.
• Serve as a member of the Directors and Managers team, helping to drive organizational strategy and organization-wide efforts, promote cross-departmental collaboration, support design and co-leadership of staff-wide meetings and professional development
• Support organizational expectations, efforts, initiatives, processes, and training regarding DEAI.
• Serve as a representative of Open Books at internal and external meetings and presentations.
• Actively participate in professional development to grow leadership skills.
• Help ensure the overall health, vitality, and positive morale of Open Books.
• Uphold and regularly demonstrate the core values of Open Books: Accountability, Collaboration, Empowerment, Ingenuity, and Respect.

Role Requirements

• Strong belief in the importance of literacy and literacy education.
• Enthusiastic about and committed to Open Books’ mission and programs
• Strong leadership skills
• 2 years management experience
• 3 years experience working in retail or other comparable customer service industries
• Detail-oriented with excellent organizational skills
• Strong communication skills
• Experience facilitating trainings and meetings preferred
• Ability to balance multiple priorities and tasks simultaneously
• Ability to take initiative and hold a solution-minded approach to challenges
• Ability to communicate and collaborate across organizational departments
• Ability to work independently and hold self accountable for deadlines and deliverables
• Proficiency with Google Suite (Gmail, Drive, Forms, Docs, Sheets, etc.)
• Regularly lift and transport heavy boxes and other materials (up to 40 lbs.)
• Knowledgeable about books and strong interest in reading; knowledge of the book industry is a plus

Work Environment

• Full on-site work in our bookstore(s)
• 40 hour work week; Tuesday - Saturday
• Attendance required at special retail and program events including Independent Bookstore Day (April) and Printers Row Lit Fest (September), Open Books Slide Into Summer (June) and Lit Fest (August)
• Occasional off site work at our other locations
• Family-friendly and flexible atmosphere
• Opportunities for professional development and growth