Bookstore Manager

Company: Taft College
Location: Taft
Posted on: April 25, 2025

Job Description:

Bookstore Manager

For a complete understanding of this opportunity, and what will be required to be a successful applicant, read on.
Priority Application Deadline: May 9, 2025
Position will remain open until filled.


About us
Located in Taft, California, Taft College offers a wide range of degree and certificate programs designed to fuel student success and keep education affordable. We're all about helping students achieve their dreams through hands-on learning, career training, and transfer opportunities.


Position Snapshot:
Step into the role of College Bookstore Manager and take charge of a vibrant hub that supports student success and campus life. You'll lead the daily operations of the bookstore and print shop, manage budgets, coordinate textbook and merchandise inventory, and collaborate with faculty to ensure timely access to course materials. From negotiating with vendors to overseeing marketing, shipping, and point-of-sale systems, you'll keep everything running smoothly and efficiently. Bring your leadership skills to a role that blends retail strategy with academic support-all while creating an exceptional experience for students, staff, and the broader campus community.

Key Duties:
Plans, organizes, directs and manages bookstore activities to meet the needs of the District and comply with applicable laws and regulations.
Develops and implements bookstore operating procedures and recommends appropriate related policies.
Develops and controls operations to meet budget and service objectives.
Prepares and manages the annual bookstore budget, sales and expenses. Prepares and maintains a variety of records and reports related to sales, purchases, inventory and budgets.
Coordinates bookstore daily operation and schedule.
Accounts for daily monies received and accounts receivable using proper District processes and procedures. Assures proper payment of invoices.
Plans and manages the maintenance of bookstore accounting records and processes, including balancing cash drawer, credit card sales, student loans, bank deposit and preparation of daily statements reflecting balanced receipts. Prepares and maintains regular and special records and reports as required.
Works with the Office of Instruction and faculty to set procedures for the timely ordering of necessary curriculum and supply needs.
Establishes retail prices for merchandise based on established policies. Negotiates with vendors to assure the lowest cost prices and
timely delivery of purchases.
Supervises and sets up procedures for receiving pricing and stocking items on shelves and display cases; maintains master textbook list.
Coordinates and oversees the textbook buy-back and rental program.
Determines needs, indentifies vendors and maintains inventory of general merchandise and supplies, including commencement caps and gowns.
Establishes and maintains working relationships with publishers, vendors, buying cooperatives, other bookstores and associations.
Maintains current knowledge of changes and trends in the bookstore/retail market. Researches and evaluates market trends and needs.
Estimates sales levels. Plans, supervises, and maintains stock and inventory controls and levels. Supervises and conducts annual physical inventory.
Oversees all UPS deliveries and shipments.
Supervises all receiving from USPS and coordinates disbursement of mail to appropriate recipients, including disbursement of student mail.
Coordinates Distance Learning sales and information.
Plans, organizes, directs and manages print shop activities to meet the needs of the District and comply with applicable laws and regulations.
Prepares and arranges appropriate marketing and advertising for the college store.
Creates and maintains appropriate bookstore image.
Coordinates bookstore activities with other components of the college.
Supervises the production and issuance of student identification cards.
Hires, trains, supervises, and evaluates assigned personnel.
Utilizes point of sale software and equipment in coordination with the District database system (Banner).
Manages routine cleaning of bookstore.
Performs related duties as assigned.
Knowledge of:
Basic retail sales principles, practices and techniques.
Textbooks, supplies and related sundries, purchasing principles and practices.
Retail accounting and business procedures and practices.
Principles and practices of supervision.
Point of sale operations.
Applicable state and federal laws related to retail bookstore sales.
Merchandise systems and controls.
Knowledge of copy center printing standards



MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Associate of Arts degree or equivalent in Business or related field and three (3) years of retail sales OR
High school diploma or equivalent and five (5) years of experience in retail sales
One (1) year in a supervisorial capacity


DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or related field.
Experience in higher education bookstore retail sales.
Knowledge of the Education Code and Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) mandated requirements related to higher education bookstores.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Vision sufficient to read documents and computer terminal displays.
Speech and hearing to communicate in person or by telephone.
Manual dexterity sufficient to operate point of sale system and other bookstore equipment
Ability to stand for extended periods of time.
Physical strength and mobility to lift and carry up to 50 pounds of merchandise.
Ability to stoop, reach and climb to pack, unpack, sort, shelve, and pull books and merchandise.

Hours, Compensation and Benefits.
This is a full-time position with fantastic benefits! At the West Kern Community College District, you'll enjoy a comprehensive fringe benefits package, including District-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents. We also offer a generous vacation plan to help you recharge. In addition, you'll be eligible to participate in the CalPERS or CalSTRS retirement systems, with the option to enhance your retirement savings through 457b and 403b optional retirement plans. This is an incredible opportunity to secure both your present and future while working with a dynamic team!

This position is a grade 11 on the management salary schedule, with a range of $82,574-$94,679 annually.

Ready to jump in? Follow these simple steps to submit your application:
Complete your online application and submit through https://www.taftcollege.edu/human-resources/job_opportunities/
Attach the following documentsResume and Cover Letter
Transcripts for all degrees listed, Unofficial are acceptable at this time.
Provide contact information for three professional references, including your most recent supervisor. Unfortunately, we are not able to accept letters of reference.



Next Steps
Thank you for your interest in joining our team! After the closing date, all applications will be carefully reviewed and evaluated based on minimum qualifications and relevant experience. Qualified candidates will be contacted directly for an interview. We look forward to learning more about how you can contribute to our mission and make an impact at Taft College!

Equal Employment Opportunity
The West Kern Community College District is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity . The District is dedicated to a policy of nondiscrimination and, as such, is an equal opportunity employer. Veterans, women, minorities and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. This employer participates in E-Verify.

Keywords: Taft College, Santa Clarita , Bookstore Manager, Executive , Taft, California