Bookshops Retail Operations Manager

The Faith Mission Bookshops and Cafes offer a welcoming, neutral space where our community can explore the Christian faith, browse a curated selection of books and resources, and enjoy high-quality coffee and food. This is an opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations with our staff and fellow visitors about Jesus Christ and the journey of following Him.

Our literature ministry, delivered through the Faith Mission Bookshops and Cafes in Northern Ireland and Scotland, is well-established with a strong and loyal customer base across key towns and cities in these regions.

Our vision is for the Faith Mission bookshops to remain spiritual sanctuaries, offering nourishment for the soul through a broad selection of sound Christian resources, complemented by high-quality food and exceptional coffee. We strive to become a renowned destination, celebrated for its superior customer service and inviting atmosphere.

The Bookshops Retail Operations Manager is responsible for all the retail operations of the Faith Mission bookshops in Northern Ireland and Scotland, as well as its commercial success.

The Bookshops Retail Operations Manager will be directly involved in staff management, budgeting, and periodical reporting in line with the objectives of the Faith Mission.

Providing comprehensive operational management, the Bookshops Retail Operations Manager will be responsible for drafting and agreeing budgets with each bookshop’s manager, set out targets for sales, stock levels, profitability, wastage, overhead costs, and promotions, online marketing and social media oversight.

The Bookshops Retail Operations Manager will provide regular updates and comprehensive analysis on performance against these budgets and targets suggesting solutions for the maximization of success and correction of under-delivery.

As part of this vision we are currently recruiting for this strategic role - Bookshops Retail Operations Manager, that will aim to further develop and expand the Mission's literature ministry:

Essential Qualifications & Skills:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Retail Management, other related field (or equivalent experience)
• Passionate about Christian Literature: Possesses a genuine passion for Christian books and literature, with a firm conviction that promoting Christian resources is a vital aspect of their ministry of discipleship, dedicated to advancing God's glory.
• Leadership: Proven track record of successfully managing multiple stores or locations, with demonstrated success in team leadership, mentoring, and performance management.
• Financial Acumen: Strong understanding of P&L management, budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting.
• Retail Operations Expertise: Knowledge of retail operations, inventory management, and store-level best practices.
• Customer Service Orientation: A passion for delivering an outstanding customer experience and a customer-first philosophy.
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to think strategically and make data-driven decisions to drive sales, operational improvements, and growth.
• Technology Skills: Proficient in using retail management software, POS systems, and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).

Desirable Qualifications & Skills:

• Experience in Book Retail: Strong knowledge and passion for Christian books, literature, and the publishing industry.
• Marketing & Promotions: Familiarity with retail marketing strategies, social media campaigns, and event planning.
• Crisis Management: Ability to handle operational crises effectively, from staffing shortages to supply chain disruptions.

Personal Attributes:

• Visionary Leader: Able to inspire, motivate, and guide a team towards common goals while ensuring personal accountability.
• Problem Solver: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a hands-on approach to addressing challenges and making improvements.
• Relationship Builder: Skilled at building strong relationships with employees, customers, vendors, and the local community.
• Adaptability: Able to adjust to changes in the market and business environment, while staying focused on achieving long-term objectives.
• Effective Communicator: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate at all levels of the organization.
• Experience: Minimum of 5-7 years of retail management experience, with at least 3 years in a senior leadership or multi-location management role.
• Willing to work as part of a wider leadership team and be accountable for his/her decisions
• A genuine Christian who has a personal Christian faith and is able to speak about his/her faith in Jesus, who is well connected to a n established church ( this is mandatory as represents a core part of our vision of the Faith Mission)
• Good level of flexibility to work across the wider Mission's events and cover shifts in various locations as required

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily retail operations, ensuring efficient management and supervision of staff.
• Lead and motivate the team to achieve sales targets and enhance customer satisfaction.
• Implement effective merchandising strategies to optimize product displays and inventory management.
• Maintain high standards of food safety and hospitality within the store environment.
• Utilize strong organizational and communication skills to streamline operations and foster a positive workplace culture.

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Employee discount
• Free or subsidised travel
• On-site parking
• Sick pay
• Store discount

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Overtime
• Weekend availability

This is a full-time, permanent 40h per week role, including Saturdays and holidays as required.

A good level of physical fitness and stamina will be required for this role, as you are on your feet most of the day and lifting/moving equipment and products.

We cannot accept overseas applications for this role, unless you have the right to work in the UK already secured.

Upon receipt of your interest in the position an Application Form will be emailed to you which must be completed and returned to us for your application to progress to the next stage.

Closing Date: 11/04/ 2025

Application forms must be requested, completed and returned by this closing date/time.

Interviews scheduled for w/c 21/04/2025

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: £30,160.00-£35,350.00 per year