Books Are Magic is a thriving, independent bookstore with locations in Cobble Hill and Brooklyn Heights. We are seeking friendly, reliable, and spirited individuals to join our team as a Supervisor. BIPOC applicants are highly encouraged to apply! The supervisor team is primarily responsible for facilitating the store and training/empowering booksellers in three main areas: customer service, task flow on the floor, and inventory + store organization. Supervisors are generally responsible for setting the tone and pace of the work environment, and empowering all members of staff to be responsible for various aspects of the floor. Throughout a given day, this can include training, assigning projects, and casual check-ins with each other and with booksellers or managers, as well as the below tasks. Supervisors also liaise with the managers to relay feedback both from and about booksellers, and they may be asked to join a manager in staff check-ins and write-ups.

The ideal candidate for this role is:

• Personable and highly comfortable interacting with customers
• Reads widely and is able to offer recommendations that get people excited for their next book
• Is a strong communicator, able to work both in a team environment and independently
• Willing to take initiative and demonstrate enthusiasm about various aspects of bookselling

Job responsibilities:

• Help customers! Be friendly and answer questions, offer suggestions, take special orders, give doggies treats, say hello to babies, etc.
• Supervising booksellers and daily workflow on the floor
  • Assigning tasks and keeping everyone focused
  • Active presence on the sales floor
  • Doing the rounds throughout the day to touch base with booksellers
  • Casual check ins, both about projects and how people are feeling
  • Giving in-the-moment corrections and support when booksellers need assistance
  • Being tuned into the store’s workflow, who typically does what, helping to keep things from slipping through the cracks
  • Setting the tone for a collaborative, respectful, efficient, + fun work environment
  • Write book reviews for blog, newsletter, shelf-talkers, Indie-Next and publishers
  • Use Slack to communicate about daily sales floor needs and general operations
• Maintain a clean and attractive store environment
• Facilitating open/close
• Processing online orders, ensuring that picks are done
• Training booksellers or reviewing procedure with booksellers as needed (in collaboration with managers)
• Inventory upkeep (booksellers may also contribute to these tasks, though it is the supervisors’ responsibility to facilitate these processes)
• Receiving
• Section pulls and returns
• Full section inventory reports (done every 3-4 months)
• Keeping backstock organized
• Helping maintain displays (in collaboration with marketing + interested booksellers)
• Having an open line of communication with managers about store and staff needs
• Being on call for sticky customer situations and passing onto managers as needed
• Assisting in general floor tasks
  • Shelve and organize books
  • Answer phones
  • Gift wrapping
  • Customer checkout + recommendations
• Answering the orders email (with managers)
• General store cleaning and organizing
• Shipping orders, keeping up with orders on the ship/marry shelves
• Being an approachable and knowledgeable person for booksellers to go to for questions

Additional requirements:

• Supervisor meetings will happen bi-weekly on Wednesday mornings.
• Must be able to lift up to 40 lbs
• Previous bookstore or retail experience a plus

Direct Supervisor: General Manager and Floor Manager

Schedule: Full-Time, 40 hours/week. One weekend day availibility a must. Compensation: $46,800 with benifits

To apply please send a resume and a cover letter to jobs@booksaremagic.net. Please include “Supervisor Position” in the subject line of your email.

Books Are Magic is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to fostering a work environment based in mutual respect and inclusion. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law. Applicants from underrepresented backgrounds are highly encouraged to apply.