Colgate University

Colgate University Book Department Manager Requisition Number: 2020S012Posting Full Time/Part Time: Full Time Division: Finance and Administration Department: Colgate Bookstore The Colgate Bookstore is a student’s one-stop-shop for academic textbooks, as well as Colgate gear, gifts, and supplies for residence halls. The store is conveniently located in a central shopfront in downtown Hamilton, NY. We are currently accepting applications for a Book Department Manager. Department Statement: The Colgate Bookstore is a student’s one-stop-shop for academic textbooks, as well as Colgate gear, gifts, and supplies for residence halls. The store is conveniently located in a central shopfront in downtown Hamilton, NY. We are currently accepting applications for a Book Department Manager. Accountabilities: Accountable for overseeing both the general and text book departments of the University Bookstore, including setting strategic direction to ensure profitability. Accountable for the effective procurement of book inventory, monitoring inventory levels, merchandising and marketing of the department. Accountable for meeting annual budgets for revenue inventory, cash flow and ultimately the profitability of books and course materials. Accountable for effective management of faculty textbook adoptions. Responsible for creating lowest possible cost textbook options via online/alternative sourcing and purchasing incentives. Accountable for providing appropriate level and type of textbook supply. Optimizes textbook buyback programs. Accountable for operations and supervision of staff within the book department and for the Bookstore during assigned operating hours as Manager On Duty. Ensures selection and hiring of high quality employees; ensures appropriate distribution of work assignments and high quality of employee work product; ensures fair and accurate performance assessments and feedback to include identifying areas for professional development and documenting and conducting disciplinary measures, as needed. Responsible for ensuring fair and accurate decisions regarding employment status (hire, promotion, salary increases, termination); ensures the creation of effective opportunities and programs for employee mentoring, development and sustained performance. Technical Competencies Strategy/Operations Demonstrated ability to set operational strategies and manage and execute for all book department operations and processes. Merchandising and Marketing Description Demonstrated ability to oversee and provide direction for the book department on selection, merchandising and marketing. Demonstrated ability to work with key vendors to strategically source cost effective materials/textbooks to provide competitive pricing options to students and meet University timelines. Ensures requirements are met as established by the Retail Operations team. Ability to execute multiple promotional/marketing activities in a consistent/coordinated fashion. Ability to understand the demand from various customer segments and execute marketing activities to engage those customers. Customer Service Description Demonstrated ability to create effective customer service practices and policies and ensure staff is trained on the same practices. Demonstrated excellent verbal and written skills. Facilitates positive relationships with the faculty and students providing excellent customer service. Technical Demonstrated ability to recommend, implement and use technology relevant to assigned functional area within the University Bookstore. Ability to use technology to execute on-line promotion and sales/delivery, shipping and delivery, inventory and financial management and POS tools etc. Managerial Skills Description Demonstrated knowledge of Colgate managerial processes and requirements, to include: Demonstrated ability to fairly and accurately assess employee performance in accordance with university practices. Demonstrated understanding of federal and state regulations, as well as university policies and guidelines related to human resources sufficient to effectively select new employees, recommend pay actions, determine employment status and initiate or approve employee changes in status. Demonstrated ability to select, develop and retain high performing work teams, to include: Demonstrated skill in the development of employee skills, performance and behaviors. Demonstrated ability to effectively coach and communicate with employees on issues of pay, performance and development. Demonstrated ability to consistently identify, hire and retain high performing employees. Behavioral Competencies Personal Accountability for Results Takes responsibility for decisions, performance, and outcomes; behaves in a responsible manner with a positive attitude; shows self-awareness and openness to feedback. Effective Communication Demonstrates effective written and oral communication skills; shares information and seeks input from others; adapts communication to diverse audiences; protects private and confidential information. Problem Solving and Decision Making Analyzes and prioritizes situations to identify and solve problems; generates solutions to improve efficiency and quality; involves others in solving problems and making decisions; factors organizational goals into decisions; makes clear, transparent, and timely decisions. Change Management Responds positively to changing university initiatives and readily adapts behavior to maintain effective performance; understands the long-term direction of the university and can relate this to departmental area; adapts to new methodologies; identifies and acts on areas where change is appropriate. Leadership and Teamwork Applies skills and knowledge to provide a climate to achieve departmental and organizational success; balances individual and department goals; helps others perform at their best; builds productive relationships to enhance individual and organizational effectiveness; treats others with respect; resolves conflicts among team members. Creativity and Innovation Generates, explores, encourages, and implements innovative ways of creating strategic value for the university, division, department, and individual level; critically assesses the effectiveness of new initiatives. Diversity and Inclusion Demonstrates respect for people and their differences; understands the benefits of a diverse workforce; earns the trust and respect of others; includes and welcomes others; works to understand the perspective of others; promotes opportunities to experience diversity within our community. Sustainability Understands the impact of decision making and personal behavior in achieving the university’s commitment to a sustainable and carbon-neutral campus; supports and advances the university’s sustainability initiatives; influences others to use sustainable practices.