Assistant Manager, Sword & Trowel (FT) at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary Inc – KANSAS CITY, Missouri

Assistant Manager – Sword & Trowel Bookstore

Report to: Manager – Sword & Trowel Bookstore and Tomlinson Café

Department: Auxiliary Services

FLSA Status: Full Time, Non-Exempt

JOB PURPOSE The Sword & Trowel Bookstore Assistant Manager is responsible for the efficient daily operations of the bookstore, ensuring the sales floor is well-maintained, inventory is accurately managed, and customers receive exceptional service. This role supports the Manager by executing the logistical and administrative tasks necessary to maintain the bookstore's theological vision and financial health, while providing direct leadership to the Sales Associate team.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Bookstore Operations & Logistics

• Inventory Logistics: Execute the logistics of inventory acquisition based on the Manager's curation. This includes placing purchase orders with vendors, receiving shipments, verifying packing slips against orders, and processing physical intake.
• Merchandising: Ensure the sales floor is organized, stocked, and visually appealing. Maintain specific genre sections as defined by the Manager, ensuring books are shelved accurately, and displays are replenished.
• eCommerce Operations: Manage the data entry side of the Shopify online store. This includes creating product listings (entering ISBNs, weights, prices, and tags), uploading images, and managing the fulfillment and shipping of online orders.
• Daily Operations: Manage opening and closing procedures, ensuring the store environment reflects the professional and academic standards of the Seminary.

Team Leadership (Sales Associates)

• Supervision: Provide day-to-day oversight for Bookstore Sales Associates, ensuring tasks (stocking, cleaning, customer service) are completed efficiently.
• Scheduling: Create and manage the work schedule for Sales Associates, ensuring adequate floor coverage within the labor budget.
• Training: Lead the onboarding and training of new Sales Associates on POS procedures, product knowledge, and customer service standards.
• Performance: Address minor performance issues and provide coaching. Escalate serious disciplinary issues or hiring/firing recommendations to the Manager.

Financial & Administrative Responsibilities

• Cash Reconciliation: Ensure daily financial closing duties are performed by Sales Associates (including counting tills), and alert the Manager to discrepancies in reconciling sales in Shopify and maintaining petty cash.
• Deposit Verification: Collaborate with the Cafe Assistant Manager (or Manager) to verify cash counts and prepare bank deposits in accordance with dual-custody financial policies.
• Invoice Processing: Code and process bookstore-related invoices using the online Vendor Invoice Processing Form. Submit these weekly to the Manager for final review and approval.

Collaboration

• Cross-Training: Maintain a working knowledge of Cafe operations to assist during emergencies or high-traffic events if needed.
• Marketing: Under the direction of the Manager, assist in creating content for Bookstore-specific marketing initiatives, through email and social media (Facebook, Instagram, and X).
• Event Support: Coordinate with the Manager on special events, BookTalks, and sales promotions.

QUALIFICATIONS / REQUIREMENTS

• Christian with high integrity, actively pursuing a relationship with God, active in a local congregation and affirms the BF&M 2000.
• High School Education or GED required; Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Skill in the use of Cloud-based platforms (specifically Shopify), Microsoft Office Suite, and Google Suite.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Able to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and stand for extended periods.

DIRECT REPORTS

• Sales Associates – Sword and Trowel
• Federal Work Study Student Employees (Bookstore)