Birdie Books

Birdie Books, a thriving independent bookstore and café in Westerville, Ohio, is looking for a dynamic Bookstore Manager to join our team. As a cornerstone of the community, we take pride in offering a warm, inclusive space where everyone feels at home. We’re seeking a thoughtful leader with proven experience in bookstore and retail operations to help guide our continued growth and impact in the community we serve.

Ways You’ll Make an Impact

• Oversee daily bookstore operations, ensuring exceptional customer service, store organization, and a positive, welcoming environment.
• Lead and support staff in inventory management, special orders, and merchandising, including themed and seasonal displays.
• Collaborate with management in hiring, training, scheduling, and ongoing staff development.
• Participate in regular team meetings and huddles to plan, set goals, and align on upcoming events and shop needs.
• Curate and order frontlist titles weekly using sales data and industry tools; support backlist planning and buying.
• Maintain accurate POS data, troubleshoot inventory issues, and lead regular inventory checks.
• Contribute content for newsletters, signage, and team communications on new releases and key titles.
• Stay actively engaged in daily retail operations through bookselling, customer connection, and team support.

Skills and Strengths for the Role

• Clear, kind communication that builds trust and connection
• A natural approach to customer service—genuine, thoughtful, eager to help
• Reliable and steady presence, with strong follow-through and punctuality
• Love of order and attention to detail, knowing small things make a big difference
• Collaborative spirit, with the confidence to take initiative when needed
• Able to juggle tasks, prioritize, and stay calm in a busy environment
• Committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion
• Curious mindset—asks questions, seeks solutions, and lifts others up
• Passionate reader across genres, with broad knowledge for all ages
• Comfortable with bookstore tech (Bookmanager preferred!)
• 3-5 years’ experience in a leadership role in bookstore operations and retail management (required)
• Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts in Business, Marketing, Literature or similar (required)

Physical Demands

• Standing and walking for extended periods (2–4 hours at a time or more)
• Intermittent bending, stooping, reaching, and twisting
• Lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling items up to 50 pounds
• Ability to climb ladders or step stools for shelving and displays
• Using a computer workstation, POS system, and phone for extended periods
• Comfortable navigating a fast-paced environment with periods of high activity
• Occasional exposure to cleaning supplies and café-related equipment

How We Take Care Of You...

• Paid time off and holiday pay
• Company-paid Health Insurance
• Retirement Savings Plan with Company Match
• Staff discounts
• Ability to showcase your individual talents
• Located in Uptown Westerville, a hip community of local merchants
• Connection to the many events in Uptown
• Work with a team of creative optimists
• Professional development opportunities

Birdie Books is an independent bookshop located in the historic Uptown Westerville, Ohio! We offer new books for all ages, cool gifts, and more. Stop on by to browse our selection and chat with our friendly book lovers!