Beacon Hill Books and Cafe

Weekend Manager – Beacon Hill Books

Purpose

To ensure strong leadership, consistent operational standards, and a high-energy, customer-focused atmosphere during our busiest days, the Weekend Manager will oversee all bookstore operations Friday through Sunday. This role sets the tone for staff, drives sales, maintains store presentation, and ensures every customer enjoys an exceptional experience. 

Key Responsibilities

1. Leadership & Staff Management

• Serve as the primary manager on duty Friday–Sunday, acting as the point person for all bookstore operations.

• Address and resolve in-store challenges and emergencies as they come up with sound judgement and efficiency, ensuring swift resolution and minimal disruption to store operations.

• Maintain a highly visible presence on the floor--circulating between floors to support booksellers, greet customers, and proactively address areas needing attention.

• Provide real-time coaching to staff on service techniques, sales approaches, and operational standards.

• Manage daily staffing assignments, ensuring team members are positioned effectively and equipped to fulfill operational needs during their scheduled shifts. 

• Lead pre-shift check-ins to set daily goals, review priorities, and share relevant updates.

• Foster a positive, collaborative environment that motivates staff and reinforces Beacon Hill Books’ service philosophy.

2. Store Presentation & Housekeeping

• Ensure the store exterior--including front steps, planters, and curb--is clean, welcoming, and seasonally appropriate at opening and throughout the day.

• Confirm all signage, price tags, and seasonal displays are correctly set.

• Monitor high-traffic areas for cleanliness and order, including stair carpets, display tables, fixtures, and seating areas; coordinate with staff to address any issues immediately.

• Ensure all customer-facing areas, including restrooms, are clean, well-stocked with supplies, and in working order; arrange for prompt replacement of lightbulbs or minor fixes as needed.

• Maintain merchandising standards by straightening shelves, restocking displays, and ensuring tables are visually appealing throughout the day.

3. Customer Service

• Ensure every customer is greeted warmly and offered assistance promptly.

• Step in during peak times to manage lines, assist with sales, or help customers find products.

• Resolve customer concerns in a prompt, professional manner, escalating only when necessary.

• Support special requests such as gift wrapping, bulk purchases, and personalized recommendations.

4. Inventory Readiness

• Conduct a Friday morning inventory review of high-volume and high-margin items.

• Restock from on-site storage or the Chestnut Street location when possible to maintain sales readiness.

• Flag low-stock items for reorder to the buying team, providing detailed notes on sales trends and demand.

5. Operational Oversight

• Verify all POS systems, remote scanners, and other essential equipment are charged, connected, and functioning prior to opening.

• Oversee opening and/or closing procedures, including cash handling, register reconciliation, and securing the store.

• Ensure compliance with all safety protocols, including emergency exits and crowd flow during high-traffic times.

• Communicate weekend updates, issues, and successes to the Director of Operations via end-of-shift reports.

Schedule & Coverage

• Friday–Sunday, opening through early evening (approx. 7:30 am – 4:30 pm; hours may vary based on seasonality, special events, and staffing needs).

• Reports to the Director of Operations.

Desired Qualifications

• Proven retail management or supervisory experience, ideally in a high-volume, customer-focused environment.

• Strong leadership presence with the ability to inspire and motivate teams.

• High energy and comfort with hands-on, visible floor work.

• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.

• Detail-oriented, with strong organizational skills and the ability to adapt in fast-paced situations.

• Passion for books, customer experience, and independent retail preferred.

Pay and Benefits

This role requires availability during nights, weekends, and holidays for special events as needed. Total compensation is in the range of $27-$35 per hour. 

Proposed start date: September 8, 2025

Benefits include: 

• Staff discount in bookstore and cafe 

• Access to advanced reader copies (ARCs)

Beacon Hill Books & Cafe is a cherished neighborhood hangout, where a lovingly curated selection of reads meets a warm, inviting atmosphere, lively pop-ups, literary events, and a full-range menu of locally sourced fare. This shop is our love letter to Boston.

It’s a place to gather, discover, learn, and most of all, enjoy. Whether you’re joining friends for afternoon tea, settling in solo with a book and a seasonal dish, or just taking in the charm of the space, we’re here for it all. It takes a village to open a bookstore, and a community to make it thrive.