Wild Meadows Books & Cafe

Wild Meadows Books and Café, a new retail business opening soon in Williston, Vermont, is looking for an enthusiastic leader to join our team as Manager - Lead Book Buyer.

We’re seeking an experienced industry professional with a passion for books and experience in book buying and retail operations to help bring to life our vision of a vibrant, inclusive place for discovery and community connection. This is a unique opportunity to join at the start of a new enterprise, helping to achieve customer delight and a successful, sustainable business. 

Reporting to:  Owner

Essential Duties

Book Buying and Inventory Management

• Serve as lead buyer of books including backlist and frontlist titles.
• Collaborate with Assistant Manager of Children’s Merchandise and Programming on children’s selections.
• With Bookstore Manager, manage inventory budget and turns to optimize profitability.
• Maintain regular communication with publishers and reps to stay informed on new releases, discount schedules, and policy changes.
• Communicate with owners and other managers regarding key titles and publisher initiatives to benefit the store.
• Monitor inventory levels, ensuring that bestsellers, themed selections, and planograms are always fully stocked.
• Identify slow-moving titles for returns.
• Utilize POS system to analyze sales trends, turns, and overall inventory performance.
• Collaborate with Bookstore Manager and Marketing & Events Coordinator to ensure appropriate inventory support for special orders, author events, and promotions.

Merchandising and Marketing

• Develop curated book recommendations for individuals and clubs.
• Develop a selection of book subscription offerings. 
• Collaborate with other store leadership on developing and evaluating an event strategy and identifying opportunities for successful and meaningful events.
• Participate in creation of displays and organization of store to foster customer delight and discovery and to maximize sales.
• Contribute to website, social media and newsletter content to generate connection with customers and generate sales.

Bookselling and Customer Service

• Serve as a lead bookseller, assisting with coaching to create a positive and welcoming environment for staff and customers.
• Ensure exceptional customer service by greeting and assisting customers and ensuring an exceptional shopping experience.
• Provide knowledgeable recommendations and answer inquiries about book content, authors and genres.
• Collaborate with team members to achieve sales goals.
• Handle customer complaints and ensure prompt resolution to maintain customer satisfaction.

Operations & Management

• Assist Bookstore Manager in overseeing and carrying out daily operations when needed.
• Encourage teamwork, maintaining a positive, collaborative, respectful and efficient work environment.
• Participate in recruitment and training of bookstore staff as needed.
• Maintain accurate POS data. Utilize POS data to optimize business functions and decisions.
• Handle cash management and ensure accuracy in cash handling, including responsibility for opening and closing procedures.
• Assist with inventory management tasks and annual physical inventory.

Collaboration and Continuous Learning

• Engage in continuous learning and stay abreast of industry trends, book releases, etc. to identify opportunities and recommend changes.
• Attend training sessions, including cross-training with other store functions.
• Participate in regular team meetings to plan, set goals, and align on upcoming events and promotions.  

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience
• 1+ years book buying experience
• Experience in a bookstore environment 
• Experience in staff management, effective delegation, inventory, daily operations and merchandising
• Experience with bookstore POS systems, as well as business IT and software platforms.
• A passion for books and reading
• Understanding of business financial operations and reporting; Strong analytical skills.
• Enthusiasm for providing exceptional customer service and the ability to create a strong service environment
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills
• Confidence to work independently, take initiative and collaborate as an effective team member
• Ability to adjust quickly to changing priorities and conditions and stay calm in a busy environment
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, events and holidays as part of a 7-day-per-week operation
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time. 
• Ability to lift or assist with lifting boxes of up to 40 pounds. 
• Familiarity with café operations a plus.

Salary & Benefits

• Salary dependent on experience
• Dental and vision benefits
• Paid time off, including vacation and sick leave
• Professional development opportunities
• Generous employee discount

To apply:  Submit cover letter and resume to susan@wildmeadowsbooks.com

Opening spring 2026 in the growing community of Williston, Vt., Wild Meadows Books & Cafe will be a place to foster connection and to feed curiosity.  Find your latest read or an inspired gift.  Enjoy our cafe serving great coffee, delicious food, wine/beer and vibrant conversations.  We can't wait to welcome you!