Bookstore Manager

Description

The Bookstore Manager is the steward of a vital and highly visible part of daily life at Bishop McNamara High School. From textbooks and school supplies to spirit wear that students wear with pride, the bookstore touches every member of our community. This role oversees all aspects of bookstore operations, from inventory and procurement to financial accountability and customer service, in a manner that reflects the school’s commitment to excellence and its Holy Cross mission.

The ideal candidate is organized, warm, and entrepreneurial. They bring both operational rigor and a service orientation that puts students, parents, faculty, and staff at ease. They understand that managing a school bookstore is not simply a retail function — it is an act of care for the community.

Requirements

Operations Management

The Bookstore Manager oversees all daily bookstore operations, including opening and closing procedures, and maintains a clean, organized, and welcoming environment that reflects the spirit of the school. The Manager develops and refines efficient systems for ordering, receiving, pricing, and distributing merchandise, and coordinates textbook distribution across all relevant times of the academic year. This position will be responsible for student laptop rentals, SAT, HSPT testing coordination and other event planning support as needed.

Inventory and Purchasing

Working closely with academic leadership, the Bookstore Manager ensures that all required curriculum materials and textbooks are ordered accurately and on time. The Manager also oversees the ordering of spirit wear and approved merchandise consistent with school standards, maintains accurate inventory records, conducts regular audits, and forecasts purchasing needs based on enrollment trends and curriculum updates.

Financial Management

The Bookstore Manager oversees point of sale system operations and manages the bookstore budget in close collaboration with the Business Office and Director of Finance. The Manager ensures transparency and accountability in all financial transactions and maintains accurate records in support of the school’s broader financial reporting.

Supervision and Leadership

The Bookstore Manager trains and supervises student workers and volunteers, fostering a positive and team oriented work environment. During peak periods such as back to school season and semester transitions, the Manager coordinates seasonal volunteer needs with the administrative team to ensure smooth operations.

Vendor and Faculty Coordination

The Bookstore Manager maintains productive relationships with vendors, communicating on pricing, availability, and delivery timelines. The Manager works closely with teachers and administrators to ensure all materials align with the approved curriculum, and evaluates vendors regularly to confirm that products reflect the quality standards and values of Bishop McNamara High School.

Customer Service

The Bookstore Manager serves as a welcoming, courteous, and knowledgeable resource for students, parents, and staff. The Manager assists families in navigating textbook and uniform requirements and addresses concerns promptly, professionally, and with the grace that reflects the school’s Holy Cross character.

Qualifications

We are looking for a candidate who brings the following:

• Minimum one year of experience in retail, bookstore, or inventory management; experience in a school or nonprofit setting is a plus
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and a natural ability to build relationships across a diverse community
• Attention to detail and accuracy in financial recordkeeping and inventory management
• Proficiency in Google Workspace and Microsoft Office; experience with point of sale systems is preferred
• The flexibility and adaptability to thrive in a dynamic school environment
• A high school diploma or equivalent; additional education is welcome
• A genuine appreciation for the mission of Catholic, Holy Cross education

Who You Are

Beyond credentials, we are looking for someone who brings the right spirit to this role. You take pride in the details, bring warmth to every interaction, and find meaning in serving a community that is doing important work. You are reliable, resourceful, and genuinely invested in the wellbeing of the students and families you serve.

Compensation and Benefits

Compensation is commensurate with experience. Bishop McNamara High School offers a competitive benefits package including health insurance, paid time off, and the opportunity to work in a vibrant, faith-filled community dedicated to forming the next generation of leaders.

Physical Requirements

The person in this role must be able to meet all physical requirements with or without reasonable accommodation. This includes the ability to sit and stand for extended periods, enter data into a computer with manual dexterity, read printed materials and computer screens with or without vision aids, communicate clearly in person and by phone, and lift up to 25 pounds. The role also requires the ability to bend, stoop, climb stairs, and reach overhead.

Work Environment

This position is performed in a school environment with a moderate noise level. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role.

Location

This is a full-time, on-site position at Bishop McNamara High School, 6800 Marlboro Pike, Forestville, MD. Candidates may reside anywhere in the greater Washington, D.C. region with reliable ability to commute to campus.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Bishop McNamara High School is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer and will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. The essential functions described above are not intended to be an exhaustive list. Additional duties may be assigned as appropriate.