Campus Retail Director - Penn State Univ Park

Join the Follett Team, where employees are valued, respected, and offered career paths throughout its many campus locations. Follett serves over half of the students in the United States and works with 80,000 schools as a leading provider of education technology, services, and print and digital content. We're higher education's largest campus retailer and a hub for school spirit and community as we operate nearly 1,200 local campus stores and over 1,600 virtual stores across the continent. We take pride in the fact that for more than 140 years, we have been helping to improve people's lives by supporting a lifetime of learning and education.

Pay Rate - $73,900 - $90,000 annually

Position Overview

The  Campus Store Director  is responsible for managing all functions of a large multi-site college bookstore, including budgets and financial goals, service levels, policy administration, employment, supervision and development of store staff, maintenance of sales and inventory records, and related matters. Ensures compliance with company policies and procedures. Interfaces with faculty, staff, and school administrators, providing good campus relations.

Demonstrates strong knowledge of Follett systems and strategies (including Program, Academic Tools, System Integrations, etc.), the industry, and the competitive landscape to execute initiatives, drive profitable sales, and control expenses. Motivate and empower associates through solid communication, change management, and clear direction to maintain alignment with strategic guidance.

You will consistently exemplify Follett Values - We Are One Team, We Do What's Right, We Innovate & Create, We Own The Results, We Put People First, We Stand For Inclusion. Demonstrate proficiency in Follett Strategic Core Competencies - Thought, Results, People, and Self.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for full-cycle talent management, including recruiting, training, coaching, and talent development. Work to identify key talent to support the talent pipeline. Ensure effective performance management and maintain a culture of accountability. Develop cross-functional teams of engaged associates with the ability to execute initiatives and drive operational standards and business results.
• Prepares and implements detailed plans for each department. Ensures business needs are met for schedules, budgets, floor plans, and rush. Coordinates sales promotions, special events, and book signings and directs employees in preparing merchandise displays, store layouts, and advertising copy.
• Analyzes data to determine store and department performance against expectations and makes appropriate adjustments to maintain profitability. Oversees the annual budget preparation process. Analyzes vital operational areas such as cash flow, inventory levels, markdowns, and markups to ensure they are within company guidelines. Summarizes data into management reports.
• Works with store management to ensure the security of company assets, associates' and customers' safety, and adherence to Company policies.
• Provides oversight and direction to the course materials department to ensure proper order quantities, adoption compliance, customer service, eFollett fulfillment, and buyback opportunities.
• Maintain a hassle-free atmosphere driving the Follett culture, which includes resolving all escalated concerns from guests, faculty, vendors, facility-related problems, and the back of the house. Create and maintain a culture focused on solutions-based selling and an exceptional customer experience. Works with store management to develop saleable inventory plans to maintain proper levels to anticipate and meet customer demand. Supports and may supervise the district's annual inventory - plans for special events (athletics, graduation).
• Serves as Follett representative in conjunction with the Regional Manager to meet with and present to business contacts, faculty, the Dean, and administrators.
• Interacts with customers, faculty, administrators, vendors, and home office staff to share information to improve and drive market share. Handles escalated complaints and campus issues. May occasionally entertain campus contacts or other decision-makers.
• May work on renovation projects, reorganizations, new openings, and closings. Responds to requests for special reports, information, or help on special projects.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent.
• 5-7 years of relevant experience.
• 5+ years of big box, multi-unit retail management experience; academic retail experience a plus; strong organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills; strong customer service, communication, and presentation skills; strong analytical skills and financial acumen; advanced relationship building, and demonstrated ability to influence a team and customer outreach.
• Advanced computer skills.

Full time benefits:

• Medical, Dental, & Vison
• Voluntary Insurance plans
• 401k + 100% company match (up to 4%)
• 80 hours vacation + sick days
• 10 paid company holidays
• Quarterly Bonus Plan
Equal Opportunity Employer. This company considers candidates regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.