Retail Manager - NIU - Huskie Books and Gear

Follett•DeKalb, IL

16d•$55,000 - $69,200

About The Position

Follett’s Retail Manager at NIU – Huskie Books and Gear provides leadership across all facets of campus store operations. The role inspires teams to drive sales growth and deliver an engaging customer service experience while maintaining brand and operational excellence. The manager fosters mentorship and continuous team development, monitors financial metrics and store performance, and leads short- and long-term planning. The role also supports a Regional Manager with store operations and campus relationships. The manager leads daily operations during both traditional and peak periods, supports course materials activities, builds campus and community relationships, and manages the full talent lifecycle. The position may also oversee a café or convenience store, including compliance with applicable health and food-safety regulations. Travel is minimal, at less than 10%.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
3–5 years of retail management or strong customer service experience.
General computer skills.
Strong organizational, time-management, and problem-solving skills.
Strong customer service, communication, and presentation skills.
Strong analytical skills and financial acumen.
Advanced relationship-building skills, demonstrated ability to influence a team, and customer outreach capability.

Nice To Haves

Academic retail experience.

Responsibilities

Execute operating plans and daily operations during traditional and peak periods in alignment with company objectives.
Execute sales promotions, special events, book signings, merchandise displays, store layouts, and advertising copy.
Lead in-store course materials activities in collaboration with course materials leadership.
Partner with the Regional Manager to review store financials and make adjustments to drive sales; meet the annual shrink budget.
Review and approve store markups, markdowns, and write-offs within company guidelines.
Protect company assets and ensure the safety of associates and customers, as well as adherence to company policies.
Facilitate campus and community events, communicate day-to-day store operations, conduct strategic partnership reviews, and support campus outreach and engagement, including Bookstore Advisory Committees.
Build cross-functional teams capable of executing initiatives and operational standards to produce business results.
Manage performance and maintain a culture of accountability.
Recruit, train, coach, and develop team members.
Partner to create and maintain an engaging customer-service culture focused on solutions-based selling and an exceptional customer experience.
Develop and maintain relationships with customers, faculty, staff, administrators, vendors, and One Team Center staff to share information and improve market share.
Answer routine inquiries and handle escalated complaints.
Ensure the store is neat, clean, and orderly.
If overseeing a café or convenience store, ensure compliance with health and food-safety regulations.
Perform other duties as assigned to support general store operations.