Our philosophy is to provide our customers with choice and value.

Bargain Books is one of the biggest book retailers in South Africa, with over 77 stores and growing  rapidly. 

We have recently won the Best Bookseller of the year award for 2014 and previously in 2011 and 2013.

We believe in hard work and entrepreneurial thinking within a dynamic, sales and service orientated environment. We aim to provide our customers with superior service and value for money through our passion for books and people. 

Purpose of the job:

To manage the store as an Entrepreneur with a strong business mindset   leading  the  Assistant Manager and Booksellers  to build up their book knowledge and  to deliver  excellent customer service.   To make sure that the sales target for the store is reached every month in order for you and your team to make  incentives.   To visit external institutions such as schools, libraries, churches, Corporates,  etc. to bring in bulk sales.

Main Responsibilities

Management of staff – seeing that staff plans and rosters are in place, train staff on all aspects of bookselling, do performance reviews and discipline staff.  Motivate and mentor staff to do their best for the customer and branding of the company.

Customer service –  offer  assistance to every customer entering the store with a friendly and positive attitude.

Housekeeping – creating a roster for the staff  to make sure the  store is  clean and tidy.

Merchandising –  see  that window displays are attractive and eye catching and changed every two weeks.  See that best sellers are in stock and see that there are displays around the store. Make sure the stock is in the right category.

Promotions – Make sure that all promotions are adequately merchandised with ample stocks.

Stock Management – make sure that the stock is in line with the needs of the local market.  Make sure that the bestsellers are in stock both from publishers and the warehouse.  Ensure that receiving is accurate. Make sure shrinkage is managed and controlled.   Make sure the overall stock level is in line with sales and the store size. 

Communication on emails and skype to various suppliers, customers and head office

Training   -  train staff in store systems, customer service, sales techniques and products.

Security – make sure that security is regularly discussed at staff meetings and that staff are always alert and aware of the non-shopper/shop lifter.   Make sure that the CCTV and Convex mirrors are monitored. Banking must be locked in the safe at night and banked daily.

Admin and Control – Daily cash ups, credit card cross checked, etc

Knowledge Management – All staff must be made aware of weekly bestseller report.  New book submissions  from all publishers must be circulated amongst the staff.

Selling –  Ensure that every staff member and process in store focuses on making sales.  Ensure that there is a culture of hand selling, up selling, cross selling  and relationship building to ensure repeat business.

Community sales –  facilitate selling into schools, libraries and churches.

Qualifications required for this role:

A minimum of a matric with at least 5 years’ experience in sales or retail.

Minimum of 5 years of managing of staff preferably within a sales or retail environment.

A diploma or degree would be an advantage

 

The successful  applicant will have the following attributes:

• Preferably fully bilingual
• Neat and well presented
• Above average communication skills
• Positive and friendly attitude
• Knowledge of books
• High level of computer literacy
• Financial and business acumen
• Work well under pressure
• Good  leader with a collaborative management style
• Good follow through and commitment
• Adaptable and flexible
• Good merchandising experience
• Prepared to work long retail hours

Applications and CV’s should be addressed to: Jenny Strong- jenny@bargainbooks.co.za

With ‘STORE MANAGER” stated in the subject heading

Closing date:  

NB:   Only successful candidates will be interviewed.  If you have not heard from us after he closing date please regard your application as unsuccessful.

Preference will be given to candidates who will add to the diversity of our organization.