Mercantile Bookstore Manager - Paul Smith's College

Position: Mercantile Manager

Status: Full-Time, Regular, Exempt

Department: Finance & Administration

Reports to: Chief Financial Officer

Salary: $58,500.00/year

The Mercantile Manager oversees all aspects of the Paul Smith's College Mercantile, a unique retail experience that blends the tradition of the original Paul Smith’s Hotel, which opened in 1859 as one of the earliest and most luxurious of the great Adirondack resorts, with modern merchandising and entrepreneurial opportunities. This role goes beyond managing a bookstore; it represents an extension of the college’s marketing, hospitality, and community engagement efforts. The manager serves as a brand ambassador first for students, as well as faculty, alumni, and the local community, ensuring that the Mercantile reflects and amplifies the authentic Adirondack experience and the Smitty spirit for all visitors.

Key responsibilities include:

• Operations: Oversee store operations including purchasing, merchandising, inventory sales, and accounting. Ensure compliance with standards, laws, and policies. Set goals, manage finances, and build a high-performing team.
• Entrepreneurship & Innovation: Build opportunities for student and alumni involvement in entrepreneurial initiatives through the Mercantile, fostering hands-on learning and promoting locally made and student-crafted products.
• Marketing & Branding: Amplify the college's heritage and Adirondack roots by curating a distinct, authentic retail experience. This includes establishing a robust online presence that reflects the college's brand and spirit.
• Customer Engagement: Epitomize the welcoming Smitty spirit by creating a dynamic retail environment that embodies hospitality, offering an exceptional experience to students, faculty, alumni, and the community.
• Collaboration: Act as a bridge between academic and retail functions, ensuring that required textbooks and supplies are available to support the academic mission of the college, and collaborating with faculty on curriculum-related materials and the retail shop at the Visitor’s Interpretive Center (VIC).

Requirements:

• Ability to oversee and manage day-to-day operations of a retail store.
• Strong customer service focus and excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
• Knowledge of merchandising principles and best practices.
• Experience in retail operations including inventory management, pricing, managing retail sales equipment (e.g. point of sale),
• Understanding marketing and branding strategies and tactics.
• Ability to work occasional weekends or evenings to accommodate College events and deadlines.

This full-time, exempt position is key to maintaining the legacy of Paul Smith’s College’s historic hospitality, while looking toward the future by promoting sustainability, local business, and community.

Paul Smith’s College values diversity in the College community and seeks to assure equal opportunity through its continued Affirmative Action program. EOE/AA/M/F/D/V