Job Description

Store Manager

Portland, OR

We have an opening for a Co-Manager at our Hawthorne store location.

Store Co-Managers share full responsibility for the success of the store, working in close partnership to lead both the business and the team. They leverage complementary strengths to divide leadership responsibilities, while staying aligned through regular communication and shared decision-making. Together, they jointly set direction, monitor performance, and ensure excellence across operations, merchandising, staffing, and customer service. Co-Managers anticipate challenges, solve problems collaboratively, and hold themselves and their teams accountable to shared goals.

Powell’s Books is known worldwide as a premier independent bookstore and an icon in the Portland community. We’re committed to fostering a culture and environment of inclusion, empowerment, and respect – a place where everyone can show up fully as themselves and do their best work every day.

Powell’s offers an extensive benefits package including:

• Generous healthcare plan (medical, vision, and dental)
• 401(k) savings plan
• Education benefit
• Childcare subsidy
• Substantial employee discount that is also available to your significant other, children, parents, and siblings
• Book borrowing privileges

Pay: $53K - $83K per year, depending on experience.

Schedule: The regular schedule for this position is to be determined. It may include shifts beginning as early as 9:00 am, and shifts ending as late as 9:00 pm, and includes one weekend day.

Closing Date: Sunday, April 12, 2026

Additional Information: Please include a cover letter with a brief description of relevant skills and experience, and the reason why you’re interested in the position.

Position Title: Store Manager

Location: Cedar Hills Crossing, Hawthorne

Group: X7

Date: 10/22

Position Summary: The Store Manager is responsible for leading the day-to-day operations of the store and implementing strategies and initiatives that support the sales and customer service goals of the company. Is accountable for the financial success of the stores, implementing and furthering the company’s vision, and strengthening the company’s reputation as an amazing bookselling institution. Independently takes action with respect to store operations. Works under broad established parameters and has wide latitude in decision-making authority. Takes risks and creates a stimulating work environment. Contributes to the development of a culture that emphasizes exceptional customer service, continuous operational improvement and high performance of all staff and management team members. Goals, objectives, and significant business decisions are approved by the Senior Director of Staff. This is a working management position, as the Store Manager continues to perform and supervise duties in many functional areas of both stores as needed. Reports to the Senior Director of Staff.

Essential Functions:

• Oversees the daily operations of the store, including staffing, scheduling, customer service, inventory and sales activities.
• Fosters a culture of passionate booksellers who actively engage customers through hand-selling, merchandising, and other means of increasing sales.
• Manages and monitors store profitability, budgeting, financial planning and expense control activities. Reports financial results and trends.
• Selects and hires personnel, oversees training, and conducts performance evaluations.
• Establishes clear performance objectives and expectations. Delegates, directs, and monitors work.
• Promotes team environment that takes responsibility for good work, high standards and mutual respect for all Powell’s employees and customers. Works with team to meet goals and celebrate accomplishments.
• Initiates and follows through with in-the-moment and problem solving conversations, performance management and progressive discipline, up to and including discharge, when there are performance issues.
• Works with the Director of Inventory to manage inventory procurement, quantity, sources, turns, markdowns, and returns.
• Works closely with the Marketing Department to grow stores’ sales, engage customers, and build loyalty.
• Identifies and implements department projects that support the stores’ sales and customer service goals.
• Establishes policies, procedures, standards, and controls.
• Works cooperatively with other store managers and corporate staff to further company goals.
• As a member of the corporate leadership team, provides leadership for the Company.
• Serves on committees and leads meetings and projects as needed.
• Other duties as required.

Requirements / Qualifications:

• Retail management experience required.
• Minimum three years' management experience within Powell’s or demonstrated prior experience managing a large complex department or store.
• Demonstrated financial management skills.
• Demonstrated leadership skills necessary to supervise, lead, delegate and train.
• Demonstrated experience effectively leading and achieving goals.
• Superior customer service skills.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, organizational and decision-making skills.
• Proficient computer skills. Must include Excel and demonstrated database skills. Adept at learning new technologies.
• Excellent prioritization skills and demonstrated ability to meet deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal, team-building, group facilitation and coaching skills.
• Demonstrated conflict management and resolution skills.
• Ability to work independently and as member of a team.
• Project management experience.
• Absolute ability to maintain confidential information.
• Love of books and reading.
• Physical requirements – Group B.

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