Bookstore Assistant, Retail Floor

Staff - Union

Job Category

CUPE 116

Job Profile

CUPE 116 Salaried - Bookstore Assistant

Job Title

Bookstore Assistant, Retail Floor

Department

Retail Sales | UBCV | Bookstore | Student Housing and Community Services

Compensation Range

$3,817.00 - $4,011.00 CAD Monthly

Posting End Date

July 31, 2023

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the day prior to the Posting End Date above.

Job End Date

At UBC, we believe that attracting and sustaining a diverse workforce is key to the successful pursuit of excellence in research, innovation, and learning for all faculty, staff and students. Our commitment to employment equity helps achieve inclusion and fairness, brings rich diversity to UBC as a workplace, and creates the necessary conditions for a rewarding career.

Job Summary

The Bookstore Assistant – Retail Floor works under general direction and supervision to perform variety of duties on the retail floor of the UBC Bookstore. This position assists the retail floor supervisors with administration and operations by overseeing a distinct function of the retail floor and leading a small group of employees working within a designated section. The nature of the work requires a detailed knowledge of cash register operation; store products; merchandising; customer service; sales techniques; an understanding of the department’s policies, guidelines, and procedures; and the ability to instruct staff. All activities are directed towards the objective of ensuring maximum service to the needs of Bookstore customers.

Organizational Status

This position reports to the Bookstore Retail Floor Supervisor, and takes direction from the retail floor supervisors: Assistant Merchandising Supervisor II, Assistant Merchandising Supervisor I and the Storekeeper. This position will support the retail floor supervisors to guide and train staff at lower classifications, and works collaboratively with colleagues in various Bookstore departments.

Work Performed

The Bookstore Assistant – Retail Floor performs any duties at lower classification levels including, but not limited to:

• Picking and fulfilling online orders.
• Stocking shelves, arranging displays, and assisting with seasonal changes of stock.
• Processing sales transactions.
• Providing customer service on the sales floor and answers customer inquiries either verbally or in writing.
• Operating computer terminal to access and input information.

In addition, may perform any of the following:

• Process proforma invoices.
• Assists with setting up departmental customer accounts and oversees maintenance from a retail floor perspective.
• Assists marketing with implementation of marketing events/promotions.
• Performs daily store opening and/or closing procedures. Responsible for counting float, reconciling POS, closing cash registers, and securing sales proceeds. Provides guidance to opening and closing staff, prepares store for next day service.
• Ensures orderliness and tidiness of the designated section.
• Performs any other related duties as necessary in keeping with the qualifications and requirements of the position.
• Leads a small group of junior staff within a designated section, coordinating task and breaks on a daily basis.
• Coordinates basic display with input from Visual Merchandiser and Buyers.
• Ensures accurate documentation and record keeping of sales and purchase financial transactions; balances cash and reconciles account statements; identifies and investigates discrepancies and recommends appropriate remedial action to supervisory staff.
• Oversees stock levels and replenishment of regular stock items according to established order levels.
• Liaises with customers for special orders. Ensures special and online orders are fulfilled appropriately and in a timely manner.
• Assists with the supervision of sales activities within designated section.
• Assists in the maintenance of inventory control, recommend markdowns of slow-moving and/or obsolescent stock and authorize customer returns and returns to vendors.
• Liaises with vendor partners to facilitate sales transactions.
• Maintains vigilance at all times to ensure the safety of staff and customers and the security of University property. Reports any unusual occurrences affecting security or safety to the designated supervisor.

Periodic Duties

• Assists in the distribution of regalia at convocation.
• Assists in the counting and documentation of annual inventory.

Consequence of Error/Judgement

Works within well defined guidelines and procedures, but is expected to exercise sound initiative and judgment in establishing priorities in carrying tasks through to completion. New or unusual problems would be referred to supervisory staff.

Supervision Received

Works under general direction of the designated Bookstore Retail Floor Supervisor, Assistant Merchandising Supervisor II, Assistant Merchandising Supervisor I and the Storekeeper, carrying out responsibilities within established guidelines, procedures and limits.

Supervision Given

Responsible for instructing a small group of employees at lower levels, and provides guidance to those employees in the performance of their work.

Minimum Qualifications

High school graduation and a minimum one year of related experience or high school graduation and completion of relevant post-secondary training program or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own
• Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to navigate and use computer systems such as POS systems, inventory systems, email, spreadsheets, and word processing software effectively.
• High degree of accuracy and attention to detail is essential.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Proven sales experience in a retail environment.
• Ability to use a cash register, computer terminal, calculator, photocopier, and other related office equipment.
• Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to effectively train, supervise, and motivate employees.
• Experience cashiering in a busy retail environment preferred.