About Us

Since 1906, the University of West Georgia (UWG) has been home to those who seek a transformative college experience. UWG is a leading residential, doctoral comprehensive university that offers a broad undergraduate and graduate curriculum based on a liberal arts foundation. Nestled among the pines on a picturesque 645 acres is the University of West Georgia- a hidden gem approximately 40 miles west of Atlanta. Serving approximately 14,400+ students, and offering more than 100 programs, UWG is committed to advancing innovative academic programs and a student-centered business model. Perennially ranked by U.S. News & World Report, the Princeton Review, and Colleges of Distinction as a top national university, West Georgia offers 86 fields of study, including business, computing, nursing, education, STEM, communication and digital media, social sciences, and the fine and performing arts. UWG generates a regional economic impact of more than $650 million annually and provides a safe, quality, and affordable university experience that connects students to post-graduate career and leadership opportunities. UWG has been recognized by the Carnegie Foundation for its institutional commitment to community engagement through teaching, research and creative activities, and public service. West Georgia is one of only 119 U.S. colleges and universities to receive the elective classification in 2020 and is among only 359 institutions nationally. Dedicated to creating a first-choice university for students, alumni, employees, and communities, UWG seeks employees who will advance and support the University's mission of fulfilling the talent needs of western Georgia and the Atlanta metropolitan area, while contributing to the social, cultural, and economic development of the region and state.

The University of West Georgia offers a comprehensive total rewards package designed to support faculty and staff across multiple dimensions; health, wellness, financial security, and professional growth. Employees working at least 30 hours per week gain access to a range of health plans, including medical, dental, and vision, wellness programs, and robust retirement options through Georgia Teachers Retirement System (TRS), Optional Retirement Program, and voluntary 403(b) and 457(b) plans. Employees are granted 13 paid holidays and paid time off accruals and are eligible to participate in the University System of Georgia's Tuition Assistance Program. Fringe benefits include a variety of resources focused on employee physical, mental, financial, and social well-being through Acentra Employee Assistance Program in addition to personal financial advising with Captrust. UWG also offers exclusive discounts and special offers on entertainment, travel, and other products and services through the Perks at Work program, free access to the university recreation facility, discounted campus dining options, and more!

Living in Carrollton, "The City of Dreams," offers the advantages of city life with a small-town vibe. This progressive community with Southern flair offers plenty of shopping, restaurants, nightlife opportunities, and cultural events. Named a City of Excellence in Georgia and listed as one of the 50 Best Small Southern Towns, Carrollton is the cultural, educational, health care, and commercial center for the west Georgia region.

At the heart of Carrollton is its historic downtown and Adamson Square lined with shops, galleries, and restaurants. Each season offers unique local events and opportunities for year-round recreation. Outdoor activities abound through award-winning spaces, including an 18-mile paved walking and biking Greenbelt trail that encircles the city and passes through the UWG campus.

The city embraces the University's students, faculty, and staff, and welcomes the diversity UWG brings to the community.

Invested in education with highly rated city and county K-12 systems, both city and county public school graduation rates are 90% and above and rank among the top in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

Location

Our campus is located at 1601 Maple Street, Carrollton, GA 30118.

Faculty and staff members are expected to be physically present on campus as needed to support the in-person educational experience and on-campus vitality at the University of West Georgia. Depending upon teaching assignments and student demand, this could include the Carrollton or Newnan campuses.

Job Summary

The Retail Manager is responsible for managing all non-textbook retail operations within the University of West Georgia bookstore (UWG Outfitters), including sales floor presentation, merchandise selection, purchasing, and inventory control. This position develops sales forecasts, analyzes category performance, and implements strategies to drive revenue and profitability. The Retail Manager oversees purchasing for non-textbook merchandise, maintains relationships with vendors, and ensures timely and accurate order processing. The Retail Manager coordinates apparel selection for in-store and remote events, as well as special transactions and/or projects. In addition, the position provides operational and financial reporting to bookstore leadership, supports budget reviews and forecasting, and contributes to long-term business planning. This role requires a balance of operational leadership, financial accountability, and exceptional customer service to achieve departmental goals and enhance the campus retail experience.

Responsibilities

1- Oversee the entire sales floor presentation for general merchandise, ensuring fixtures are refreshed weekly based on sales trends, campus events, and seasonal factors. Maintain optimal inventory levels for all nontextbook merchandise, ensuring timely stocking and restocking. Implement purchasing plans, create and manage sales forecasts based on promotional calendars, customer demand, product availability, and industry dynamics. Analyze category performance weekly and monthly, reporting results to key stakeholders and recommending pricing, markdowns, and promotional adjustments.

2- Manage purchasing for all non-textbook inventory, including sourcing, vendor negotiations, and artwork approvals. Enter orders into the bookstore POS system and track delivery timelines. Attend vendor meetings to evaluate products, maintain strong supplier relationships, and ensure purchasing decisions support sales and profitability goals.

3- Assist in daily store operations including opening/closing, register coverage, and deposit preparation in partnership with the Accounting Assistant. Coordinate and provide logistical support for in-store and remote events in partnership with the Bookstore Logistics Coordinator. Oversee special transactions including voucher payments and departmental charges. Manage the Bookstore email account to provide customer responses within 24 hours.

4- Provide operational and financial reports to Assistant Director of the Bookstore, including inventory levels, sales performance, and discount strategies to manage cost of goods sold. Support the Assistant Director for Auxiliary Services with monthly budget reviews, year-end forecasting, and sales/expense goals. Participate in the annual five-year business plan process. Monitor and report on revenue, profitability, and expense trends, ensuring alignment with department objectives.

Required Qualifications

Educational Requirements Bachelor's degree

Required Experience Bachelor's degree in a related field and three to five years of experience in retail operations, business management, or a related field, including purchasing, vendor management, and supervising staff or student employees. Demonstrated ability to provide sales reporting, analysis, and forecasting. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite including data visualization tools. Must pass a credit check for purchasing responsibilities.

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred Educational Qualifications Bachelors Degree

Preferred Experience Bachelor's degree in a related field and four to six years' experience in a higher education retail environment, retail management, and/or inventory purchasing/management. Experience administering and training users on a point-of-sale system.

Proposed Salary

$50,540 to $56,000 Annually . Paid on a Monthly Basis.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

ABILITIES Oversee day-to-day retail operations while managing multiple priorities. Develop and implement strategies to increase sales and profitability. Adapt to changing customer needs, market trends, and institutional goals.

KNOWLEDGE Retail operations, merchandising, and inventory management best practices. Purchasing processes, vendor relations, and procurement policies. Budget monitoring, financial reporting, and sales forecasting. Point-of-sale (POS) systems and inventory control software. Event merchandising and customer service principles.

SKILLS Strong leadership, organizational, and time-management skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and data visualization tools. Effective verbal and written communication skills for internal and external stakeholders. Analytical skills to interpret sales data, identify trends, and make informed decisions. Vendor negotiation and relationship management skills.

Lifting up to 20lbs or greater.

Office Environment - Work normally performed in a typical interior work environment. Outdoor Environment - Work outdoors and may not be protected from weather conditions.

USG Core Values

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct .

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653 .

Conditions of Employment

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of West Georgia as determined by the University of West Georgia in its sole discretion; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials, reference checks; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. Applicants may be subject to a pre-employment drug test. Offers are made expressly subject to the applicable federal and state laws, to the statutes, rules and regulations of this institution and to the Bylaws and Policies of the Board of Regents (BOR) of the University System of Georgia (USG), which are available for your inspection upon request.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of West Georgia is an equal employment, equal access, and equal educational opportunity, and affirmative action institution. It is the policy of the University of West Georgia to recruit, hire, train, promote, and educate persons without regard to race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status as required by applicable state and federal laws (including Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, Sections 503, and 504, ADEA, ADA, E.O. 11246, and Rev. Proc. 75-50)

Other Information

The mission of the University of West Georgia is to enable students, faculty, and staff to realize their full potential through academic engagement, supportive services, professional development, and a caring, student-centered community. The institutional mission and daily operation of the University of West Georgia are guided by our values that support our vision to be the best place to work, learn, and succeed: ACHIEVEMENT, CARING, COLLABORATION, INCLUSIVENESS, INNOVATION, INTEGRITY, SUSTAINABILITY, and WISDOM.