Student stores manager

Position Summary

The Student Stores Manager serves as the University’s strategic lead for one of the most visible and recognizable brands on campus Student Stores. This position oversees the relationship with the University’s bookstore partner and is responsible for ensuring exceptional retail and customer experience for students, faculty, staff, alumni, and visitors. As the University’s primary liaison to the bookstore vendor(s), the Student Stores Manager drives innovation, strengthens campus partnerships, and helps shape the future of retail, course materials, technology, graduation products, and other Carolina merchandise.

The position combines strategic thinking, business analysis, relationship management, and operational oversight to ensure Student Stores remains a vibrant destination that supports student success, enhances school spirit, and contributes to the University’s mission. The ideal candidate is a dynamic and collaborative leader who enjoys building partnerships, solving problems, analyzing business performance, and developing creative solutions that improve customer experience and makes the Student Stores a premier a ‘must-visit’ location.

This role offers the opportunity to influence one of the most visible student-facing operations on campus as well as the iconic UNC Tar Heel brand. The Student Stores Manager helps shape a best-in-class collegiate retail and academic destination which is the epicenter of UNC spirit on camps. By combining strategy, business, innovation, and relationship management, this position plays a key role in enhancing the student experience and supporting the University’s mission.

Required Qualifications, Competencies, And Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, retail management, hospitality management, higher education administration, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience in retail operations, business management, vendor management, contract administration, or customer service operations.
• Experience analyzing operational and financial performance data and interpreting reports to make data-informed recommendations.
• Knowledge of retail operations, customer service, and vendor management principles.
• Demonstrated ability to build collaborative relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong analytical, organizational, problem-solving, and project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple priorities in a complex university environment.
• Excellent written, verbal, presentation, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to customer service, continuous improvement, and supporting student success.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, And Experience

• Ten (10) or more years of management experience.
• Experience working in higher education, auxiliary services, retail management, or bookstore operations.
• Experience managing vendor contracts, outsourced service providers, procurement, and RFP processes.
• Knowledge of course materials programs, textbook adoption processes, and student affordability initiatives.
• Experience with business analytics, financial reporting, business and financial analysis, and strategic planning.
• Demonstrated skills in contract management, performance monitoring, stakeholder engagement, and relationship management.
• Experience in project management, process improvement, operational planning, customer experience management, and strategic thinking.