Head of Operations

Join Our Story at Godmothers Bookstore

At Godmothers, we're more than a bookstore — we're a cultural gathering place. With curated titles from established and emerging voices, intimate readings, and unique events, our historic beachside location is designed to bring people together and spark conversation.

We combine the warmth of a curated bookshop with the sophistication of luxury hospitality. Our store is a destination—where guests shop for thoughtfully selected books and gifts, attend intimate in-store author events, and enjoy curated partnerships with high-end local hotels.

The Head of Operations is the steward of the bookstore's day-to-day rhythm and behind-the-scenes excellence. This role ensures the space runs seamlessly each day while bringing in-store and off-site events to life with grace, precision, and care. Overseeing retail operations, events, team leadership, finances, facilities, and trusted vendor relationships, the Head of Operations is the anchor that allows the brand to shine effortlessly.

They serve as the primary point of contact for all store operations, partnering closely with ownership to shape budgets, refine systems, and continuously elevate how the business operates. The Head of Operations leads and supports the bookselling team and provides thoughtful oversight to event coordinator and event lead, ensuring every interaction reflects the bookstore's standards of beauty, hospitality, and intentional experience while also building partnerships and relationships with outside resources.

The Store & Daily Operations

• Hold the overall flow and functionality of the bookstore, ensuring each day unfolds smoothly and with intention
• Oversee staffing, scheduling, floor coverage, and operational readiness
• Uphold visual merchandising and presentation standards so the space always feels welcoming, curated, and alive
• Lead annual full-store inventory and ongoing accuracy practices with care and discipline
• Coach the team on receiving, stock rotation, and inventory stewardship

Events & Experiences

• Provide steady operational leadership for all in-store and off-site events
• Support and guide event coordinator and event lead, ensuring clarity, preparation, and calm execution
• Approve event staffing plans and step into execution when needed
• Ensure each event reflects the bookstore's commitment to thoughtful hospitality, flow, and guest experience

Partnerships & Relationships

• Serve as a trusted point of connection for hotels, vendors, contractors, and community partners
• Work alongside ownership to cultivate relationships that feel aligned, intentional, and mutually beneficial
• Oversee logistics and operational details for partner and off-site events

Team Leadership & Culture

• Lead the bookselling and events teams with clarity, warmth, and accountability
• Foster a culture of ownership, pride, and care in both the work and the space
• Hold regular management meetings and one-on-one check-ins with key holders
• Support onboarding, training, and the steady adoption of shared ways of working
• Address challenges directly and thoughtfully, protecting both the team and the guest experience

Financial Stewardship

• Oversee day-to-day financial administration, including accounts payable and receivable
• Verify vendor and publisher invoices with accuracy and care
• Run payroll through Gusto and ensure consistency and timeliness
• Code expenses and prepare P&L insights for ownership
• Partner with the accountant on taxes, quarterly payments, and financial reporting
• Support budgeting decisions that balance sustainability, growth, and brand integrity

Administrative Care & Compliance

• Maintain employee records and required documentation
• Ensure adherence to California labor laws, scheduling standards, and break compliance
• Administer benefits programs and required trainings
• Oversee workers' compensation and incident reporting
• Review and draft contracts and letters of agreement for vendors and off-site events, escalating when appropriate
• Maintain vendor lists, service agreements, and facilities documentation
• Create, update, and uphold Standard Operating Procedures that bring clarity without rigidity

Success in this role is felt as much as it is measured.

• The bookstore feels calm, beautiful, and well-held — even on the busiest days
• The team feels supported, clear, and proud of the space they care for
• Events unfold smoothly, leaving guests feeling welcomed rather than managed
• Ownership has confidence in the systems, numbers, and decision-making behind the scenes
• Challenges are addressed early, thoughtfully, and with respect for the brand and people
• Strong inventory accuracy and financial clarity
• Consistent staffing coverage and payroll accuracy
• Timely reporting and clean compliance practices
• Continuous, incremental improvements to how the business operates

Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Retail Management, Hospitality, or related field preferred (or equivalent work experience).
• 5 years experience in operations management, retail management, or hospitality operations. Experience in bookstore or boutique retail is a strong plus.
• Proven event planning experience, especially in a retail or hospitality context.
• Strong relationship-building skills, especially in cultivating partnerships (e.g., hotels, vendors, authors).
• Excellent leadership and team management skills: hiring, training, scheduling, performance management.
• Financial acumen: budgeting, forecasting, P&L management.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple projects (retail events partnerships).
• Strong customer service orientation and a passion for books, hospitality, and curated retail experiences.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with retail / inventory systems and MS Office (or Google Workspace). Experience with event management tools / software is a plus.
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends, especially during events.

Pay: $75, $100,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Education:

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

Experience:

• retail: 5 years (Required)
• Financial acumen: 3 years (Required)
• Human resources: 2 years (Preferred)

Location:

• Summerland, CA (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $100,000