Key Holder

About the Job

Love books, music, movies, and games? Good. Ready to lead? Even better. At 2nd & Charles, every item has a story and every visit is an opportunity to discover something new. As Keyholder, you'll take your first step into store leadership—operating as a limited Manager On Duty under the direction of the management team, leading your category team, and helping protect the buy-sell-trade experience customers count on. You're the one the team turns to when something needs to get done right. Ready to see where leadership can take you at 2nd & Charles? This is a leadership role based in one of our 2nd & Charles retail store locations, built for team members who are ready to grow into leaders.

Role Summary

At 2nd & Charles, the products customers bring through our doors become discoveries for others, and as Keyholder you'll help make that happen every shift. The Keyholder operates as a limited Manager On Duty under direction from the management team—maintaining the physical security of the store, leading an assigned category team, and keeping an eye on buyback so every trade is handled right. A passion for books and pop culture isn't a bonus here, it's the foundation. You'll bring it to your category, your team, and every customer you help, while building the skills it takes to lead a store.

Role Responsibilities

Store Leadership & Results

• Step up and lead the shift. Operate as a limited Manager On Duty in partnership with the management team, keeping the store running to standard in line with company policies, procedures, and guidelines so every shift delivers for customers.

• Own your category's results by leading your category team to stronger sales and standout service, so every section gives customers a reason to dig in and explore.

• Be someone your store can count on. As a key-holding member of management, keep your 2nd & Charles store physically secure, open and close with care, and follow loss prevention standards with honesty and integrity, so associates and customers always feel safe.

Team Leadership

• Share what you know and love by training and developing Associates within your category, helping every team member build the product knowledge to connect customers with their next great find.

• Build a more flexible team by leading cross-training that helps Associates discover new corners of the store—from the sales floor to the buy counter—so the team is ready to jump in wherever it's needed.

• Keep your shift connected and focused by leading daily briefings when you're on duty, so every associate knows the goals, the plan, and why it matters.

Customer Experience

• Make every customer feel like they belong—whether they're buying, selling, or trading. Set the standard for warm, genuine service, and when something goes wrong, own it and bring it to a satisfying resolution that leaves the customer with a reason to come back.

Store Operations & Buyback

• Keep your categories fresh and ready for discovery by maintaining merchandising, cleanliness, and operational flow, and managing used-category cadence and stock levels within the monthly budget, so every visit brings something new to explore.

• Keep a sharp eye on buyback, auditing it throughout the day to make sure all policies and procedures are being followed and protecting the fair trade customers count on.

• Handle the behind-the-scenes details that keep the store running smoothly, from dropping off the bank deposit to picking up the change order as needed.

Additional Responsibilities

• Every shift is different, and great stores run on leaders who jump in wherever they're needed. Be the leader your team can count on, on the busiest day and the quietest one.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Role Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• 18 years of age or older

• High school diploma or equivalent

• Previous experience in a supervisor role

• Strong customer service skills

• Successful completion of all required background screenings

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in book, specialty, or media retail, and a genuine excitement for where the industry is headed.

• Comfort with technology and transactions, using computers and cash registers accurately while staying curious about new systems and tools.

• A genuine love of books, reading, and pop culture — with the curiosity to know what's new, what's trending, and what customers are bringing to the counter.

• An ownership mindset — taking initiative, making decisions with confidence, and following through on every commitment.

• A commitment to connection — building strong relationships and communicating clearly, in writing and in person, with customers, associates, and leadership.

• A drive to grow — building the leadership skills to take on more of the store, one shift at a time.

Work Environment & Expectations

Physical requirements:

• Must be able to stand and walk for extended periods of time

• Must be able to use hands/arms to operate a keyboard and telephone for repetitive motion activities

• Must be able to lift or team lift objects up to 50 lbs., with or without assistance

• Must be able to communicate using speech, sight, and sound with or without an assistive device

• Must be able to stand, walk, climb, bend, stoop, or crouch while performing daily activities of the job

The Perks

At 2nd & Charles, we're in the business of connecting people with stories—but our story starts with our associates. We believe that when our people feel supported, valued, and cared for, they're empowered to do their best work and create exceptional experiences for our customers.

• Competitive Compensation: Competitive pay with opportunities to earn performance-based incentives that recognize your contributions.

• Health & Wellness: Medical, dental, and vision coverage, along with Healthcare and Dependent Care Spending Accounts to help you care for yourself and those who depend on you.

• Financial Protection: Life insurance and disability coverage that provide peace of mind when you need it most.

• Retirement Savings: A 401(k) plan with company matching contributions to help you invest in your future with confidence.

• Paid Time Off: Generous paid time off so you can recharge, celebrate life's moments, and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

• Employee Discounts: Special discounts on books, gifts, toys, collectibles, and more—because we believe the things you love should be a little more accessible.

• Employee Assistance Program: Confidential counseling, resources, and support for you and your family whenever life brings unexpected challenges.

Benefit availability and eligibility are based on applicable requirements, including hours worked, employment status, position, and other plan-specific eligibility criteria.

When you join 2nd & Charles, you're joining more than a workplace—you're becoming part of a team that believes in supporting one another, celebrating successes, and growing together as a community. We're proud to invest in our associates because when you thrive, we all do.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement

Books-A-Million is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.