Head of Operations

Temps plein

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, private gatherings, 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 experience curated partnerships with high-end local hotels and community partners.

The Head of Operations is the steward of the bookstore’s day-to-day rhythm, event execution, and behind-the-scenes excellence. This role ensures the space runs seamlessly each day while bringing in-store, private, partner, and off-site events to life with grace, precision, confidence, 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.

This person is highly organized, energetic, polished, and execution-focused. They know how to lead people, manage details, build relationships, and keep the business moving. They are comfortable stepping into the moment, solving problems in real time, and speaking candidly with ownership when something needs attention.

They serve as the primary point of contact for store operations, partnering closely with ownership to shape budgets, refine systems, elevate events, strengthen partnerships, and continuously improve how the business operates.

The Head of Operations leads and supports the bookselling and events teams while providing thoughtful oversight to the Event Coordinator and Event Lead. They ensure every interaction reflects the bookstore’s standards of beauty, hospitality, and intentional experience while also building strong outside relationships that support the next chapter of Godmothers Bookstore.

● Provide steady, hands-on operational leadership for all in-store, private, partner, and off-site events● Own the preparation, staffing, flow, and execution of events so each experience feels seamless, welcoming, and beautifully held● Support and guide the Event Coordinator, Event Lead, and event staff with clear direction, preparation, and calm accountability● Approve event staffing plans, anticipate gaps, and step directly into execution when needed● Bring confidence, presence, and sound judgment to busy event environments, ensuring both guests and staff feel supported● Ensure each event reflects the bookstore’s standards of thoughtful hospitality, elevated service, strong flow, and intentional guest experience

● Serve as a poised and trusted point of connection for hotels, vendors, contractors, authors, community partners, and private event clients● Work closely with ownership to cultivate relationships that feel aligned, intentional, elevated, and mutually beneficial● Oversee logistics and operational details for partner events, private events, hotel collaborations, vendor activations, and off-site experiences● Communicate clearly and confidently with partners before, during, and after events to ensure expectations are understood and met● Review and draft contracts and letters of agreement for vendors, partners, and off-site events, escalating to ownership when appropriate● Represent the bookstore with warmth, charisma, professionalism, and strong follow-through

● Hold the overall flow, function, and readiness of the bookstore, ensuring each day unfolds smoothly and with intention● Bring a highly organized, proactive, and detail-driven approach to daily operations, solving problems before they become visible● Support the Floor Manager in staff supervision, scheduling, floor coverage, and operational readiness to ensure efficient daily operations● Uphold visual merchandising and presentation standards so the space always feels welcoming, curated, alive, and guest-ready● Lead annual full-store inventory and ongoing accuracy practices with care, discipline, and consistency● Balance the needs of retail, events, staffing, vendors, facilities, and ownership with calm urgency and excellent judgment

● Lead the bookselling and events teams with clarity, warmth, confidence, and accountability● Foster a culture of ownership, pride, high standards, and care in both the work and the physical space● Hold regular management meetings and one-on-one check-ins with key holders, event leads, and direct reports● Support onboarding, training, coaching, and the steady adoption of shared ways of working● Manage performance directly and thoughtfully, addressing issues early while protecting the team, guest experience, and brand standards● Provide clear expectations, timely feedback, and practical support so the team knows what success looks like● Communicate honestly and constructively with ownership, including surfacing concerns, operational gaps, staffing issues, and recommendations with confidence

● Oversee day-to-day financial administration, including accounts payable and receivable● Verify vendor, publisher, contractor, and event-related invoices with accuracy and care● Run payroll through Gusto and ensure consistency, timeliness, and accuracy● Code expenses and prepare clear P&L insights for ownership● Partner with the accountant on taxes, quarterly payments, and financial reporting● Support budgeting decisions that balance sustainability, growth, operational needs, and brand integrity● Track event-related costs and operational expenses with enough clarity to support thoughtful decision-making

● Maintain employee records and required documentation● Help ensure compliance with California labor laws, scheduling standards, meal periods, and rest breaks● Support benefits administration● Oversee workers’ compensation and incident reporting● Maintain vendor lists, service agreements, facilities documentation, and operational records● Create, update, and uphold Standard Operating Procedures that bring clarity, consistency, and accountability without unnecessary rigidity● Ensure systems, records, and internal processes are clean, current, and easy for ownership to trust

● The bookstore feels calm, beautiful, and well-held, even on the busiest days● Events unfold smoothly, with strong preparation, confident leadership, and a guest experience that feels welcoming rather than managed● The team feels supported, clear, accountable, and proud of the space they care for● Ownership has confidence in the systems, numbers, staffing, communication, and decision-making behind the scenes● Challenges are addressed early, directly, thoughtfully, and with respect for the brand and people● Partnerships and private events are handled with excellence, follow-through, and strong attention to detail● Inventory accuracy and financial clarity are consistently maintained● Staffing coverage, payroll, and scheduling are accurate and reliable● Reporting, compliance, and documentation are timely and clean● Continuous, incremental improvements are made to how the business operates

● Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Hospitality, Event Management, Retail Management, or related field preferred, or equivalent work experience● 5+ years of experience in hospitality operations, event operations, venue management, luxury retail, or a related high-touch guest experience environment● Hands-on event experience is required, including involvement in event staffing, guest experience, vendor coordination, run-of-show execution, and on-site event flow● Proven ability to lead and execute in fast-moving environments where preparation, judgment, and calm confidence matter● Strong event planning and event operations experience, especially in hospitality, retail, private events, cultural programming, or luxury guest experiences● Charismatic, polished, and confident communicator who can build trust with guests, partners, vendors, staff, and ownership● Strong relationship-building skills, especially in cultivating partnerships with hotels, vendors, authors, contractors, and community partners● Excellent leadership and team management skills, including hiring, training, scheduling, coaching, performance management, and accountability● Financial acumen, including budgeting, expense tracking, forecasting, invoice review, and P&L support● Highly organized, detail-oriented, resourceful, and able to manage multiple priorities across retail, events, partnerships, staffing, and operations● Comfortable speaking candidly and constructively with ownership, including raising concerns, naming risks, and recommending solutions● Strong customer service orientation and appreciation for books, hospitality, curated retail, and meaningful in-person experiences● Excellent written and verbal communication skills● Proficiency with retail, payroll, and productivity systems, including MS Office or Google Workspace● Experience with event management tools, scheduling systems, or project management software is a plus● Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed, especially during events

We want to get to know your story. Please include a cover letter with your resume.

● Health insurance● Paid time off

● Bachelor’s degree preferred