About the role
Campus Books is launching a vibrant new retail hub right in the heart of the University of Otago campus. More than a traditional bookstore, this brand-new space integrates curated boutique giftware, niche food and beverage treats, and essential course materials into a modern retail experience tailored for the student and academic community. You will be a dynamic Senior Retail Sales Representative, the energetic face of the campus store, running daily retail operations, mentoring casual staff, and curating a fresh, welcoming shopping destination. This position is explicitly structured for you to develop operational autonomy and graduate to Store Manager in February 2027.
Key responsibilities
Be the warm, welcoming face on the retail floor, engaging with students, university staff, and visitors during regular campus life and peak semester rushes
Collaborate with merchandising and buying leads to curate, display, and rotate boutique gifts, stationery, lifestyle products, and food/drink items that resonate with student culture
Maintain high-standard visual displays in-store and translate them across social media channels to showcase new arrivals, promotions, and seasonal campus events
Act as the local point of contact for student course material inquiries and department needs, coordinating with Auckland supply leads to keep textbook stock flowing smoothly
Manage and mentor part-time and casual student staff, publishing rosters ahead of key academic dates, orientation weeks, and exam cycles
Handle opening and closing procedures, cash reconciliation, stocktakes, back-of-house organization, and weekly reporting
About you
Solid, hands-on retail floor background
An energetic, relatable communicator who understands student life, campus rhythms, and university trends
A strong eye for visual aesthetic and current lifestyle trends, with confidence to translate what's popular online into engaging displays and student-focused promotions
Demonstrated reliability, initiative, and drive to step up into the full Store Manager position over the coming year
Confident handling POS, cash registers, inventory checks, basic staff rosters, and liaison with remote head office teams
About us
At Campus Books, we’re redefining what a campus store can be. Located in the heart of the University of Otago at 640 Cumberland Street, our brand-new space moves far beyond traditional bookselling. We combine essential academic course materials with an eclectic, carefully curated mix of boutique giftware, lifestyle stationery, and niche food and beverage treats to create an energetic, student-centered retail hub. Backed by an established network of category and retail specialists, we are passionate about staying tuned to university culture and delivering an inviting space where students and staff love to shop, browse, and connect.
Benefits
Consistent Monday–Friday schedule (8:30 AM – 4:30 PM)—no late-night closes and regular weekend retail shifts
Clear, documented development plan to transition directly into the Store Manager role by February 2027
Prime North Dunedin location, immersed in the energetic Otago student atmosphere
Full training and ongoing backing from established category, stock, and merchandising specialists across the network