Shelf-Ready Services Manager Backstage Library Works - 3.7 Bethlehem, PA Job Details Full-time $51,168 - $69,784 a year 1 day ago Benefits Paid holidays Relocation assistance Health insurance Dental insurance 401(k) Tuition reimbursement Paid time off Vision insurance 401(k) matching Qualifications Vendor relationship building Operational analysis Staff supervision Teamwork Team supervision Workflow management (operations management method) Staff scheduling Team scheduling Hiring Bachelor's degree Team training QA/QC Leading team collaboration initiatives Process management

Technical Proficiency Full Job Description Job Title:

Shelf-Ready Services Manager Compensation:

$51,168 - $69,784 (DOE)

Start Date:

ASAP Location:

Bethlehem, PA (On-Site Required)

Position Type:

Full-Time, Exempt (Salary)

Reports To:

VP, Shelf-Ready Services

JOB SUMMARY

The Shelf-Ready Services Manager is the driving force behind the efficient, high-quality, end-to end processing of library resources (primarily books) from receipt to client delivery. Key responsibilities include supervising a dedicated team of processing staff, optimizing workflows to meet an aggressive 3-5 day turnaround goal, and ensuring impeccable quality standards. A core function involves client profile management, which entails collaborating with new and existing libraries to define precise specifications—from complex MARC record customization and holdings updates to physical processing details—and integrating these profiles into our production management system. This role requires a blend of technical expertise, process optimization acumen, and strong supervisory skills to deliver the best quality shelf-ready service in the industry for Backstage Library Works. This is a growth-stage department with significant opportunity to shape processes, build team capability, and directly influence the trajectory of the service line as it scales.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES I.

Leadership and Team Management Lead and manage a Shelf-Ready Services team of 5-20 processing staff, including all supervisory functions such as hiring, training, scheduling, and conducting performance evaluations. Establish and maintain a high-performance production culture focused on consistency, accuracy, and aggressive turnaround goals (e.g., 3-5 days). II. Workflow, Optimization, and Quality Assurance Design, document, and continuously optimize cataloging and physical processing workflows to ensure industry-leading quality and operational efficiency. Direct the daily production flow to meet client deadlines and serve as the final Quality Assurance (QA) authority before materials are shipped. Manage the integration of client profiles into the processing management software, collaborating with internal programming staff to ensure system functionality and accuracy Monitor and manage site production capacity, balancing workload across active client projects to meet turnaround commitments and reporting on production metrics to drive continuous improvement. III. Technical Services and Client Relations Serve as the primary technical expert for all complex aspects of the shelf-ready service, including MARC record customization, cataloging standards, and detailed physical processing specifications. Serve as the primary technical expert for all complex aspects of the shelf-ready service, including MARC record customization and detailed physical processing specifications. Lead the client onboarding process, which includes defining, documenting, and securing final client approval for all new processing profiles. Oversee all client profile requirements, from call number customization and holdings updates to specific physical processing details. Maintain strong professional relationships with both client libraries and external library vendors/publishers. Collaborate closely with key supply chain and vendor partners, providing consistent feedback, status updates, and proactive communication to ensure alignment on order fulfillment, timelines, and service expectations. IV. Vendor Logistics and Inventory Management Manage inbound material logistics, including receiving vendor shipments, inventory tracking, and coordinating with suppliers to resolve discrepancies. Oversee outbound shipping to clients, ensuring accurate packing, labeling, and timely delivery in coordination with the processing team.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Bachelor's degree (BA/BS) in a related field, OR an equivalent combination of education, technical training, and experience.

Experience:

A minimum of two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in library technical services, resource processing, or high-volume operations management.

Supervision:

A minimum of two (2) years of direct supervisory experience, including hiring, training, scheduling, and team leadership.

Process Management:

Proven ability to design, document, and optimize complex, high volume workflows with a strong focus on quality assurance (QA).

Technology Fluency:

Proficiency with Integrated Library Systems (ILS) or equivalent production management software.

Communication:

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Advanced Degree:

A Master's Degree in Library Science (MLS/MLIS).

Vendor and Client Relations:

Experience either working for a library vendor OR working for a library in a role that required collaboration with library vendors.

Detailed Workflow Management:

Demonstrated experience creating and maintaining highly detailed processing or technical services workflows.

Analytical Skills:

Demonstrated ability to collect, analyze, and report on production metrics to drive continuous process improvements.

Physical Processing Capability:

Familiarity with physical processing materials and methods (e.g., labeling, lamination, adhesive reinforcement). While daily physical processing is not the primary focus of this role, the manager should be capable of performing these tasks when needed and is expected to develop proficiency by working alongside team leads.

Technical Expertise:

Working knowledge of library cataloging standards (MARC, LCC, subject headings, and RDA) with willingness to develop deeper expertise on the job.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Salary Range:

$51,168 - $69,784 annually

Benefits:

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance; 401(k) with company match; accrued paid time off (PTO); and holiday pay. How to

Apply:

Email your resume and cover letter to Braden Clay at .

Travel:

Occasional travel required (approximately 5-10% of the time), including visits to other company sites and client locations. A comprehensive background check and drug screening will be conducted as part of the hiring process. Backstage Library Works is an

Equal Opportunity Employer :

Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.

Job Type:

Full-time Base Pay:

$51,168.00 - $69,784.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Health insurance Paid time off Relocation assistance Tuition reimbursement Vision insurance

Education:

Bachelor's (Preferred)

Work Location:

In person