Full Time Thrift Store Manager

The Thrift Store Manager is responsible for overseeing the operations of the Caledonia Thrift Store to ensure consistent profitability by implementing and maintaining high standards in sales, revenue generation, merchandising, marketing, customer service, floor displays, store promotions, expense control, public relations, store staff training, reclamation, and product donation flow, and the processing of in store donations.

Operations

• Direct all operations of the store to meet sales targets and control expenses while managing customer service standards.
• Supervise and as necessary participate in sorting and tagging merchandise, unloading donations, stocking shelves, and processing customer purchases and or exchanges
• Plan store layout to attract customers, including window displays and merchandise displays, decides on in-store promotions and auctions; ensure attractiveness of the store through ''Tidy Maintenance"
• Maintain a high level of customer service and create an attractive environment for customers.
• Determine and maintain appropriate stock levels based on spot checks of the store and reviewing weekly sales records.
• Responsible for supervising a team of employees and volunteers to ensure standards in sales, customer service, merchandizing, marketing, and public relations are achieved.
• Ensure that customers and donors are served in a courteous and efficient manner; address customer concerns, suggestions and complaints as needed.
• Implement inventory controls: retrieve, sort, appropriately price and discard or recycle any stale or un-saleable items on an ongoing basis; seek to protect the store from inventory shrinkage by close visual monitoring.
• Monitor and coordinate garbage and recycling for regular pick up.
• Maintain a visible online presence on the store’s social media pages.

Human Relations

• Hire, orientate, train, reward, discipline and terminate in consultation with the Supervisor ensuring compliance with and Territorial/National Standards, and the Ontario Division Human Relations Department.
• Complete supervisory functions inclusive of approving vacation, sick time, etc. for staff; appropriately direct inquiries from staff regarding payroll matters.
• Interview prospective students and volunteers, orientate, train, and supervise as required.
• Conduct appropriate ongoing staff and volunteer training for all aspects of merchandise handling including.
• Provide ongoing, consistent coaching, performance feedback, and manage the evaluation (including probationary evaluations) of all thrift store employees ensuring that they work together to achieve the purpose of the organization and enhance the ministries of The Salvation Army.
• Responsible to ensure that each position for those supervised has a clearly defined and up-to-date job description and job duties, outlining that employee’s authority and responsibilities, in consultation with Supervisor.
• Prepare, post, and maintain all departmental work schedules for those supervised in accordance with operational requirements ensuring adequate coverage.
• Identify training requirements, make recommendations, and develop strategies and recommendations for employee and volunteer development; ensure that all staff and volunteers have completed the required operations and Health & Safety mandatory training, and it is up to date.
• Communicate with Lawson Ministries administrative staff to arrange the posting of available positions; participate in the selection, and orientation process for new staff, including initiating of the appropriate documentation process.

Communication

• Communicate any maintenance issues to the appropriate Lawson Ministries administrative staff in a timely manner.
• Conduct regular staff meetings with the Thrift Store team.
• Participate in regular one-on-one meetings with Supervisor to ensure consistent adherence to Ministry Unit Store Policies and to provide up-to-date reports on store business activities, etc.

Business and Administration

• Manage in-store budget within guidelines; execute budget objectives by attaining sales margins, maintaining staff cost ratios; profit objectives as established by the Ministry Unit; ensure that banking is completed as per store policy into the appropriate financial institution.
• Complete all financial/operational paperwork and submit same to Accounting Operations in a timely manner, and in accordance with organization standards.
• Work with Supervisor to analyze store financial statements; strategize appropriate action to attain financial goals, monitor cost of goods and store supplies.
• Ensures that policies and procedures are adhered to regarding cash handling etc.
• Determine and submit requests regarding in-store operational needs and supplies as necessary.
• Complete all operational paperwork and submit same to required parties in a timely manner, and in accordance with organization standards.

Health and Safety

• Responsible to maintain a level of competency and understand Sections 25 and 26 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OH&SA).
• Ensure that the equipment, materials, and protective devises as prescribed (OH&SA) are provided and maintained in good condition.
• Monitor compliance with health and safety legislation, provide advice, make recommendations and improvements, and assist with the development of company policies/handbooks as it relates to health and safety.
• Ensure that proper procedures are followed in the event of a workplace injury or illness.
• Work in compliance with OH&S Act and Regulations and abide by The Salvation Army’s health and safety policies and procedures.
• Provide oversight to WSIB claims and other health and safety matters as required, participate in the supervision of Early and Safe Return to Work plans where applicable. Ensure the steps in the Early and Safe Return to Work Program are followed as required; administer and monitor WSIB e-Claim filing.

Perform other related duties as required.

ORGANIZATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop an understanding of the Mission of The Salvation Army (TSA) in Canada and its implications as related to positional responsibilities.
• Maintain information in confidence as required.
• Participate as an active and responsible team member.
• Participate in supervision and performance appraisal (PEAC) process.
• Be familiar with and ensure adherence to policy and procedures for both TSA and Lawson Ministries.
• Represent the organization in a professional manner, acting in the best interest of the employer at all times.
• Participate in ongoing professional development and training.

FINANCIAL AND MATERIALS MANAGEMENT:

• Assist with the materials management of donations/product flow in the thrift store.
• Oversee the cash and debit sales, ensure that bank deposits balance and are deposited as per store and TSA policy; the float is secured for the next day.
• Ensure that policies and procedures are adhered to regarding cash handling, etc.
• Communicate with supervisor regarding ongoing strategies and actions to attain financial goals and monitoring of the cost of goods.
• Contribute to the store budget by maintaining customer service standards.
• Prepare financial and other requested reports for submission to the supervisor, Divisional/Territorial Headquarters, i.e. sales reports as requested.

Working Conditions:

• This is a permanent full-time position based on 40 hours per week.
• Work schedule will vary from week to week and will include weekdays and/or Saturdays - flexibility in work schedule is required.
• This job requires the ability to lift/ move on a regular basis up to 40 lbs. and reach, bend, twist, and crouch frequently; work in a standing position for long periods of time.
• The incumbent must take the following precautionary measures in addition to health and safety rules and regulations such as universal precautionary measures and working with unknown contents.
• The incumbent may be exposed to moving objects and angry people.
• Some travel may be required to attend meetings etc.

• Completion of a College Diploma in Business/Retail Management or equivalent.
• Valid Ontario Class “G” Driver’s License, personal vehicle required and insurance, current copy of driver’s abstract that is satisfactory to The Salvation Army, in its sole discretion, is required.
• Alternative combinations of education and experience may be considered.

EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE:

• Minimum of three (3) years of prior related retail store management experience, specifically in secondhand merchandise preferred and supervisory experience.
• Experience with cash registers, cash handling, and related processes and procedures i.e., bank deposits, summary reports, etc.
• Basic accounting experience is required.
• Experience in the Developmental Services sector considered an asset.
• Strong operations experience in receiving, stock and inventory as well as front-end management and office management.

SKILLS AND CAPABILITIES:

• Good merchandising skills and a flair for conceiving and implementing creative merchandising themes.
• Proactive self-starter with the ability to work independently and a strong work ethic and a willingness to learn and be flexible.
• Treat the property of The Salvation Army with due care and caution.
• Must have strong skills and experience using word processing (MS Word); spreadsheet use (MS Excel); specific programs related to The Salvation Army.
• Excellent interpersonal, motivational, leadership, organizational and customer service skills.
• Strong sense of integrity and confidentiality with professional ethics and a balanced sense of fairness and flexibility.
• Ability to organize and prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to develop and maintain a team environment; work cooperatively and effectively with others to set goals, resolve problems, and make decisions that enhance organizational effectiveness.
• Attentive listening skills for the purpose of supervision, coaching, and conflict resolution.
• Ability to communicate in a clear, thorough, and timely manner using appropriate and effective communication tools and techniques in both one-on-one and group settings.
• Ability to work cooperatively and effectively with others to set goals, resolves problems, and makes decisions that enhance organizational effectiveness.
• Ability to assess situations to determine the importance, urgency, and risks, and make clear decisions, which are timely, and in the best interests of the organization.
• Ability to set priorities, develop a work schedule, monitor progress towards goals, and track details, data, information and activities.
• Ability to understand ethical behaviour and business practices and ensure that own behaviour and the behaviour of others is consistent with these practices and aligns with the values of the organization.
• Represent the organization in a positive, professional and engaging manner.
• Comply with all Salvation Army policies, procedures and associated legislation.
• Ability to undergo applicable screening and background checks successfully that are satisfactory to The Salvation Army, in its sole discretion (i.e., The Salvation Army Abuse Registry) and provide an original copy of a Background Check screening.
• Ability and willingness to develop an understanding and support for the mission and purpose of The Salvation Army in Canada and its implications as related to position responsibilities.

The Salvation Army offers accommodation for applicants with disabilities in its recruitment process.  If you are contacted to participate in an interview or screening process, please advise us if you require accommodation.

We thank all applicants, however, only those candidates to be interviewed will be contacted.

For internal applicants: You must advise your managing supervisor of your intentions prior to submitting your application.