We are looking for a manager for our store. Be part of an energetic, thriving social enterprise that is making a difference, locally in Victoria and globally through Broad View United Church. Our Thrift Store is currently open two days per week and staffed largely by volunteers. Working collaboratively with the volunteer team, you will grow the pool of volunteers and, in turn, grow the number of days the store is open to a very committed customer base.
The right person will develop relationships with a volunteer pool of seasoned people, building on their knowledge and experience to grow the business. These are people who have had successful careers and willingly give their free time to this social enterprise.
In addition to strong collaborative and leadership skills, the manager will have retail management experience, and will be desktop self-sufficient, with the ability to update webpages, manage social media accounts, and produce volunteer emails and newsletters.
If this sounds like you, please feel free to visit the Thrift Store at 3703 St. Aidan’s Street between 10am and 6pm on Wednesdays and 10am and 4pm on Saturdays to see what we’re all about.
Job Summary
Reporting to the Thrift Store Board, the Manager guides and motivates our volunteers in the operation of the Thrift Store, and steps in to work in any position that needs a helping hand. The Manager is charged with building on the long-term success of the Thrift Store and implementing strategies to grow the enterprise to even greater success. This is a paid position for 30 hours per week (usually committing to Tuesday through Saturday) with a projected salary of $40,000.
Responsibilities
In collaboration with the Thrift Store Board, develop a strategic plan to grow the annual sales and make the Thrift store an integral part of the broader community;
Through personal networking, engage the local community to become actively involved in the work of the Thrift Store and articulate its mission and the broader mission of the United Church;
Recruit, select, train, support, and retain volunteers, who will receive, sort, and sell goods donated to the Thrift Store, open and operate the store, and maintain the premises and products to be ready for sale;
Achieve sales plans for the store and and maximize its financial contribution to Church programs;
Respond to store phone and email communications;
Attract and retain volunteers and balance the Thrift Store needs with those of the volunteers;
Guide merchandise operations, including receiving, sorting, and pricing goods, distributing items to the store area, recycling materials, removing items not sold, organizing storage areas, and removing non-saleable items;
Coordinate all aspects of merchandising including layout, displays, pricing and signage, and ensure consistency of merchandising guidelines by maintaining merchandise quality, creating price lists, and maintaining merchandise rotation schedules;
Build on the knowledge and varied experiences of volunteers through delegation of tasks and responsibilities and recognition of their collective accomplishments;
Resolve conflicts arising with customers or volunteers in a manner that reflects respect, careful listening, and peaceful resolution;
Maintain contact lists and volunteer hours of current and past volunteers;
Develop a social media presence that promotes online channels (e.g. Used Victoria, Craig’s List, eBay, etc) for the sale of items with significant value;
Liaise with partner organizations to distribute donated goods to support local, regional, and international initiatives;
Track sales, expenditures, inspections, incidents, and additional reports needed to operate the Thrift Store;
Personally adhere to the policies and procedures of the United Church and all relevant legislation and ensure that volunteers do as well.
Qualifications
The Manager and volunteers of the Thrift Store are expected to exhibit a respect for a personal faith tradition. The work involves the handling of used goods and the lifting of objects of up to 40 lbs when working in receiving, sorting, and selling. The Manager is expected to foster a comfortable and friendly but fast-paced environment and will spend a significant portion of time moving around in the store.
Job requirements:
A post-secondary business management diploma (or equivalent) and retail management experience relevant to the operational demands of the Thrift Store;
Ability to recruit, retain, and encourage a cadre of volunteers who are committed to the success of a social enterprise;
Knowledge of current principles of business and ability to apply them to a retail social enterprise;
Strong communication skills;
Ability to introduce changes into an established enterprise;
Collaboration skills in order to work with team leads and volunteer board members in making decisions regarding the operation and growth of the Store;
Leadership skills, especially in the context of volunteer groups;
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities at once;
Ability to establish and maintain administrative systems ensuring adherence to policies, regulations and the values of the United Church;
Conflict resolution and coaching skills that build and maintain a respectful workplace;
Ability to communicate in a positive and supportive way to those with special needs;
Computer skills, including internet, email, spreadsheets, phone, basic website updates, and social media);
Ability to work varying hours depending on the time of year and events scheduled;
Experience in a retail social enterprise is an asset.
The successful applicant will be subject to a satisfactory police record check and driver’s abstract.
To apply, please submit your cover letter and resume to broadviewts@gmail.com.