Retail Manager (Not for Profit) – #6846 – A
Grimsby Benevolent Fund (GBF)
The Grimsby Benevolent Fund (GBF) Community Services is a not-for-profit social enterprise located in Grimsby Ontario. Our mission is to meet our clients’ basic needs and promote wellness throughout our community, while providing a safe and rewarding environment for our Board, staff and volunteers. GBF’s discount Retail Store is the main source of revenue for our organization; its success is a key determinant of the size of investment we can make in our community’s wellbeing. The 2021-2023 Business Plan strategic and operational directions for our retail environment include the following:
- To transform and optimize the operations of the Retail Store and supporting departments (i.e., receiving, warehouse, and the Niagara Region Landfill Diversion drop-off site)
- To develop innovative, new revenue streams to achieve significant growth, e.g., online shopping, utilizing social media for selling product, staging of high-end merchandise, etc.
- To inform, engage and recruit volunteers of all ages to support our retail environment in meaningful ways
We expect the ideal candidate for this position to be familiar with not-for-profit social enterprises and online shopping, plus understand the challenges that need to be overcome to achieve our operational directions.
Position Overview
The role of this position is to lead and be accountable for the strategic efforts and operational management of GBF’s retail, receiving and warehouse departments. In general, this includes setting departmental goals and objectives, developing and supervising employees and volunteers, overseeing all retail operations, and reporting on the growth and success of GBF’s retail environment.
Leadership, Accountability & Human Resources
- Set goals and objectives in alignment with GBF’s business strategy, mission, vision and values
- Identify, explore and implement approved, innovative approaches to increase retail revenue, such as: a) an e-shopping platform on our website to enable online shopping, and b) targeting high-end customers for specialty/vintage merchandise sales
- Identify, explore and oversee the implementation of approved technology and communication channels to improve merchandise advertising and sales efforts
- Develop the Retail budget (i.e., retail revenue targets and operational expenses), plus ensure effective management and reporting of the budget
- Be a positive, professional, leadership role model for all employees, volunteers, donors, clients, and/or customers by demonstrating:
- respect and compassion towards everyone;
- effective interpersonal communication;
- excellent customer service skills;
- equitable problem solving, and team spirit
- Serve as the immediate supervisor for the Retail Assistant, Receiving/Warehouse Coordinator, plus other direct reports
- Recruit, train and coordinate a diverse group of volunteers to cover daily human resource requirements
- Ensure volunteer birthdays, sympathy cards, etc. are distributed as necessary, and recognize individuals for their exceptional contributions and efforts
- Participate in relevant professional and marketing events as a representative of GBF
- Act as the lead contact person for outside retail business partners (e.g., Millionaire’s Daughter) to solicit and accept donations
- Negotiate and/or approve vendor agreements
- Meet data collection, analysis and reporting requirements in a manner consistent with GBF’s impact management process
Operations
- Be responsible for day-to-day operations of all Operations departments, i.e., 40 Elm St Retail Store, Receiving, and Warehouse plus retail operations at the HUB
- Seek ways to improve operational efficiency, effectiveness and profitability
- Monitor competitive market environments (merchandise pricing and practices) to make changes to GBF’s retail operations as needed
- Manage the retail portion of GBF’s website: assess and update general Retail Store content; advertise special retail sales events, donation drives, awareness campaigns, etc.
- Ensure Workplace Health & Safety requirements are met, and documentation is filed
- Ensure proper merchandise pricing, branding, restocking and inventory is conducted
- Provide monthly reports to the Board of Directors regarding retail activities
- Maintain housekeeping of the store and surrounding areas – internally and externally
- Ensure routine facility cleaning requirements are maintained satisfactorily by the outside contractor, as well as annual building maintenance
Logistics
- Set up effective systems to effectively and efficiently manage receiving, intake, sorting, merchandising and sale of donated items
- Oversee the recycling program
- Ensure goods received, and services delivered, meet or exceed organizational quality standards
- Ensure safety, security and protection of GBF property
- Ensure staff and volunteers in the retail, receiving and warehouse areas are in compliance with GBF policies, procedures and Workplace and Occupational Health and Safety standards
Miscellaneous Role Requirements
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Chief Executive Officer and or Governing Board
- Regularly lift and/or move objects up to 20 pounds; frequently lift and or move objects up to 50 pounds, and occasionally lift and or move objects that weigh more than 100 pounds with assistance as needed
- Required to work some Friday evenings and Saturdays, as agreed to by the Chief Executive Officer
- Experience with Microsoft Office, plus strong technical skills/experience to introduce and maintain a digital retail environment at GBF
- Demonstrates strong leadership, is accountable and results oriented, with superior attention to detail and
accuracy - Role model and a team player with the ability to work with a diverse group of individuals, including volunteers and clients of GBF
- Demonstrates creativity and a desire to innovate to achieve continuous improvement and greater impact in our community; has a positive can-do attitude
- Thrives in a fast paced environment, with excellent time management skills and the ability to prioritize and multi-task
- Good verbal and written communication skills
To be considered, please submit your resume and cover letter, including salary expectation, no Later than April 30, 2021, to:
- Irene Podolak, President
GBF Community Services thanks all individuals who apply for this position and will only contact candidates who are selected for an interview.