IMPORTANT: This Advertiser has requested that applicants MUST be National Residents / Valid Work Permit-holders. Other applicants need not apply.
Gift Shop Manager
FLSA: Full-Time (40-45 hours per week), Exempt Position – Salaried
Supervised by: Executive Director
Department: Retail
Location: Ely, Minnesota (northern Minnesota)
POSITION SUMMARY:
The International Wolf Center is seeking an energetic, outgoing and goal-oriented individual to manage our retail store and online (web-based) storefront in Ely, Minnesota. The Store Manager hires, trains and supervises all Ely retail staff and volunteers. They develop annual budget plans based on retail sales history and goals, and they track and monitor sales statistics to relay inventory needs to the Retail Purchaser. The Store Manager is a key leader within the organization, collaborating with the Purchaser, the Finance department, the Ely Operations Manager, the Communications department, and other department heads. They must be committed to providing top customer service while working in a fast-paced environment that requires strong business acumen and attention to detail.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Represents the International Wolf Center in the most positive manner with prospective, former and current members, donors, visitors, vendors and the communities we serve. Interacts effectively with a diverse group of staff, interns, volunteers and other customers of our services.
- Learns and uses operating practices of the department and the International Wolf Center.
- Upholds the Mission Statement
- Handles confidential information with tact and discretion.
- Responsible for all aspects of the Retail Store at the International Wolf Center in Ely.
- Ensure the highest levels of customer service in all aspects of the Retail Store.
- Merchandise Management:
- Conduct monthly and yearly inventory of product.
- Maintain up-to-date product information on the online store.
- Support the work of the Purchaser by providing information on product needs, customer feedback, pricing, and product quality.
- Ensure effective merchandising of product both in-store and on-line.
- Work with the Purchaser to develop a Product Pricing Strategy.
- Supervise Ely Retail Staff and Volunteers:
- Coordinate plans with the Executive Director to hire Ely retail staff and volunteers.
- Develop and maintain job descriptions and performance objectives.
- Prepare staffing plans and work / shift schedules. Assign responsibilities and tasks.
- Train and motivate staff and volunteers emphasizing customer service, established policies for the handling of cash, and retail store operating procedures.
- Evaluate staff and volunteer performance.
- Approve time sheets.
- Store / Online Store / E-Commerce:
- Meet once per month with the Executive Director, Purchaser and Communications staff to discuss promotional plans and sales objectives.
- Maintain a store space on Amazon to sell appropriate books and products.
- Maintain content on the online store, keep online inventory current, develop and maintain category structure. Make recommendations to the Purchaser and Marketing Staff regarding product that should be highlighted in advertising and promotions.
- Develop and implement source tracking and sales analysis for Web Store sales of merchandise, programs, memberships and donations.
- Oversee and help implement all aspects of the ecommerce sales fulfillment including orders, keying, packaging, and shipping while working in tandem with Operations Manager and other retail staff.
- Together with the Purchaser, develop marketing and sales plans that result in increased sales each year.
- Budget:
- Develop budget recommendations that optimize revenue and control expenses.
- Assist Purchaser in developing annual buying plans that reflect the retail department budget goals and sales objectives.
- Operate within the approved budget; monitor monthly revenues and expenses; recommend adjustments as necessary.
- Prepare expense vouchers, purchase orders, and monthly financial reports.
- Computer/Technology:
- Work with computer and online systems to support store operations, including the Intuit Point of Sale system, Volusion online store, Amazon, and T-Hub.
- Maintain proficiency with the basic functions of email, web browsers, word processors, and spreadsheets.
- Marketing:
- Work with the Purchaser to develop marketing plans and sales strategies that result in increased sales each year.
- Collect and interpret sales and customer information in order to make decisions and recommendations regarding inventory, store hours, advertising, and sales strategies.
- Work with the Purchaser in developing a yearly plan for monthly/seasonal promotions and product ads.
- Coordinate with the Communications Director and Purchaser on advertising efforts inInternational Wolf and other appropriate media.
- Partnership:
- Maintain a successful collaborative relationship with the Purchaser and all retail staff to ensure operational and financial success of the Retail Department.
OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Participates on committees and teams as assigned.
- Communicates often and effectively with other staff members to keep them up to date on retail initiatives and concerns.
- Performs other functions as necessary or as assigned by the Executive Director.
- Follows inventory and cash-handling policies and procedures as set forth by the Finance Department / Director of Administration and Finance.
ABILITIES AND WORKING CONDITIONS:
The Store Manager’s weekly work schedule varies throughout the year depending upon anticipated visitation and attendance, employee training or support, and the changing needs of the Retail Department. Evening and weekend hours are common. This position is based out of our Interpretive Center in Ely, Minnesota. The Store Manager will on occasion (2-4 times per year) travel to our Minneapolis, Minnesota location on overnight trips to meet with the Purchaser and other key staff. A reliable vehicle and is required and a valid Minnesota driver’s license within 30 days after date of hire. The Store Manager must be able to sit, stand, walk, type, talk on the telephone, operate a computer, lift/carry up to 40 pounds, and communicate fluently in English.
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS REQUIRED:
A. Knowledge: Knowledge of point of sale software systems, credit card processing and on-line retail management systems. Knowledge of accounting practices and budget development processes. Knowledge of customer service best practices.
B. Skills: Excellent organizational skills. Excellent and collaborative communications skills. Demonstrated computer software skills to use and exploit the functionality of point of sale software and other computer software to develop, track and analyze customer data including. Budget development and implementation skills. Strong Customer Service Skills essential.
ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL WOLF CENTER
The International Wolf Center’s mission is to advance the survival of wolf populations around the world by teaching about wolves, their relationship to wildlands, and the human role in their future. Our world-famous interpretive facility in Ely, Minnesota features daily programs and field trips, an award-winning museum exhibit and a pack of live ambassador wolves living it its wooded territory. Staff in the administrative offices in the Twin Cities includes the Executive Director and Finance, Communications, Purchasing, Development and Membership departments. With members in all 50 states and 37 countries worldwide, the organization is the leading global resource on wolves.
TO APPLY
Email a cover letter, resume, salary history, and contact information of at least three professional references to careers@wolf.org no later than 4 p.m., Jan. 28, 2014. The subject line of the email must contain: STORE MANAGER APPLICATION. Finalists will be required to complete a background check. For more information about the International Wolf Center, please visit www.wolf.org
