Assistant Store Operator
(Salaried position with paid time off, employee health coverage, and a retirement program)
Background:
The Bridge Thrift Store is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide financial support for the free programs at The Bridge Teen Center and to host ongoing job readiness training opportunities for teens. The flagship store opened in Orland Park in 2016, and a second store will be opening in Frankfort late in 2024.
100% of the merchandise sold at The Bridge Thrift Store is donated by individuals and entities in the community. This includes clothing, home goods, furniture, and much more. Merchandise is also donated on a regular basis by retailers and distributors. This store is supported by the local community and benefits the local community.
The Bridge Thrift Store currently provides 30% of the operating budget for The Bridge Teen Center and is the nucleus for the model of self-sustainability the organization has been working toward since opening in 2010. This store has raised millions of dollars in support of the Teen Center’s free holistic programming that has impacted over 12,500 different local teens.
The Bridge Thrift Store has won multiple “Best Thrift Store” awards from various publications, and prides itself on being an innovator in the thrift/resale space. The Bridge Thrift Store is also the host of the Teen Center’s innovative “Thriftastic” job readiness program that impacts hundreds of teens every year.
POSITION SUMMARY:
This role represent a tremendous growth opportunity with a thriving (and expanding) organization that will positively impact young lives in our local community.
- Assist in leading day-to-day operations of a fun, fast-paced and thriving Thrift Store.
- Consistently execute daily procedures.
- Support the Store Operator in leading lead staff and volunteers in executing their responsibilities.
- Assist in directing and positioning team to create a positive flow and consistently use established tools for the daily execution of all “front of house” and “back of house” activities.
- Manage inventory and provide leadership in processing, pricing and stocking donated goods.
- Assist the Store Operator with logistics, organization, pace, storage, and flow of donated goods.
- Oversee the quality of products that are processed, making sure we are consistent and fair in our pricing.
- Play a supporting role in driving the sales mindset for the team, keeping “selling” top of mind.
- Continually assess “back of house” inventory and space to process and get product on the floor swiftly.
- Support the training and oversight of store volunteers as assigned.
- Create environment/execute procedures to make guests and donors feel appreciated and welcomed.
- Be an example and support Store Operator in ongoing appreciation opportunities for staff and volunteers.
- Support The BTC on “Volunteer Month”, “Empowering Teens Month” and MLK Day service groups.
- Maintain an active role in leading students who are volunteering or doing community service.
- Responsible for overseeing truck deliveries, logistics, and quality control of merchandise for drop-offs and deliveries.
- Support all planned pop-up events and sales as assigned.
- Other duties as assigned by the Store Operator or Founders.
MUST POSSESS:
- A selfless attitude and a sincere interest in giving back to the community.
- A strong work ethic and the desire to complete all tasks with excellence.
- Ability to forward think, prioritize, and manage time effectively.
- Strong organizational skills.
- Ability to clearly communicate and troubleshoot issues before they become problems.
- Understanding of/ability to balance ongoing tasks with unexpected/immediate needs.
- Strong leadership skills that can be adapted to a variety of team members (staff, volunteers, students).
- Perspective of operating a profitable business that is also a mission-based charitable organization.
- An outgoing personality.
- Patience and an overall positive demeanor.
- The ability to navigate a wide variety of personality types.
- Personal and professional integrity (even in social and online settings).
- Ability to think clearly and creatively, especially when under pressure.
- A sense of humor.
- A heart for the mission of The Bridge Teen Center.
NEXT STEPS:
Interested candidates should submit their resume to [email protected]. Candidates should include a cover letter that briefly explains why they are interested in a position at The Bridge Thrift Store (which supports the free programs at The Bridge Teen Center). Candidates with 5+ years of retail and/or management positions are preferred. Candidates must be available to work during posted store hours. This is not a remote position.
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