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 in the Fall of 2025. The Bridge Thrift Store has won multiple “Best Thrift Store” awards, and prides itself on being an innovator in the thrift/resale space.
The new store location in Frankfort, Bridge Thrift Home & Restoration, will continue to redefine the thrifting experience with elements never before seen in other thrift store operations. The new store will include the Taking Root Plant Shop, a Pop-Up Shop for local artisans and makers, and a heavy focus on home goods and furniture. Most importantly, the new store will also house a first-of-its-kind Job Readiness and Leadership Training Room for students.
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. Candidates must be available to work 40 hours during store hours Tuesday - Saturday, closed Sunday and Monday. This is not a remote position.
- Assist in leading day-to-day operations of a fun, fast-paced and thriving Charity Thrift Store.
- Consistently execute daily procedures, open to close.
- Support the Store Operator in leading staff and volunteers in executing their responsibilities.
- Assist in directing and positioning team to create a positive flow and consistently use established tools & best practices 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 “mission” & “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 example in leading students who are volunteering or doing community service.
- Responsible for guest service for drop-off and loading donations and quality control of merchandise.
- Support all planned pop-up events and sales as assigned.
- Other duties as assigned by the Store Operator or Founders.
MUST POSSESS:
- 2 – 3 years of retail management experience.
- 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 retail business that is also a mission-based charitable organization.
- An outgoing personality. Patience and an overall positive demeanor.
- 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.
BENEFITS:
- Available benefits include: medical/dental and merchandise discounts.
- All benefits are subject to eligibility and plan terms.
- This position must be available to work 40 hours a week during store hours. The store is closed Sundays and Mondays.
- The hourly wage is up to $22/hour based on experience.
- Doing work that matters - The Bridge Teen Center is a local mission that positively impacts suburban teens. The Bridge Teen Center vision is to provide teens in 7th-12 grade a place to find hope, purpose and direction. Working at Bridge Thrift Home & Restoration helps make that possible for local teens in our communities.
NEXT STEPS:
Interested candidates should click below to complete the application. Do you want to impress us, complete a cover letter that briefly explains why they are interested in a position and what makes you a great fit. 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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