Retail Store Manager

~ 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. ~

The world famous interpretive center in Ely, Minnesota, features daily presentations and field trips, an award winning museum exhibit and a pack of ambassador wolves living in their wooded territory.

Position Overview

The Store Manager positively leads the retail team in all aspects of the Retail Department. They hire, train and supervise all Ely retail staff and volunteers. They develop annual budget plans, track and monitor sales statistics and relay inventory needs to the Purchaser. The Store Manager collaborates with the Purchaser, the Finance, Education and Communications department as well as the Ely Operations manager and other department heads to provide quality products and excellent customer service.

Responsibilities

1. 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.
2. Learns and uses operating practices of the department and the International Wolf Center.
3. Upholds the Mission Statement.
4. Handles confidential information with tact and discretion.
5. Responsible for all aspects of the Retail Store at the International Wolf Center in Ely.
6. Ensure the highest levels of professionalism and customer service in all aspects of the Retail Store.
7. Merchandise Management:
   • Monitor daily sales and provide inventory information to the Purchaser.
   • Conduct monthly spot checks of inventory and yearly complete inventory of product.
   • Compile and provide up-to-date product information to the Communications Department for the online store.
   • Provide information on product needs, customer feedback, pricing and product quality to the Purchaser.
   • Ensure effective merchandising of product both in-store and on-line.

1. Supervise Ely Retail Staff and Volunteers:
   • Coordinate with the Interpretive Center Manager to hire Ely retail staff and volunteers.
   • Develop and maintain job descriptions and performance objectives.
   • Prepare staffing plans and shift schedules. Assign responsibilities and tasks.
   • Train and motivate staff and volunteers while emphasizing customer service, cash handling policies and retail store operating procedures.

1. Store / Online Store / E-Commerce:
   • Provide recommendations to Purchaser for product ideas.
   • Provide up-to-date information to the Communications Department to keep online inventory and content current.
   • Develop and maintain product category structure in point-of-sale system.
   • Oversee and help implement all aspects of the ecommerce sales fulfillment including orders, packaging and shipping while working in tandem with the Operations Manager and other retail staff.

1. Budget:
   • Develop yearly budget that optimizes revenue and controls expenses.
   • Operate within the approved budget; monitor monthly revenues and expenses.
   • Prepare expense vouchers and monthly financial reports for Executive Director report and Retail Committee.

1. Computer/Technology
   • Work with computer and online systems to support store operations, including the Intuit Point of Sale System, Volusion online store and T-Hub.
   • Maintain proficiency with the basic functions of email, web browsers, word processing software and spreadsheets.

1. Marketing
   • Meet weekly with the Director of Administration and Finance, Interpretive Center Manager and Communications to implement promotional plans and sales objectives. These plans include bi-monthly email ads, in-store highlights and ads for the International Wolf magazine.

1. Partnership
   • Maintain a successful collaborative relationship with the retail staff, Purchaser and all other departments to ensure the operational and financial success of the Retail Department.

Other Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Communicates often and effectively with other staff members to keep them up to date on retail initiatives, concerns and budget goals.
2. Performs other functions as necessary or as assigned by the Interpretive Center Manager.
3. Follows inventory and cash-handling policies and procedures as set forth by the Finance Department.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities necessary to perform the essential functions of this position include:

• Positive attitude, out-going and goal-oriented.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Able to think creatively.
• Effectively display time management and administrative skills.
• Able to prioritize work to consistently meet timelines.
• Exercises good judgment and able to work with minimal direction.
• Must be flexible, able to perform within a fast-paced changing environment, able to multi-task and perform under deadlines.
• Demonstrated computer software skills to use the functionality of point of sale software and other computer software to develop, track and analyze customer data including, budget development and implementation.
• Experience in POS system a plus.
• Knowledge of Volusion, credit card processing and on-line retail management systems highly preferable.
• Perform calculations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division and percentages.
• Knowledge of customer service best practices.

Abilities:

• Must comprehend written and verbal instructions and have excellent ability to read, write and communicate in English.
• Must have visual acuity and manual dexterity to perform the essential functions of this position.
• Ability to clearly and effectively communicate with the public and staff.
• Ability to lift and move 40 pounds, reach and bend.
• Must have a valid Minnesota driver’s license.

Compensation: This is a full-time, salaried position with benefits, including health/dental/life insurance, 4 weeks annual PTO, holidays, STD/LTD, and 403B matching retirement contributions. Starting salary $33,000-38,000, depending upon qualifications and experience.