Fair Trade Retail Store Manager

Join Our Mission-Driven Team as Store Manager!

Are you passionate about ethical consumerism, sustainable practices, and empowering global artisans? We're excited to invite a dynamic and motivated Store Manager to lead Ten Thousand Villages, Alexandria, into a new chapter. As we refresh our brand and vision, we are looking for a passionate leader who is not only committed to the values of fair trade but also eager to create an exceptional shopping experience that reflects these principles.

In this role, you’ll have the opportunity to drive our store’s success, inspire a dedicated team, work with a diverse board of professionals and play a key part in amplifying our mission of providing high-quality, ethically sourced goods that make a positive impact worldwide. If you're a visionary leader with a passion for social good, we want to hear from you!

Store Manager for Ten Thousand Villages, National Capital Area

Alexandria, Virginia

Ten Thousand Villages of the National Capital Area is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with a commitment to fair trade in support of disadvantaged artisans in developing countries. Since 1994, Ten Thousand Villages of Alexandria has brought unique, handmade, fair-trade items to the Washington DC community. We are looking for an experienced and passionate Fair Trade Retail Manager to join our team and lead the day-to-day operations of our retail store(s).

Description of Position:

The Store Manager is accountable for all aspects of the store’s operations, including budget management, staffing, volunteer recruitment and training, marketing, inventory management, and visual merchandising. While the store is a non-profit organization, it is expected to be financially self-sustaining. The Store Manager provides leadership to achieve or exceed budgeted sales goals and effectively manage the profit and loss statement of the store. The Manager supervises the store’s staff and volunteers. In conjunction with the Board of Directors, the Manager is key in providing leadership for the future development of the store and helping to steer the organization through changes as we adapt to a challenging retail environment. The Manager promotes a sales culture that is positive for all staff and volunteers, builds productivity, oversees community outreach and ensures that all customers receive the highest level of customer service and positive brand experience.

Reports To: The Board of Directors of Ten Thousand Villages, National Capital Area; and specifically, to the Board Chair.

Duties:

• Manage all staff, including hiring, training, planning, assigning, and directing work; assessing performance and providing ongoing feedback, completing and providing staff evaluations on a yearly basis; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems to ensure courteous, friendly and efficient customer service
• Ensure the store has a strong and adequately trained volunteer base
• Training and motivating staff and volunteers to provide excellent customer service
• Plan and manage the store’s operating budget
• Manage the store’s procedures in compliance with established cash and accounting procedures
• Ensure that adequate inventory levels and effective displays of appealing merchandise are maintained
• Tour the sales floor regularly; talk to colleagues and customers; and identify or resolve urgent issues
• Maintain and grow existing customer base; create and implement marketing strategies
• Ensure that staff and volunteers have a pleasant and safe work environment
• Liaise with landlord and vendors as appropriate; resolve property- or equipment-related concerns
• Report regularly on sales, staff, and other trends to the board of directors
• Attend regularly scheduled board and staff meetings; interface with board committees as required
• Work and liaise with other fair trade retail stores as needed
• Understand and implement the policies, standards and procedures as set by the Board of Directors
• Maintain awareness of market trends in the retail industry and fair trade
• Perform other duties as assigned, e.g. in support of marketing, fundraising and community outreach initiatives

Qualifications:

• Enthusiasm for and commitment to the values and mission of Fair Trade
• Self-motivated, outgoing, energetic and enjoy working with people
• A minimum of 2-4 years of experience in retail management and/or sales
• Experience recruiting, training and supervising staff and volunteers
• Experience in delivering excellent customer service
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills
• Confident in math and data entry skills
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office software suite; knowledge of QuickBooks is preferred but not required
• Demonstrated ability to anticipate and solve practical problems
• Excellent time management and organizational skills
• Ability to work independently with little direction
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs. and be mobile on the sales floor for extended periods of time

Working Hours; Vacation; Sick Leave:

Full-time, exempt position. Must be flexible in scheduling and able to work opening and closing shift hours at least three times per week, a minimum of two Saturdays and/or Sundays per month and the entire holiday season (Oct-Dec). Vacation, personal and administrative leave included.

Salary: $50-$60K, inclusive of benefits, depending on expertise and prior work experience.

Cover letter and resume including 3 references, should be emailed to: manager.alexandria@tenthousandvillages.com

No phone calls please.