Retail Location Manager

Neighborly is an ethically sourced, design-driven shop offering home goods, artwork, and gifts for urban Midwesterners. Neighborly sources most of its products from small, independent craftspeople and takes care to find products that fit our particular aesthetic style, are affordable and functional. It began in 2012 and currently operates two brick and mortar locations in Wicker Park and Lincoln Square, as well as a seasonal mini-shop on the Chicago Riverwalk. It is locally and woman owned. Please visit our "About" and "Mission" pages to learn more about Neighborly.

Wicker Park Location Manager (FT: 32-40 hrs/wk)

Neighborly is looking to hire a Location Manager for our growing Wicker Park location at 1554 N Milwaukee Ave. As a Location Manager, you’ll serve as a leader for maximizing sales, keeping the shop looking organized & adhering to visual merchandising and cleaning standards, but above all else, keeping the customer experience front of mind. The Location Manager will be responsible for continued oversight, development, and motivation of the retail team while creating an environment of positivity, creativity, and collaboration.

They will also have the important task of representing Neighborly to our community - sharing the shop's story, as well as acting as an ambassador for over 200 independent makers and small businesses whose products we carry. They are an integral participant in the success of our small business.

Please note weekend days (Saturday and Sunday) are required. These are our busiest days of the week and provide the best opportunity to connect both with customers and with the retail team. However we are open to flexible schedule arrangements including 4 x 8-10 hr days/week and/or every other Sunday off.

Requirements

> 5+ years retail experience with 2+ years in a management role, preferably at a small business

> excellent communication and customer service skills, ability to confidently approach people and naturally create conversations with a genuine and warm personality

> experience in development and management of a retail team - providing continual support, coaching, and feedback in meeting operational standards and encouraging excellent customer service

> ambition and initiative to jump in wherever needed to help our small business grow - employee management, customer service, merchandising, inventory management, constant creative problem solving, and so much more

> ability to prioritize, multi-task, and excel during high traffic times & seasons, while still working calmly, efficiently, and with purpose

> physically able to be on your feet the majority of the day, as well as lifting and carrying boxes up to 25 lbs on a frequent basis

> interest in independently made products and/or the arts with an eye for style trends and Modern design

Responsibilities
> Maintain a very high quality of customer experience through genuine customer interactions and store presentation. Detail focused and steadfast in keeping things organized across multiple systems.

> Offer exceptional customer service - confidently greet and initiate genuine interactions with customers, assist them with product information and recommendations, provide an easy and pleasant shopping and checkout experience. Role model and provide ongoing training to retail team to do the same. Constantly look for ways to improve our service and offer customers an experience they can’t get anywhere else.

> Create a plan and communicate to the retail team to ensure execution of all operational standards. Manage all day-to-day procedures. Monitor results and completion of delegated tasks - celebrate successes and provide constructive and respectful feedback for areas requiring improvement. Maintain consistent communication with store owner and Retail Director about daily happenings, inventory needs, staff issues, and more.

> Manage visual merchandising guidelines and directives. Constantly adjust how products are merchandised to incorporate new products, fill in and adjust when products sell out, identify weak sales performance based on product placement and adjust accordingly, and coach retail team to do the same. Delegate tasks including cleaning, restocking, and remerchandising for optimal customer experience.

> Manage inventory, including maintaining optimal inventory & staffing levels, assessing & optimizing as needed to meet the needs of the business and customer experience. Assist with receiving new product and inventory transfers. Monitor e-comm sales, carefully pack items, and ship online orders.

> Recognize both the small details like labeling backstock boxes and the big picture like holiday staffing needs. Take initiative and bring creative ideas to improve all aspects of the business. Ability to prioritize and perform tasks with accuracy in a busy environment that brings unique challenges every day.

> No task too small attitude is required in the management of a small business’ day to day operations - cleaning, receiving, tagging etc. are things that every team member takes part in.

....and much more! This is an ever-evolving role that requires a genuine love of retail and customer service, and a whole lot of adaptability in order to support the needs of the shop and the team as they arise. We expect this role to prepare you for owning your own retail business and/or a Regional or Retail Director role in your professional future.

Compensation
> $60-$75k commensurate with experience
> Annual bonus based on company performance
> 64-80 hrs PTO/year + floating holidays
> Healthcare Premium Reimbursement Arrangement
> Employee discount on all merchandise

To apply
Please no calls or drop-ins. Email your résumé and a short note about why you want to work at Neighborly to getajob [at] neighborlyshop [dot] com and use subject “Location Manager”.

Neighborly is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and expression, disability, age, citizenship status, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.