Lead Sales Associate

salvarmycareers; Iowa City (IA); On-site; USD 19,000 - 26,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee discount

Professional development

Mission-driven environment

Benefits package

Paid training

Job summary

The Salvation Army Thrift Store in Iowa City, IA is seeking a Lead Sales Associate to support store leadership and drive daily retail operations. The role emphasizes strong customer service, cash handling, and inventory management to help fund community programs.

The position requires evening/weekend availability and offers paid training, ongoing coaching, and opportunities for professional growth within a mission-driven environment.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Retail experience required.
• Proficient in English communication.
• Ability to handle cash accurately.

Responsibilities

• Support management with product sales and acquisition.
• Implement store opening and closing procedures.
• Handle banking and daily deposits.
• Execute strategies to meet product acquisition, production and sales goals.
• Manage product rotation process and inventory turnover.
• Create an enjoyable shopping experience with positive customer service skills.
• Handle customer complaints as needed.
• Support store maintenance and appearance.
• Maintain displays and floor layout plans.
• Identify ways to improve store appeal.
• Provide direction to staff in absence of management.
• Communicate effectively with store management regarding operations.
• Support implementation of policies and procedures.
• Document and report concerns in behavior or attitude.
• Assist others with basic register problem solving.

Skills

English proficiency

POS basics

Cash handling

Customer service

Education

High school diploma

Retail experience

Tools

POS System

Payroll program

Job description

Lead Sales Associate

Location: Iowa City, Iowa Pay: $16.50 per hour Job Type: Part-time Schedule: 20 to 29 hours per week, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as scheduled

About the Role

At The Salvation Army Thrift Store, your work helps turn donations into funding for programs that support people in our community. We're seeking a dedicated Lead Store Sales Associate to support our store management team. This role is vital in maintaining efficient store operations, providing excellent customer service, and supporting our mission through daily retail operations.

What You’ll Do

Sales & Operations

• Support management with product sales and acquisition
• Implement store opening and closing procedures
• Handle banking and daily deposits
• Execute strategies to meet product acquisition, production and sales goals
• Manage product rotation process and inventory turnover

Customer Experience & Store Maintenance

• Create an enjoyable shopping experience with positive customer service skills
• Handle customer complaints as needed
• Support store maintenance and appearance
• Maintain displays and floor layout plans
• Identify ways to improve store appeal

Leadership & Communication

• Provide direction to staff in absence of management
• Communicate effectively with store management regarding operations
• Support implementation of policies and procedures
• Document and report concerns in behavior or attitude
• Assist others with basic register problem solving

What We Offer

• Opportunity to make a positive impact in your community
• Professional development and growth opportunities
• Supportive and mission-driven work environment
• Comprehensive benefits package

Training Provided

• Paid training on register and store procedures
• Ongoing coaching and support from store leadership
• Opportunity to build retail and customer service skills
• Professional development and growth opportunities

Why Join Us

• Mission-driven work that supports programs in your community
• On-the-job training
• Team-oriented environment
• Employee Discount, Employee Assistance Program, and more!

Required

Education & Experience

• High School Graduate or Equivalent
• Retail experience required

Skills & Abilities

• Ability to speak, write and understand English for effective communication
• Basic computer skills including Point of Sales System and payroll program
• Proficient cash handling and accurate change-giving abilities
• Strong customer service orientation

Certifications

• Valid Driver's License and personal transportation for bank runs
• Must be able to pass a Motor Vehicle Record Search

Physical Requirements

• Regularly required to stand, use hands, handle, feel, hear, and talk
• Frequently required to walk and reach with hands and arms
• Occasionally required to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, or crouch
• Must regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds
• Specific vision abilities required: close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus

Work Environment

• Store environment with quiet to moderate noise level
• May be dusty and experience temperature fluctuations based on weather
• May stand for extended periods

Travel

• May be required to travel to various locations for work or training

The Salvation Army is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates who are returning to work, U.S. Veterans, people with disabilities, people impacted by the justice system, and people without a college degree are encouraged to apply.