Lead Sales Associate

The Salvation Army USA Central Territory; Saint Joseph (MO); On-site; USD 18,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

The Salvation Army USA Central Territory in St. Joseph, MO is seeking a Store Lead Sales Associate to help drive daily retail operations and deliver exceptional customer service.

You will support store leadership, manage cash handling, merchandising, and POS duties while guiding teammates to ensure a welcoming shopping experience in a busy thrift store environment. Join a mission-driven team that supports programs through thrift-store revenue and community outreach, with a schedule that includes

Qualifications

• High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent.
• Previous retail experience required.
• Leadership and customer service experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist management with store operations, customer service, merchandising, cash handling, and team support.
• Provide guidance when management is unavailable and ensure policies followed.
• Open and close procedures, balance cash, and handle deposits.
• Monitor inventory and merchandising initiatives.
• Maintain a welcoming, clean, and organized store environment.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Cash handling

POS systems

Multitasking

Leadership

Team collaboration

Education

High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent

Job description

Store Lead Sales Associate

Location: St. Joseph, MO

Pay: $15.58 per hour

Job Type: Full-Time

Schedule: 40 hours per week, including days, evenings, weekends, and holidays as scheduled

Join a Mission That Changes Lives

The Salvation Army is an international movement and part of the universal Christian church. Through our thrift stores, we help fund Adult Rehabilitation Centers and provide affordable shopping opportunities for our communities.

We are looking for a motivated and dependable Store Lead Sales Associate to help support daily retail operations, deliver outstanding customer service, and assist store leadership in creating a positive shopping experience. If you have retail experience, leadership skills, and a passion for serving others, we'd love to hear from you.

Why Join The Salvation Army?

At The Salvation Army, your work directly impacts lives in your community. We offer a supportive environment where employees can grow professionally while contributing to a meaningful mission.

Benefits Include:

• Medical, Dental, Vision & Hearing Insurance
• Prescription Drug Coverage
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Employer-Paid Life Insurance
• Short-Term & Long-Term Disability Coverage
• Supplemental Aflac Insurance Options
• Pet Insurance through MetLife
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Holidays
• 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan with Employer Match Eligibility
• Career Growth & Development Opportunities

Position Summary

The Store Lead Sales Associate assists management with store operations, customer service, merchandising, cash handling, and team support. This leadership-focused retail position helps ensure efficient operations, drives sales performance, and maintains an inviting shopping environment.

When management is unavailable, the Store Lead Sales Associate may provide guidance and support to team members while helping ensure policies and procedures are followed.

Key Responsibilities

Retail Operations & Sales

• Assist management with product sales and donation acquisition efforts
• Support achievement of production, sales, and revenue goals
• Perform opening and closing procedures
• Prepare bank deposits and handle daily cash management duties
• Monitor inventory flow and product rotation
• Support merchandising initiatives and sales floor organization
• Ensure compliance with store policies and operating procedures

Customer Service

• Deliver exceptional customer service and create a positive shopping experience
• Resolve customer concerns and complaints professionally
• Maintain a welcoming, clean, and organized store environment
• Assist customers with purchases, donations, and general inquiries
• Promote customer satisfaction and repeat business

Leadership & Team Support

• Provide direction and support to staff in the absence of management
• Assist with register troubleshooting and basic POS system support
• Communicate operational concerns and recommendations to management
• Document and report workplace issues as appropriate
• Foster teamwork and a positive work culture

Merchandising & Store Appearance

• Maintain attractive merchandise displays
• Follow floor plan and visual merchandising standards
• Identify opportunities to improve store presentation and sales performance
• Ensure sales floor, fitting rooms, and work areas remain organized and safe

Qualifications

Required Education

• High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent

Required Experience

• Previous retail experience required
• Experience in customer service, cash handling, sales, merchandising, or lead associate roles preferred

Skills & Abilities

• Strong customer service and communication skills
• Basic computer proficiency
• Knowledge of Point of Sale (POS) systems
• Accurate cash handling and balancing skills
• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced retail environment
• Strong organizational and leadership abilities
• Dependable attendance and work ethic

Licensing Requirements

• Valid driver's license required
• Reliable transportation for occasional bank deposits
• Ability to successfully pass a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) check

Physical Requirements

• Stand and walk for extended periods
• Frequently use hands and arms for reaching, handling, and lifting
• Regularly lift and move up to 25 pounds
• Occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, balance, or climb
• Ability to work in a retail environment with varying temperatures and moderate noise levels

Work Environment

• Retail thrift store setting
• Quiet to moderate noise levels
• Dust exposure may occur
• Seasonal temperature fluctuations may be present

Travel Requirements

• Occasional local travel may be required for training, meetings, or work assignments

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Salvation Army is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage applications from veterans, individuals with disabilities, people returning to the workforce, individuals impacted by the justice system, and candidates without a college degree.