Restore Associate/ Manager in Training

Habitat for Humanity of Berkeley County; Goose Creek (SC); On-site; USD 27,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

Habitat for Humanity of Berkeley County is seeking a ReStore Associate / Manager in Training to support daily store operations, customer service, and donation processing while entering an accelerated management development pathway.

Under the guidance of the ReStore Manager, the MIT will build operational, leadership, merchandising, and financial skills to transition into a full management role, with progressive responsibilities and real-world accountability.

Qualifications

• Education: High school diploma, GED, or equivalent experience.
• Experience: 1-3 years in retail, customer service, warehouse, thrift/resale, or home improvement operations.
• Leadership Potential: Demonstrated aptitude for team leadership, proactive communication, and problem-solving.
• Technical Skills: Basic computer proficiency, experience with modern POS systems, and retail math.
• Interpersonal Skills: Positive attitude, conflict-resolution ability, and comfort working with diverse staff, volunteers, and donors.

Responsibilities

• 1) Daily store operations, including opening/closing, cash handling, and safety checks.
• 2) Operate POS, process purchases/returns/donations, ensure accuracy.
• 3) Supervise and train volunteers and staff; schedule and coverage.
• 4) Donation receiving, processing, pricing, merchandising, markdowns, and inventory rotation.
• 5) Safety/compliance, forklift if certified, OSHA standards, and mission engagement.

Skills

Leadership

Customer service

POS systems

Retail math

Communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

POS systems

Computer proficiency

Job description

The ReStore Associate / Manager in Training (MIT) plays a dual role within our retail operations. In addition to executing daily floor, customer service, and donation processing tasks, this individual participates in an accelerated management development pathway.

Under the direct mentorship of the ReStore Manager, the Manager in Training will develop the operational, leadership, merchandising, and financial management skills necessary to transition into a full management role.

Primary Responsibilities & Leadership Development

1. Daily Store & Retail Operations

• Perform opening and closing procedures, including cash drawer reconciliation, register setup, alarm protocols, and facility walkthroughs.
• Operate the Point of Sale (POS) system efficiently, processing customer purchases, returns, and donations accurately.
• Provide exceptional customer service, answering inquiries about merchandise, pricing, and Habitat's mission.
• Maintain high standards of store cleanliness, safety, organization, and visual merchandising.

2. Donation Receiving, Processing & Merchandising

• Assist with receiving donations at the loading dock/intake bay; evaluate items based on ReStore donation acceptance criteria.
• Test, clean, repair (when applicable), and price incoming merchandise according to store pricing guidelines. Stage and merchandise items on the sales floor to maximize sales velocity and maintain safe walkways. Monitor slow-moving inventory and execute markdown and rotation schedules.

3. Supervisory & Leadership Training (Progressive Responsibilities)

• Supervise, train, and encourage daily store volunteers, community service workers, and floor staff.
• Learn and assist with staff scheduling, workflow delegation, and floor coverage management.
• Act as the Manager on Duty (MOD) during scheduled shifts, resolving customer or donor concerns with poise and sound judgment.
• Participate in weekly management reviews covering sales KPIs, labor efficiency, donation intake metrics, and salvage rates.

4. Safety, Compliance & Facilities

• Enforce workplace safety protocols, proper lifting techniques, and hazardous material disposal rules.
• Safely operate material-handling equipment (pallet jacks, hand trucks, and forklifts, if certified).
• Ensure dock areas and emergency exits remain clear and compliant with OSHA standards.

5. Mission Engagement

• Act as a brand ambassador, educating shoppers, donors, and volunteers on how ReStore proceeds fund Habitat's mission of building safe, affordable housing in our community.

Key Competencies & Qualifications

Required

Education: High school diploma, GED, or equivalent experience.

Experience: 1-3 years of experience in retail, customer service, warehouse, thrift/resale, or home improvement operations. Pay will be based on experience.

Leadership Potential: Demonstrated aptitude for team leadership, proactive communication, and problem-solving.

Technical Skills: Basic computer proficiency, experience with modern POS systems, and general retail math skills.

Interpersonal Skills: Positive attitude, conflict-resolution ability, and comfort working with diverse staff, volunteers, and donors.

Preferred

• Prior experience as a shift lead, keyholder, or department lead.
• Familiarity with building materials, appliances, furniture, and home decor.
• Active Forklift Certification (or ability/willingness to obtain within 60 days of hire).
• Bilingual proficiency is an asset.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

Ability to stand, walk, bend, and move continuously for 6-8 hour shifts on a concrete retail floor.

Ability to regularly lift and move 50+ lbs unassisted, and heavier loads with team lift assistance or equipment.

• Work environment involves a mix of climate-controlled retail sales floor and open warehouse/loading dock conditions exposed to ambient weather.
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule, including weekends and occasional special events.