Retail Lead

The Jay Group LTD; Battle Creek (MI); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

The Jay Group is seeking a high-energy Retail Lead & Live WhatNot Show Host for Bargain Lane, blending store floor leadership with on-camera live auction hosting.

You will open and close the store, supervise staff, handle cash, and run a 4:00 PM–8:00 PM live show, managing 250+ items with fast-paced descriptions and real-time engagement.

Experience in retail supervision and familiarity with live-stream platforms is preferred; training for platform software will be provided.

Qualifications

• Live energy and camera presence for long hosting sessions.
• Retail supervisory experience with cash handling.
• Sales-driven with ability to close deals in real-time.

Responsibilities

• Host live WhatNot show windows, pace 250+ items with energy.
• Open/close store, manage cash, supervise staff, ensure customer service.
• Maintain floor displays, monitor stock, enforce security and processes.

Skills

On-camera sales

Retail leadership

Cash handling

Customer engagement

Flexibility

Tools

Whatnot platform

TikTok Live

Instagram Live

Job description

Description

Job Summary

Who We Are

Bargain Lane is a fast-growing local discount retail, online auction, and bargain bin store built on one simple idea: unbeatable deals, every single day. With stores across Indiana and Michigan, bargain bins where diggers are rewarded, and online auctions where hunters bid and win from anywhere, our inventory is always moving, always changing, and always a treasure hunt. We don't do polished-we do real. We are fast-moving, hands-on, and built for people who love the grind of making something work.

What We’re Building

Bargain Lane Live is our live-stream selling operation powered by Whatnot, anchored directly out of our retail locations. We are combining brick-and-mortar retail management with real-time live auction sales.

The Role

We are looking for a high-energy hybrid leader who can seamlessly bridge our physical sales floor and our digital live channel. As a Retail Lead & Live WhatNot Show Host, you will spend part of your shift running floor operations- opening/closing the store, managing cash, supervising staff, and supporting customers-and part of your shift locked on camera holding down our live auction window.

This is live selling, closer to QVC and live auctioneering than influencer content. You will be paired with a behind-the-scenes show assistant while on camera, maintaining a relentless pace across 250+ items while driving real-time sales numbers.

Key Responsibilities & Essential Functions

1. Live WhatNot Host & On-Camera Sales (Show Shift Focus)

• High-Pace Hosting: Command the camera during live auction windows (typically scheduled within 4:00 PM-8:00 PM blocks), pacing through 250+ items with non-stop energy.
• Closing & Conversions: Drive live bids through fast-paced product descriptions, call-to-actions, and continuous engagement.
• Audience & Chat Engagement: Address viewers by name, build chat momentum, pivot selling styles in real-time based on live audience signals, and celebrate winning bids.
• Post-Show Debriefs: Participate in daily debriefs to evaluate sales data, viewer retention, and product performance to continuously optimize future shows.

2. Retail Operations & Leadership (Store Shift Focus)

• Opening & Closing Procedures: Execute daily store opening and closing protocols, including security checks, register setup, and store lockdown.
• Team Supervision: Assist in directing, delegating tasks to, and training retail team members on floor standards, customer service, and loss prevention.
• Cash Handling & Register Audits: Reconcile cash drawers, conduct register audits, manage transactions, and resolve drawer discrepancies.
• Floor Management & Customer Service: Assist in-store customers with product inquiries, sales, and returns, ensuring an engaging, organized store environment.

3. Inventory & Security Compliance

• Merchandise Stocking: Maintain organized floor displays, monitor bin stock levels, and prep featured merchandise for live streams.
• Loss Prevention: Enforce security policies and loss prevention strategies to safeguard store inventory.
• Company Compliance: Uphold all company policies, procedures, and operational standards across both physical retail and live streaming workflows.

Requirements

Qualifications & Requirements

• Live Energy & Camera Presence: Ability to maintain high energy on camera for up to 3.5 continuous hours without fading; comfortable performing under pressure during slow bid cycles or dead chats.
• Retail & Supervisory Background: Prior retail experience (Keyholder, Lead, Assistant Manager, or Senior Associate) with experience handling cash transactions and basic math.
• Sales-Driven Mindset: Proven ability to persuade, hustle, close sales, and respond productively to real-time feedback and performance metrics.
• Flexibility & Reliability: Willingness to work a flexible schedule, including evenings (4:00 PM-8:00 PM show windows), weekends, and standard store opening/closing shifts.
• Interpersonal Skills: Excellent verbal communication skills and a confident, approachable personality.
• Platform Training: Prior Whatnot, TikTok Live, Instagram Live, or resale auction experience is a major plus, but not required. We will train you on platform software-you bring the personality, pace, and drive to close.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Be Advised: The Jay Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.