Store Manager

Goodwill Industries of Southwestern Michigan; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

Goodwill Industries of Southwestern Michigan is seeking a Store Manager to oversee retail store operations, donations and production, driving efficiency and enforcing safety and quality standards.

You will lead a team, provide on‑the‑job training, monitor KPIs, and implement Lean techniques to improve productivity while maintaining strong customer service and community impact.

Qualifications

• Excellent communication and leadership skills, with the ability to motivate and lead a team.
• Solid problem-solving and analytical skills, with the ability to identify issues and implement effective solutions.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and digital meeting software

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily store operations, including sales, donations and production according to procedures.
• Lead, train and coach staff to meet productivity and quality goals.
• Monitor performance, conduct reviews and address personnel issues.
• Utilize Lean tools (5S, Kaizen) to streamline processes and reduce waste.
• Ensure safety, customer service and agency guidelines are followed.
• Prepare reports on production performance and KPIs for upper management.
• Maintain a clean, compliant facility and promote a positive image in the community.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem-solving

Lean methodologies

Microsoft Office

Education

High School Diploma

Tools

Excel

Word

PowerPoint

Job description

Goodwill Industries of Southwestern Michigan

Retail Store Manager

WHY WORK FOR GOODWILL?

Ready for a career with impact? Goodwill Industries of Southwestern Michigan (Goodwill SWMI) gives you the opportunity to make a difference in your local community while building your professional skills. Goodwill SWMI is a complex enterprise offering a wide range of career opportunities. Our organization rewards creativity and innovation, while offering competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package. Our team members enjoy a unique work environment that is professional, fast paced and fulfilling.

ABOUT OUR ORGANIZATION

Goodwill SWMI is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization headquartered in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Our nearly 300 dedicated team members help achieve our mission of improving the community by providing employment, education, training and support services tailored to individual needs across a six county territory. At Goodwill SWMI, the work we do makes a difference in the lives of the individuals we serve and, in turn, in the communities in which we live.

Goodwill SWMI manages eleven retail stores (with attached, attended donation centers and one stand‑alone donation center), Contract Manufacturing Operations as well as Custodial & Janitorial business units. These business operations provide stability to our organization that is not always enjoyed by nonprofit organizations solely funded by outside sources.

Our organization’s values shape our culture and guide our interactions with program participants, customers, community and one another. Our shared commitment to Living the Mission; Promoting Teamwork; Driving Collaboration; Taking Responsibility for our Actions and Behaviors; Respecting and Appreciating Others is what makes us successful and inspires all that we do.

At Goodwill Industries of Southwestern Michigan it is the Store Manager's responsibility to oversee all functions of retail store including sales, donations and production according to established procedures. A Store Manager must be able to understand store sales and production goals, develop team members, practice and model agency’s core values of Success, Collaboration, People and Productivity.

Essential Duties, Responsibilities and Functions:

• Manage team members so they perform to the highest level of their abilities; this includes hiring, training, coaching, disciplining and /or terminating team members


• Manage and oversee the daily production activities, ensuring that production goals and deadlines are met.


• Coordinate and direct the activities of the production team, assigning tasks, monitoring performance, and ensuring team members are trained and motivated.


• Utilize Lean tools and techniques (5S, Kaizen-continuous improvement). Empower team to streamline production processes, reduce waste, and improve productivity.


• Establish a team that meets or surpasses established sales goals through service, production, merchandising and accurate business practices


• Follow all procedures and policies including, but not limited to, safety, customer service and agency guidelines


• Conduct regular process audits and maintain documentation to track performance improvements.


• Enforce company quality standards, ensuring products are sorted according to established specifications.


• Meet all reporting and documentation requirements accurately and on time


• Lead, motivate, and coach a team of production and retail employees, fostering a positive work environment.


• Provide on-the-job training and support to staff, encouraging skills development and knowledge sharing.


• Monitor team performance, conducting performance reviews, and addressing any personnel issues.


• Maintain a clean, organized and compliant facility


• Promote and enforce safe work practices and ensure that safety procedures are strictly followed.


• Encourage a culture of continuous improvement, regularly seeking ways to enhance the efficiency, safety, and quality of the production processes.


• Track and report key performance metrics (KPIs) such as productivity, efficiency and revenue sales target.


• Use data to identify trends, root causes of problems, and implement corrective actions or process improvements.


• Prepare and present reports to upper management on production performance and Lean initiatives.


• Work with upper management to continually enhance the donation and shopping experience of customers


• Develop/maintain a positive image of Goodwill Industries within the community

Qualifications include but are not limited to:

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.


• Previous retail, merchandising and production operations experience required


• Excellent communication and leadership skills, with the ability to motivate and lead a team.


• Solid problem-solving and analytical skills, with the ability to identify issues and implement effective solutions.


• Knowledge of quality control and safety standards within a manufacturing and/or retail environment.


• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and digital meeting software


• Strong leadership capabilities and a hands‑on approach to management.


• Results‑oriented with a focus on driving improvements in efficiency and reducing operational costs.


• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment while maintaining a high level of quality.


• A passion for Lean methodologies and a commitment to continuous improvement is a plus


• Demonstrated skill in retail financial practices


• Strong reading, writing, speaking and communication skills


• Ability to train, and explain processes to others


• Previous supervisory experience required

Must pass a pre‑employment drug screen, theft‑related background check and be insurable under the agency’s automobile insurance policy.

This job description outlines the primary responsibilities and qualifications for the store manager position. The role may evolve over time, and additional duties may be assigned as deemed necessary by the agency.