Store Manager in Training

Goodwill of the Olympics & Rainier Region; Puyallup (WA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Goodwill of the Olympics & Rainier Region in Puyallup, WA is hiring a Full Time Store Manager In Training. This role participates in all aspects of retail store operations to develop the knowledge, skills, and leadership capabilities required to successfully perform the Store Manager role at any regional Goodwill location.

Through hands‑on training and progressive responsibility, this position learns to oversee daily store operations, drive sales and donation performance, support financial and

Qualifications

• Store leadership readiness and customer service awareness
• Ability to learn retail operations and leadership skills

Responsibilities

• Participate in all aspects of retail store operations to develop the knowledge and skills for the Store Manager role.
• Learn retail management principles to meet sales, donation, customer service, and performance goals.
• Assist in increasing sales via merchandise rotation, display, pricing, and inventory control.
• Support budgeting, labor planning, and staff development.

Job description

Our vision is that every person has the opportunity to learn, work, and thrive in all aspects of life.

To achieve our vision, we are committed to dismantling racism and advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion so we can help people reach their fullest potential through our education, job placement, and career pathway services. We do our work with great gratitude for the community donations, purchases, and partnerships that make our mission possible.

Right now, our Puyallup, WA store is hiring a Full Time Store Manager In Training!

The Store Manager in Training (SMIT) participates in all aspects of retail store operations to develop the knowledge, skills, and leadership capabilities required to successfully perform the Store Manager role at any regional Goodwill location. Through hands‑on training and progressive responsibility, this position learns to oversee daily store operations, drive sales and donation performance, support financial and loss control objectives, and ensure compliance with company policies and procedures. The SMIT partners with store leadership to develop supervisory, staffing, customer service, and operational management skills while gaining experience in talent development, budget oversight, and business performance management. This role is responsible for supporting the achievement of sales, operational, staffing, and customer experience goals while fostering a culture of accountability, teamwork, and service excellence that advances the mission and values of Goodwill.

Hourly Rate: $23.07 - $25.08 per hour

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The Store Manager in Training responsibilities include the following and other duties as assigned:

Store Operations and Retail Leadership

• Participate in all aspects of retail store operations to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully perform the Store Manager role.
• Learn and apply retail management principles that support the achievement of sales, donation, customer service, and operational performance goals.
• Assist in maximizing sales performance through proper merchandise rotation, display/presentation, signage, pricing, and inventory levels.
• Support the maintenance of a clean, organized, safe, and welcoming sales floor and work environment that reflects company standards.
• Gain experience in managing store financial performance, including labor utilization, expense control, productivity, and budget management.
• Monitor store performance metrics and participate in implementing action plans designed to improve sales, operational effectiveness, and customer experience.
• Ensure compliance with cash handling procedures, vault access controls, register accountability, deposits, and required financial reporting.
• Develop leadership skills through coaching, training, motivating, and supporting supervisors and hourly team members.
• Participate in employee performance management activities, including coaching conversations, recognition efforts, training, and development planning.
• Assist with store audits, operational reviews, and compliance processes to ensure company standards are maintained.
• Learn inventory management processes, including inventory preparation, execution, reconciliation, and follow‑up activities.
• Partner with production, inventory, and new goods teams to understand merchandise flow strategies that support sales goals and customer demand.
• Participate in scheduling, payroll administration, and labor planning activities to develop an understanding of workforce management and budget expectations.
• Assist with maintaining accurate employee records, timekeeping documentation, personnel transactions, and store administrative processes.
• Support facility and equipment maintenance efforts by identifying operational issues and ensuring appropriate follow‑up.
• Demonstrate increasing accountability for assigned operational responsibilities and contribute to achieving retail store objectives.
• Serve as the leader on duty and maintain overall accountability for retail store operations, including opening, closing, and emergency response procedures as required
• Actively participate in recruiting, interviewing, onboarding, and training retail employees in accordance with Goodwill's hiring guidelines and practices
• Participate in special projects, at the discretion of leadership, at any location within the region
• Successfully complete all assigned training objectives and development milestones in preparation for promotion to a Store Manager position at leadership’s discretion.

Loss Prevention, Safety, & Asset Protection

• Learn and support all retail store safety, security, and risk management practices while ensuring compliance with company policies and procedures.
• Promote awareness and adherence to all company policies related to asset protection, cash control, and operational compliance within the retail store environment.
• Investigate, document, and communicate security incidents and operational concerns as appropriate.
• Ensure Loss Prevention (LP) audits are completed and maintained at acceptable levels.
• Verify that security and safety systems are operational, including door locks, alarms, bank deposits, refunds, vouchers, and incident reporting procedures.

Customer Service

• Ensure that quality customer service is presented and provided by employees in a timely and courteous manner to all shoppers, donors and other employees.
• Foster a positive, welcoming, and inclusive retail shopping experience for customers, donors, and employees.
• Resolve customer concerns professionally and efficiently while maintaining a focus on customer satisfaction and relationship building.
• Learn how to balance operational priorities with customer service expectations to create a consistently positive retail experience.