Thrift Store Manager

The Salvation Army Southern California; Fairbanks (AK); On-site; USD 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The Salvation Army Southern California is seeking a Thrift Store Manager to oversee operations at the Fairbanks location. Responsibilities include managing staff, ensuring operational efficiency, and maximizing revenue for agency programs. Ideal candidates have at least 2 years of management experience in retail and strong communication skills.

This role requires proficiency in point of sale systems and a friendly demeanor toward customers and volunteers. The company values a diverse work environment and offers a supportive workplace.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of management experience in retail or specialty retail.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills required.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

Responsibilities

• Oversee thrift store operations to maximize revenue.
• Manage staff scheduling, hiring, and training.
• Ensure the safety and well-being of employees and customers.

Skills

Organized

Communication

Customer service

Management

Problem-solving

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalency

Management experience in retail operation

Specialty retail management experience

Tools

Point of Sale systems

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Outlook

Job description

Mission Statement

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

Position Title

Thrift Store Manager

Department

The Salvation Army; Fairbanks Corps

Reports To

Corps Officers

FLSA Status

Full-Time / 40 hours per week; Non-Exempt

Scope of Position

Thrift Store Manager provides supervision, oversight, and management of store operations to generate revenues which support agency administration and programs. The manager will oversee staff and volunteers, sales, donation of merchandise, promotion of the store in the community, and internal fiscal controls with efficiency, effectiveness, and courtesy. The position will ensure financial success and employee satisfaction by meeting measurable objectives.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities of the Thrift Store Manager include management of warehouse/distribution functions and personnel, store set-up and retail operations. The overall goal is to financially support TSA programs by producing the highest possible revenue and margin while controlling operation costs. The manager must ensure warehouse operations and donation collections run efficiently within budget and that quality products quickly reach the sales floor. Key success factors include meeting or exceeding revenue budget targets; reducing expenses through improved processes; identifying and establishing new business/donation opportunities; and developing personnel succession plans to support evolving business needs.

Education and Work Experience

• High School Diploma or Equivalency.
• Minimum two (2) years of management experience in a retail operation, merchandising and supervision of staff; experience overseeing volunteers a plus.
• Minimum two (2) years of specialty retail, thrift, consignment, or distribution management experience preferred; three (3) years of experience highly desired.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision; responsible, well organized, honest, and dependable.
• Ability to work with individuals of diverse backgrounds and circumstances.
• Ability to maintain a professional, courteous, cooperative, welcoming manner with all individuals he/she interacts with and demonstrate respect and a positive attitude at all times.
• Proficiency in operating point of sale systems; working knowledge of budgets, projections, and fiscally responsible procedures.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Knowledge of general office equipment including telephone, computer, copier, fax machine, calculator, and Windows operating system (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook).
• Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule including Saturdays.
• Must maintain a valid Alaska driver’s license with acceptable driving and criminal history records.
• Must meet all state requirements to be in compliance with DOT and Alaska state rules, which may include obtaining a medical certification from an approved provider.

Essential Job Functions

• Maintain a cooperative, friendly, and helpful attitude with employees, volunteers, customers, and donors.
• Ensure the safety and well‑being of all employees, volunteers, customers, and donors through clear communication and application of policies and procedures.
• Complete and submit all required and assigned paperwork in a timely and accurate manner.
• Supervise and manage staff, including scheduling, hiring, supervising, coaching, performance evaluation, professional development, disciplining, and terminating as necessary with Corps Officers approval.
• Ensure proper coverage through scheduling employee break and meal periods; review and approve employee timecards.
• Conduct staff training and hold staff meetings as needed.
• Develop, implement, and maintain efficient production systems and practices to process donations, including sorting lines and other processes.
• Operate The Salvation Army vehicle as needed to pick up donations, load trash and unsellable merchandise, and take it to the Fairbanks Dump, keeping the vehicle cleaned and serviced. Maintain mileage logs, gas receipts, inspect vehicle daily for any safety or maintenance issues and report them to the Corps Officers.
• Ensure appropriate sales practices are done according to current fiscal standards including ringing in sales, register corrections and over‑rings, credit card transactions, denials or rejected credit cards.
• Calculate and verify daily deposit, sales reports, and bank cash receipts, transport deposit to bank, and safeguard cash at all times.
• Ensure the safety of employees, volunteers, customers, donors, property, and buildings; report all accidents, injuries, and safety hazards to the Corps Officers.
• Oversee sales floor product merchandising to enhance store appearance and create an inviting shopping environment. Report maintenance/repair needs to supervisor and ensure facility cleanliness both inside and out.
• Perform sales floor and warehouse duties as needed, including receiving donations, sorting donated material, pricing merchandise, pulling outdated items, restocking merchandise, maintaining cash register, ringing in sales, corrections, and over‑rings. Verify credit card denials or rejected credit cards. Collect credit cards from customers per machine instructions.
• Order supplies and equipment through approved vendors and maintain adequate amounts of goods on hand.
• Oversee and maintain all equipment, including the video security system.
• Contribute to the development of revenue projections which meet and/or exceed financial goals.
• Resolve any/all complaints from the community concerning operational matters, i.e., pick up services, customer service, employee conduct, etc.
• Visit competition thrift/consignment stores periodically (at least quarterly) to compare product, pricing, merchandising, etc., and make recommendations to supervisor to improve competitiveness and sales.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Work Environment

Limited exposure to weather conditions while on pickups, deliveries, or disposal of refuse. Most work is performed in a heated and ventilated setting. Some brief exposure to extremely cold temperatures during winter months will be expected. Personal protective equipment will be worn as required in the site’s Hazard Communication Program.

Physical Demands

Speaking, sitting, bending, walking, pushing, pulling, standing, kneeling, stooping, reaching, handling, fingering, climbing, and balancing. Ability to grasp, push, pull objects such as boxes or furniture, reach overhead, and carry store supplies. Hearing and visual acuity must be within normal limits. Lifting and moving objects weighing up to 50 lbs. Ability to learn and adhere to proper lifting techniques, always wearing a back brace when lifting heavy items. Maintain the ability to operate a motor vehicle, computer, telephone, and similar technologies.

Software Relevant Skills

Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook familiarity preferred. Working knowledge of integrated database applications and ability to use new software programs with basic training.

Language Skills

Must be able to understand, follow, and give both written and oral instructions and be comfortable working with diverse individuals in face‑to‑face contact and over the telephone. Must use speech and hearing for ordinary and telephone conversation.

Mathematical Skills

Must be able to perform simple calculations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division) and apply concepts such as ratios and percentages in practical situations.

Performance Skills

Must be punctual, organized, self‑motivated, flexible, and possess a desire to learn and assist those he/she interacts with.

Protect The Mission

Must complete the online course for this area and pass the Background Checks required by The Salvation Army for employment.

Driving Requirement

Must be a licensed driver with an acceptable driving history. Must also complete and pass The Salvation Army Driver Safety Course.

Acknowledgement of Religious Purposes of the Salvation Army

Employee acknowledges that he/she has been informed and understands The Salvation Army’s religious purpose and status as a church. The employee agrees that he/she shall not undermine the religious mission and that his/her work‑related conduct must not conflict with, interfere with, or undermine such religious programs or The Army’s religious purposes.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Salvation Army is an Equal Opportunity Employer and committed to providing a respectful environment for all applicants and employees that is free from unlawful discrimination or harassment based on age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, marital status, disability, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other characteristic protected by law. Such equal opportunity for employment will apply to recruitment and hiring, training, promotion, salaries and other compensation, transfers and layoffs or termination.