Traveling Store Opening Coordinator

Ollie's Bargain Outlet; Iowa City (IA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Ollie’s Bargain Outlet seeks a Store Opening Coordinator to lead new store setup, merchandising, layout and staffing. You will partner with internal and external teams to ensure a smooth launch, manage fixtures, labor costs and timelines, and drive operational readiness for each new location.

The role requires coordinating staffing, training, and documentation while maintaining safety and efficiency during fast-paced openings.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• Retail architecture or space planning experience preferred.
• Bachelor’s Degree in management preferred.
• Minimum 1 year of retail supervisory experience.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Ability to operate all equipment necessary to perform the job.
• Ability to complete assignments in the time allotted.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop store layout to maximize space efficiency.
• Revise layout to meet supply and corporate needs.
• Coordinate communication with internal and external partners to keep on schedule.
• Coordinate purchase and setup of fixtures.
• Staffing responsibilities for new store, hiring, interviewing, selection.
• Motivate and lead Team Leaders and Associates.
• Implement procedures for efficient store operations.
• Provide training to newly hired Associates.
• Guide and lead all Associates during new store setup.
• Complete required associate time records and new hire paperwork.
• Manage daily tasks and project deadlines.
• Maintain a safe work environment.
• Complete additional duties as assigned.

Skills

Communication skills

Leadership

Space planning

Time management

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Bachelor’s Degree in management

Job description

The Store Opening Coordinator is responsible for all aspects of store openings. This position is also responsible to lead the store opening project and team during store set up; to include, all aspects of merchandising, store layout, labor costs, and financial results.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Design and develop store layout to most efficiently use space provided.
• Revise store layout based on changing requirements of supplies and corporate initiatives.
• Communicate with internal and external partners to keep projects on schedule.
• Coordinate the purchase and set up of fixtures for the stores.
• Ensure staffing needs of the new store are met by maintaining hiring standards, recruiting efforts, interviewing, and selection of candidates.
• Provide motivation, inspiration and enthusiasm to Team Leaders and Associates.
• Implement procedures for maintaining effective and efficient store operations.
• Ensure proper training is provided to newly hired Associates.
• Provide guidance, motivation and leadership to all Associates during the new store set up.
• Accurately complete required documentation for Associate time records, new hire paperwork, and project plans.
• Manage daily tasks and projects and meet deadlines.
• Maintain a safe work environment.
• Complete any additional responsibilities and/or duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• Experience in retail architecture or space planning preferred.
• Bachelor’s Degree in management preferred.
• Minimum of 1 year of retail experience in a supervisory role in a mid-size to large retail service-oriented business, or demonstration of skills and learning through an internal development program and selection process.
• Ability to effectively communicate.
• Ability to operate all equipment necessary to perform the job.
• Ability to complete assignments in the time allotted.

Physical Requirements:

• Physical ability to stand for extended periods and to move and handle boxes of merchandise and fixtures.
• Duties may frequently involve the use of ladders and stairs.
• Frequent standing, bending, stooping and kneeling.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to work in a constant state of alertness and safe manner.
• Travel to new stores including overnight travel required.
• Frequent lifting up to 70 lbs.

Ollie’s is an equal opportunity employer. In compliance with Federal and State Equal Opportunity Laws, qualified applicants are considered for all positions applied for without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identification, national origin, age, veteran’s status, disability, genetic information or any other legally protected status.

Management experience with these traveling merchandising companies translates well to this opportunity: Advanced Retail Merchandising, SASR Workforce, Get Set Merchandising, Acosta, Retail Odyssey Company, Driveline, In Store Group, Apollo Retail and P.L. Marketing, Big Lots, Gabes, Chrristmas Tree Shops, Ocean State Job Lot, Bed Bath and Beyond, Walmart, Dollar General, Dollar Tree and Family Dollar to name a few.