Retail Store Assistant Manager

16 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601, USA

Job Description

Posted Monday, August 31, 2026 at 5:00 AM

The Canvas…

Founded in 1911, Blick Art Materials is in its third generation of family ownership, and is the largest and oldest provider of art supplies in the United States.

At Blick Art Materials, our family owners and dedicated staff support the Visual Art Community by providing the widest selection of art supplies at the lowest prices. With extraordinary service and integrity, we strive to provide artists, educators, students, and our associates with the tools, assistance, and training they need to grow, innovate, and reach their creative potential.

Our Patrons - Customer Experience

By exhibiting exceptional teamwork, boundless curiosity, and the utmost care, the Assistant Manager will lead their team to fulfil Blick’s commitment to our customers, the Arts, and our local communities. Responsibilities include:

• Supports multiple stores in the Chicago market.
• Increase sales volume, uphold customer service standards, develop and maintain customer relationships, making the store a key partner in the art community.
• Ensure consistently high levels of customer experience by training on and setting experience standards in retail and framing.
• Provide customer service at the Custom Services desk.
• Assist the Custom Services production team as needed.
• Partner with the General Manager to build and maintain relationships with key artists and art influencers.

The Studio - Operations & Standards

• Maintain company POGs, display and signage compliance, cleanliness standards, and supply orders.
• Direct and oversee the overall operations of the retail location.
• Oversee all aspects of inventory.
• Ensure compliance with all Loss Prevention and Safety measures, Company Policies and Procedures, and operational controls.

The Gallery Ledger - Sales Performance & Business Results

• Communicate and maintain daily, weekly, and monthly sales goals for all associates.
• Coordinate marketing programs at store level.
• Understand and manage the financial well-being of the store using the annual budget and monthly Profit & Loss reports.

The Binder - Product & Brand Knowledge

• Maintain knowledge of art and craft materials, including market trends, and custom framing order taking procedures.
• Ensure store associates are trained and current on product knowledge and custom framing.

The Armature - Leadership & People Management

• Train and coach store associates on all aspects of their role.
• Shift supervision, including opening and closing the store, managing payroll, creating weekly schedule, staff tasks and duties assigned daily.
• Interview candidates for open non-exempt associate positions.
• Solve associate issues in partnership with other members of management.
• Ability to work both independently and in a team environment.
• Willing and able to work a minimum of two nights per work week. Must close Friday and Saturday a minimum of one weekend per accounting period, minimum of one Sunday per accounting period.
• Availability to work flexible schedules including day/evening shifts, weekends and holidays as required by the needs of the business.
• Regular attendance in accordance with the attendance policy.

Supervisory Responsibility:

• The Assistant Manager directly and indirectly supervises personnel within their store location.

Physical Demands:

• Must be able to lift and carry 50 pounds while using the appropriate lifting techniques and following all safety rules.
• Prolonged walking, standing, and climbing ladders.

Travel:

• Travel is primarily local during the business day, although some out-of-area and overnight travel may be expected.

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma, College preferred but not required.
• One year of previous retail management experience or one year of employment with Blick.
• Demonstrated superior sales performance throughout career.
• Computer literate, including Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel.

Other Duties:

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the associate for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Pay Rate:

The pay range below is provided in compliance with state/city specific laws. This pay range applies to this location. Pay ranges may be different in other locations.

• $23.50 - $26.50 per hour + Sales Incentives