Retail Operations Manager (Highland Park)

Your Role…

By exhibiting exceptional teamwork, boundless curiosity, and the utmost care, the Retail Operations Manager is to support the Director of Stores and District Managers as liaison between the stores and retail support departments. Secondary responsibility of the position is to execute the directives, policies and procedures of the company to ensure customer service, product sales and profitability.

Responsibilities:

• Works directly with the Director of Stores to execute strategies and action plans to ensure business plan objectives are met.
• Work with department managers to “gate keep” projects for the retail stores. Collaborate with department managers to ensure processes and timing of projects fit into the retail calendar and positively impact the business.
• Regular scheduled travel to Blick offices in Galesburg and Highland Park to attend/facilitate meetings. Some travel to stores to work with store teams to identify areas of opportunity to positively impact the business.
• Oversee updates to Loss Prevention audits working with our Loss Prevention partner, manage Store Visit Review compliance and updates as required to meet business needs.
• Attend strategic meetings and collaborate with department managers to execute leadership initiatives.
• Support the District Managers by being a liaison between the retail field and the office staff.
• Partner with the Director of Stores to communicate initiatives to the stores.
• Monitors progress of all training initiatives and regularly communicate with the Store Manager, Human Resources and senior management on progress and needs of the field team.
• Update and develop policies and procedures to meet changing business needs.
• Ensure appropriate information is communicated to all field employees in a timely and appropriate manner including; directives, initiatives, general information, feedback, etc.
• Create tracking to monitor progress of Ops initiatives execution.
• The position includes all other duties assigned by the supervisor.

Requirements for the position include:

• Bachelor’s degree in business or a related field recommended.
• 3-5 years' progressively responsive retail management experience.
• 3+ years' experience managing multiple stores.
• Basic computer skills, including email, experience with Microsoft office products, etc.
• Ability to break down complex problems into organized, succinct terms and communicate effectively to cross functional team members.
• Extensive experience and ability to excel in delivering a high level of customer service in a brand image retailer.
• Retail operations, budgeting, planning, customer service, sales and people management experience.

General Requirements:

• Ability to work onsite in Highland Park office and travel monthly to the Galesburg office. Overnight travel on an occasional basis 20% of the time.
• Self-motivating with an entrepreneurial spirit.
• Excellent time management skills to complete time sensitive projects while adapting to changing circumstances.
• Available to work day/evening shifts, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Prolonged walking and standing.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 40 lbs. using appropriate lifting techniques and adhering to all safety rules.

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.

• $60,000 - $70,000 per year + Incentives

Benefits Include:

• Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance
• 401K & Profit Sharing Plan
• Incentive Bonus Plans
• Paid Holidays & Paid Time Off
• Paid Parental Leave
• Short-Term/Long-Term Disability
• Training Opportunities
• Basic & Optional Life Insurance
• Employee Discount

Who we are...

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.

Our Mission...

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 employees with the tools, assistance, and training they need to grow, innovate, and reach their creative potential.