Overview
VP of Commercial Retail Store Operations Jobs in Kalamazoo, MI at Goodwill Industries of Southwestern Michigan
VP of COMMERCIAL RETAIL STORE OPERATIONS
Position title: Vice President of Commercial Retail Operations
Classification: Executive Leadership Staff
Supervised by: CEO
Supervises: Retail & E-Commerce Store Leadership Teams
WHY WORK FOR GOODWILL?
Ready for a career with impact? Goodwill Industries of Southwestern Michigan (Goodwill SWMI) gives you the opportunity to have influence in your local community while building your
professional skills. Goodwill SWMI is a complex enterprise offering a wide range of career opportunities. Our organization rewards creativity and innovation, while offering competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package. Our team members enjoy a unique work environment that is professional, fast paced and fulfilling.
ABOUT OUR ORGANIZATION
Goodwill SWMI is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization headquartered in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Our 250 dedicated team members help achieve our mission of improving the community by providing employment, education, training, and support services tailored to individual needs across a six-county territory. At Goodwill SWMI, the work we do is effective in the lives of the individuals we serve and, in turn, in the communities in which we live.
Goodwill SWMI manages ten retail stores (with attached, attended donation centers and one stand-alone donation center), Contract Manufacturing Operations as well as Custodial & Janitorial business units. These business operations provide stability to our organization that is not always enjoyed by nonprofit organizations solely funded by outside sources.
Our organization’s values shape our culture and guide our interactions with program participants, customers, community, and one another. Our shared commitment to Living the Mission; Promoting Teamwork; Driving Collaboration; Taking Responsibility for our Actions and Behaviors; Respecting and Appreciating Others is what makes us successful and inspires all that we do.
Want to learn more about Goodwill SWMI? Go to our website at: www.goodwillswmi.org
Summary of Position:
The Vice President of Retail Operations for our Goodwill Industries SWMI thrift store division plays a pivotal role in overseeing and driving the operational excellence of our thrift store chain. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the VP of Retail Operations will be responsible for developing and executing strategies to optimize store performance, enhance customer experience, and ensure profitability across all locations. This role requires a dynamic leader with a strong understanding of thrift store operations, a passion for retail, and the ability to inspire and lead teams to success. A leader who creates an environment and culture that focuses on fulfilling the company’s mission, vision, and values.
Key Responsibilities:
Operational Strategy:
Develop and implement strategic initiatives to drive operational efficiency, improve productivity, and maximize profitability.
Inform and engage our community of shoppers, ensuring they are knowledgeable about and aligned with the vision and mission of Goodwill Industries.
Establish and maintain operational policies and procedures to ensure consistency and compliance across all stores.
Identify opportunities for process improvements and cost-saving measures while maintaining high-quality standards.
Store Performance Management:
Safety is priority one. This position, working closely with all retail stores, is responsible for promoting and maintaining a safe working environment. Develops and implements strategies, action plans, staffing, and procedures to optimize processing and maximize the monetizing of donated goods.
Oversee the performance of all thrift store locations, including sales targets, inventory management, and customer service standards.
Analyze sales data, financial reports, and key performance indicators (KPIs) to identify trends, opportunities, and areas for improvement.
Collaborate with store managers to develop action plans to address performance gaps and drive sales growth.
Responsible for the daily operations and top and bottom-line performance in revenue generating business operations (i.e., retail stores, outlet store, and e-commerce). Establish and maintain procedures to yield desired outcomes for key performance indicators of donated goods and retail sales.
Assists in the development of team goals and objectives and monitor progress towards achieving those goals.
Customer Experience:
Champion a customer-centric culture focused on delivering exceptional service and fostering long-term customer relationships.
Implement strategies to enhance the overall shopping experience, including merchandising, store layout, and product presentation.
Monitor customer feedback and satisfaction metrics to identify opportunities for improvement and implement corrective actions as needed.
Team Leadership and Development:
Provide leadership, guidance, and support to store managers and regional teams, fostering a culture of diversity, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Recruit, train, and develop talent at all levels to ensure a high-performing and motivated workforce.
Conduct regular performance evaluations, set goals, and provide ongoing coaching and feedback to drive employee engagement and development.
Safety is priority one. This position, working closely with all retail stores, is responsible for promoting and maintaining a safe working environment. Develops and implements strategies, action plans, staffing, and procedures to optimize processing and maximize the monetizing of donated goods.
Responsible for the daily operations and top and bottom-line performance in revenue generating business operations (i.e., retail stores, outlet store, and e-commerce). Establish and maintain procedures to yield desired outcomes for key performance indicators of donated goods and retail sales.
Assists in the development of team goals and objectives and monitor progress towards achieving those goals.
Vendor and Supplier Management:
Develop and maintain strong relationships with vendors and suppliers to ensure timely and cost-effective procurement of merchandise and supplies.
Negotiate favorable terms and contracts to optimize profitability and mitigate risks.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Retail Management, or related field; MBA a plus.
Proven history of success in senior retail operations leadership roles, preferably within the thrift store or resale industry.
Strong business acumen with a deep understanding of retail operations, merchandising, and inventory management.
Excellent analytical skills with the ability to interpret financial data, sales reports, and KPIs to drive informed decision-making.
Exceptional leadership abilities with a demonstrated capacity to inspire and motivate teams to achieve goals and exceed expectations.
Analytical thinker with the ability to develop and execute innovative strategies to drive business growth and operational excellence.
Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Results-oriented mindset with a focus on delivering measurable results and driving continuous improvement.
Valid driver’s license. Reliable personal transportation.
Must pass a pre-employment drug screen, theft-related background check and be insurable under the agency’s automobile insurance policy.
This job description outlines the primary responsibilities and qualifications for the Vice President of Retail Operations position. The role may evolve over time, and additional duties may be assigned as deemed necessary by the company.
Title: VP of Commercial Retail Store Operations
Company: Goodwill Industries of Southwestern Michigan
Location: Kalamazoo, MI
