Retail Department Manager

Retail Department Manager Job Summary The University Campus Store is seeking a Retail Department Manager to oversee the frontline operations of our Main Campus Store location. This role requires strong leadership skills, a deep understanding of sales strategies, and the ability to motivate and mentor a team of sales associates to maximize productivity and ensure exceptional customer service within the University Campus Store. Strong merchandising, inventory management, and visual display skills are required. Merchandise product categories include gifts, accessories, office supplies, home essentials, and personal care. Under the direction of the Campus Store Manager, this position is responsible for management and operations of all non-licensed general merchandise. The Retail Department Manager's responsibilities include staffing, scheduling, quality control, customer service, inventory management, merchandising, and upholding visual display standards within these areas. Through the implementation, management, and evaluation of sales programs, this position is dedicated to maximizing customer service, sales, profit, and other Store objectives. This position partners closely with the Campus Store's merchandise buying and marketing teams. Through collaboration with these teams and with vendors, this position will generate and maximize merchandise special orders and inter-departmental sales, while providing expert product knowledge and superior customer service. This position will ensure these categories meet the University of Utah Campus Store's service and merchandising standards while tailoring service to meet the needs of the Campus Store's unique customer base. This position will manage up to 20 part-time staff who will be responsible for the daily operations in a fast-paced, multi-location retail business. Along with monitoring, training, and developing staff, this position will also manage staffing schedules, payroll budgets, and daily workflow to achieve optimal effectiveness. The University of Utah is the state's public flagship institution and a top-tier research university. The University Campus Store is the retail arm of the University and is consistently ranked in the top 15 of institutionally run campus stores in the nation. We serve over 40,000 students, faculty, and staff along with millions of visitors each year. At the University Campus Store, we are dedicated to supporting the mission of the University, including its foundational values of Belonging, Campus Safety, Health and Well-Being, Sustainability, and Academic Freedom. We are dedicated to supporting these values and preparing students for lives of impact as leaders and citizens. We believe in the responsible stewardship of our intellectual, physical, and financial resources, ensuring the long‐term success and viability of the institution. We are looking for staff who can support this mission and provide a welcoming and engaging experience to the Campus Store and to university students, faculty, staff, and guests. What does a successful candidate look like Management experience - You will provide clear and consistent direction and support to your direct reports, plan schedules, and delegate responsibilities to achieve maximum performance. Customer service skills - You will listen to customer feedback (internal and external), monitor service standards, and promptly address problems. Communication skills - You will communicate clearly, both verbally and in writing, to your colleagues and provide direction, support, and training as needed in your areas of expertise. Organizational skills - You will demonstrate excellent time management skills, work well in a fast-paced environment, multitask, and keep customer priorities, staff duties, and operational processes organized. Culture - Through mentoring and by example, you will cultivate a supportive and inclusive work environment where all staff, customers, and visitors have a sense of belonging in the Store. Financial - You will achieve pre-established sales goals in your merchandise departments. In the addition to salary, the University of Utah prides itself in our total benefit package, including but not limited to the following: 11 paid Holidays per year 14.2% employer contribution to retirement, where you pay nothing. Free UTA public transportation pass Basic Life Insurance provided up to $25,000. 50% tuition reduction for employee, spouse, after 6 - 12 months of employment and dependent children after 3 years of full-time employment Health coverage options that are both affordable and allow for access to care through the University of Utah health system. Paid parental leave (in addition to FMLA), if qualified Professional development opportunities Options for short-term and long-term disability insurance, supplemental life insurance, and HSA / FSA savings plans are available. Employee discounts on a variety of products and services including cell phones & plans, entertainment, health and fitness, restaurants, retail, and travel. Responsibilities Lead, motivate, and coach a team of part-time sales associates to achieve and exceed sales targets. Develop and implement effective sales strategies to drive revenue growth. Ensure that all customers receive outstanding service by providing a friendly and welcoming environment. Address customer inquiries, concerns, and complaints in a timely and professional manner. Monitor inventory levels and ensure adequate stock levels to meet customer demand. Coordinate with the buying team to optimize product availability and minimize stockouts. Train new hires in sales techniques, product knowledge, and customer service standards. Provide ongoing training and development opportunities to enhance the skills and performance of the sales team. Conduct regular performance evaluations for sales associates, providing constructive feedback and recognition for achievements. Take appropriate actions to address performance issues and implement performance improvement plans as needed. Implement and enforce company policies and procedures to ensure smooth and efficient operations. Identify areas for improvement and implement initiatives to streamline processes and enhance productivity. Collaborate with the buying team and the marketing department to plan and execute promotional activities, events, and campaigns to drive foot traffic and increase sales. Monitor the effectiveness of marketing initiatives and adjust strategies as needed. Monitor sales performance and financial metrics to assess the overall health of the retail business. Develop and manage budgets, forecast sales targets, and take corrective actions to achieve financial objectives. Ensure compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and company policies related to retail operations, including but not limited to, safety standards, labor laws, and merchandising guidelines. Part of closing manager team to ensure all areas of the store have proper management coverage outside of regular business hours for the University. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in a related area or equivalency (one year of education can be substituted for two years of related work experience). Four years of progressively more responsible management experience. Background knowledge of hiring department’s area of specialization in order to analyze, plan and draw conclusions for recommendations to superiors. Demonstrated leadership skills in planning and directing employees and processes in order to effectively monitor and develop subordinates and to ensure the smooth operation of department. Completion of provided supervisory training within one year of employment may be required. Master’s degree in a related area may be preferred. Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description. Preferences Proven experience in retail sales management, with a track record of achieving and exceeding sales targets. Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to motivate and inspire a team. Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written. Solid understanding of retail operations, including inventory management, merchandising, and customer service. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and retail management software. Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as required. Special Instructions Requisition Number: PRN38015B Full Time or Part Time? Full Time Work Schedule Summary: M-F, 40 hours per week, some late nights, weekends and holidays. Department: 00435 - University Campus Store Location: Campus Pay Rate Range: $55,000 - $60,000 Close Date: 6/20/2024 Open Until Filled: No To apply, visit https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/162124 jeid-4f69740673c6964d8550701a15d549aa