Assistant General Manager - Full Time (Sarnia)

Who We Are 

Talize is a proudly Canadian owned and operated for-profit thrift retailer.  At Talize, we aspire to challenge boundaries and make fashion sustainable, unique, and affordable – we recognize the importance of shopping sustainably.  We’re passionate about sustainable fashion because we know we’re helping the planet at the same time as providing our customers with amazing value!  That means offering unbeatable prices on brand names, designer fashions, accessories, leather goods, footwear, housewares, book, toys and more – all while contributing to the health and sustainability of our planet.

At Talize, you'll be serving the community by helping them lead a more sustainable lifestyle.  A place with unlimited opportunities to learn and grow while unleashing your highest potential each day.  You'll be part of a “people and customer first” culture; a workplace that is fun, fast paced, collaborative, diverse and inclusive.  We provide a productive work environment, where every perspective is valued.  Talize also takes a holistic approach for providing great benefits and rewarding employees.

Who You Are 

The ideal candidate is proactive, agile, and business savvy individual who is committed to getting better everyday.  You are a passionate influencer with strong communication skills, who is open to giving and receiving feedback.  You are customer-centric with an ability to act as a mentor amongst your peers.  Of course, you also deliver consistent results by aligning yourself with Talize’s values.  

The Role

The Assistant General Manager oversees the merchandise processing and retail floor operations, including decision-making and team management. They handle employee relations, ensuring compliance with policies and conducting performance assessments. Safety protocols are crucial, with responsibilities including maintaining cleanliness and managing accidents. Additionally, they coordinate merchandise flow, handle transactions, and address customer needs. They must possess managerial experience, thrive in a fast-paced environment, and exhibit core competencies such as customer orientation and reliability. Physical requirements include standing and lifting items, while the work environment may involve exposure to dust and temperature fluctuations. They also troubleshoot technical issues and perform additional duties as requested.

Duties and Responsibilities

Departmental Duties

• Oversee the general operation of the merchandise processing, retail floor operations, customer service and on-site donation, make decisions, and take reasonable action.
• Responsible for the selection, screening, interviewing, hiring, and onboarding of all team members.  
• Train Merchandise Processing Supervisors and Merchandise Processing Team Members in the sorting, inspecting, grading, and rolling of all merchandise – among other tasks. 
• Train Retail Floor Supervisors and Retail Floor Team Members on point-of-sale operations, customer service, merchandising, loss prevention, company policies and recovery duties – among other tasks.
• Collaborate as an integral part of the management team by providing support, attending meetings, and sharing information.
• Provide direction to the processing and retail floor teams regarding company policies and procedures.
• Recognize and report policy infractions to the General Manager and People and Culture.
• Conduct and participate in all performance management meetings.
• Responsible for on-going performance assessment conversations against set goals.
• Assist in the implementation of employee recognition programs and events.
• Regularly complete floor walks to determine priorities and delegate tasks to team members in morning meetings and throughout the day.
• Coordinate the efforts of the merchandise processing team to ensure timely flow of merchandise to the sales floor- maintaining inventory levels.  
• Accurately handle all register transactions including exchanges, refunds, cancellations, tax exemption, etc.   
• Analyze and record daily merchandise processing data; including soft and hard pounds received and processed. 
• Communicate goals and target changes to merchandise team throughout the shift.
• Promptly provide pricing verification for merchandise when tags are missing or when a price is in question at the register.
• Ensure that all customer needs are addressed, such as: answering customer inquiries, solving customer complaints, and processing customer transactions in a timely manner.
• Oversee the register areas and the retail floor to ensure they are stocked and merchandise is properly sorted.
• Accurate and timely completion of administrative duties.
• Direct the merchandise and retail floor department in the preparation and execution of sale days.

Health and Safety

• Confirm that the merchandise department is kept in an organized and clean manner in accordance to company housekeeping standards.
• Confirm that all register areas, the retail floor, fitting rooms, and washrooms are organized and clean in accordance to company housekeeping standards.
• Take precautionary measures and follow company guidelines against external and internal theft. Take appropriate action when external and internal theft occurs.
• Provide a safe workplace by identifying and properly removing any hazards and reporting hazards to the General Manager and Joint Health and Safety Committee.
• Manage all workplace accidents, complete and submit proper documentation in a timely manner and inform the General Manager and People and Culture.
• Co-Chair of the Joint Health and Safety Committee. 

Other Duties

• Maintain professionalism while communicating with peers, managers, customers and clients.

• Collaborate with store management to ensure processing and retail floor work as a team toward the same goals - this may include sharing some responsibilities between the two departments.

• Knowledge of proper procedure to open and close the store.
• Troubleshoot technical difficulties with POS, pricing computer and other office equipment.

• Perform additional job-related duties as requested by the General Manager.

Core Competencies

• Leadership: inspiring and guiding a team to achieve objectives and motivating individuals to perform at their best.
• Conflict Resolution: the capacity to manage and resolve conflicts within the team or organization.
• Decision-Making: making informed decisions by considering various factors and potential consequences.
• Strategic Thinking: developing and executing plans to achieve long-term organizational goals.
• Project Management: effectively planning, executing, and monitoring projects to ensure they are completed on time and within budget.
• Delegation: assigning tasks and responsibilities to team members based ontheir strengths and skills.
• Coaching and Mentoring: helping team members develop their skills and reach their full potential.
• Performance Management: providing constructive feedback, setting goals, and evaluating employee performance.
• Financial Acumen: understanding financial statements, budgets, and financial performance metrics.
• Change Management: guiding teams through organizational changes and helping them adapt to new processes or strategies.

Education, Experience and Requirements

• 4+ years of experience working in a retail warehouse environment.
• 3+ years of managerial experience in a high volume fast-paced environment.
• Previous work in a thrift retail environment is considered an asset.
• Valid Drivers License and Abstract preferred (not required).

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

• Ability to stand and walk for the duration of shift.
• Constant bending, reaching, and using hands for repetitive actions.
• Lifting and carrying items up to 50lbs without assistance throughout shift.
• Pushing and pulling merchandise containers on wheels weighing up to 500lbs.
• Exposure to dust — all of designated shift.
• Exposure to periodic temperature fluctuations and noise levels.
• Work schedule hours will include evenings, weekends and holidays.
• Interaction with customers, clients and the public at large.

Talize is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible environment, where all Team Members and customers feel valued, respected, and supported. We thank you for your interest in employment opportunities at Talize.  Please note, only the candidates who are selected for an interview will be contacted.  Talize welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities.  Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

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