JOB OVERVIEW:
The Thrift Store Assistant Manager supports the Thrift Store Manager in all aspects of the Ashtabula County Animal Protective League's thrift store operations, including assisting with the operational launch, supervising daily retail activities, supporting staff and volunteers, and ensuring an exceptional customer experience.
This position plays a key leadership role in maintaining efficient day-to-day operations by assisting with merchandising, donation processing, inventory organization, customer service, staff oversight, and operational procedures. During the launch phase, the Assistant Manager will help establish systems and prepare the store for opening. Following launch, this position serves as the Manager's primary support and assumes operational leadership in the Manager's absence.
The ideal candidate is organized, dependable, customer-focused, and comfortable balancing administrative responsibilities with hands-on retail work in a fast-paced nonprofit environment.
VISION:
To support the successful operation of a high-end thrift store that is clean, organized, visually appealing, and financially successful while providing outstanding customer service, maintaining high operational standards, and helping generate sustainable revenue that directly supports the mission of the ACAPL.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Store Launch & Operational Support
- Assist with the operational launch of the ACAPL Thrift Store
- Assist with:
- Store setup, fixtures, equipment, and supplies
- Merchandise organization and displays
- Inventory and donation intake systems
- Store layout preparation and customer flow
- POS system testing and operational readiness
- Grand opening preparations
- Merchandising and pricing implementation
- Operational procedures and documentation
- Assist with developing and implementing merchandising standards and quality control procedures
- Support operational projects and timelines to ensure successful store opening
- Collaborate with the Thrift Store Manager and Community Engagement, Donations, & Volunteer Coordinator to prepare the store for launch and coordinate volunteer support as needed.
Retail Operations
- Assist with managing daily thrift store operations, including:
- Opening and closing procedures
- Customer service
- Cash handling and register operations
- Inventory organization and replenishment
- Donation intake and processing
- Merchandise pricing
- Sales floor presentation
- Store cleanliness and organization
- Loss prevention
- Safety compliance
- Maintain an attractive, organized, and welcoming shopping environment.
- Assist in identifying opportunities to improve operational efficiency and customer experience.
- Serve as Manager-on-Duty when assigned or when the Thrift Store Manager is unavailable.
Staff & Volunteer Support
- Assist with recruiting, onboarding, training, and supporting thrift store staff and volunteers.
- Provide daily direction and support to employees and volunteers.
- Assist with scheduling and ensuring adequate staffing coverage.
- Help train employees on customer service standards, operational procedures, and organizational policies.
- Monitor work quality and provide coaching and feedback to staff.
- Communicate operational concerns and employee performance issues to the Thrift Store Manager.
- Promote a positive, collaborative, mission-driven work environment.
Financial Operations
- Assist with daily cash management procedures and financial controls.
- Support inventory tracking, merchandise pricing, and sales floor replenishment.
- Monitor merchandise movement and communicate inventory needs.
- Assist in achieving revenue goals through excellent customer service, effective merchandising, and operational efficiency.
- Support expense control through proper inventory handling and operational best practices.
Additional Responsibilities
- Maintain organized records and documentation related to retail operations, including but not limited to:
- Donation records
- Inventory documentation
- Volunteer records
- Operational procedures
- Vendor communications
- Daily operational reports
- Assist with administrative tasks related to retail operations.
- Help maintain compliance with organizational policies and operational procedures.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
EXPERIENCE / QUALIFICATIONS:
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
- Retail experience required; supervisory or keyholder experience preferred.
- Experience working in customer service or retail operations preferred.
- Experience supervising employees and volunteers preferred.
- Strong organizational and time management skills.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work independently while functioning as part of a leadership team.
- Strong customer service skills with the ability to professionally resolve concerns.
- Basic computer skills, including Google Workspace.
- Valid driver's license and reliable transportation preferred.
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs., stand for extended periods, and perform physical retail tasks.
- Availability to work flexible hours, including weekends, evenings, and holidays.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
- Schedule: Full-time (approximately 40 hours/week), including weekends, evenings, and holidays.
- Environment: On-site retail environment and management work.
- Physical: Frequent standing, walking, bending, lifting, carrying, merchandising activities, and hands-on setup work.
- Operational: Fast-paced retail environment requiring flexibility, teamwork, initiative, and attention to detail.
AT WILL EMPLOYMENT:
Employment with Ashtabula County APL is at-will, meaning that employment is for no specified period and may be terminated by either the employee or the organization at any time, with or without cause.
Ashtabula County APL is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, disability, or any other legally protected basis. Employment decisions are based solely on qualifications.
NOTE: This position description is not exhaustive. You may be required to perform other related duties within your skill set as negotiated and/or directed to meet the evolving needs of the department and the organization.
Pay: From $15.00 per hour
Benefits:
Work Location: In person
