The Organization
Founded 120 years ago by Rev. Edgar J. Helms, Goodwill pioneered the concept of the social enterprise. Operating on the philosophy of "not charity, but a chance," Helms gathered donated clothing and household items from wealthy neighborhoods, creating jobs for low-income individuals in the mending and repair of the used goods. The repaired goods were sold to the public for low prices, and the revenue from those sales directly paid the wages of the workers who fixed them. This self-sustaining cycle became the core engine of Goodwill. Today, Goodwill is one of America's most recognizable brands, standing as the country's leading non-profit thrift retailer and provider of job training and employment services.
Goodwill Central Coast (GCC) is one of 150 autonomous affiliates of Goodwill Industries International. For almost 100 years, Goodwill Central Coast has been turning donations into opportunity. Each of the 500+ jobs we create is a full expression of our mission to help people with barriers to employment obtain meaningful work and have the opportunity to reach their fullest potential. Together, our 15 stores, 2 outlets and e-commerce operation generate over $42MM to power our mission to connect residents of Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Luis Obispo counties with education, training, jobs, and personalized coaching and resources to help them achieve their goals.
Goodwill Central Coast also serves as a key regional workforce partner, administering major federal, state, and local employment and social service contracts across Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Luis Obispo counties. These contracts-totaling around $3.8 million annually-expand the organization’s reach in delivering CalWORKs, WIOA, reentry, and housing‑stability programs.
By collecting and reselling donated clothing and household goods, GCC diverts millions of pounds of usable items from local landfills each year, reduces waste, and supports a more sustainable circular economy-a model where environmental stewardship and social impact work hand in hand.
The Opportunity
Based on California’s Central Coast, this role offers the chance to lead an operationally complex, mission-driven organization in a region known for its natural environment, strong communities, and quality of life. We are seeking a Chief Operating Officer who brings disciplined leadership, can drive strategy through execution, and is accountable for results. In this role, you will see the impact of your leadership take shape in the community around you—where the work is not abstract, but felt and experienced in the place you call home.
JOB SUMARY
Reporting to the President/CEO, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) plays a pivotal role in steering the company towards sustained long-term growth by translating strategic vision into actionable plans, bridging the gap between executive leadership and day-to-day operations. The successful COO understands the broader business strategy defined by the CEO and tailors this vision to operational realities. By fostering strong relationships across departments, the COO ensures that every team member understands their role in achieving the company's strategic goals.
This executive will provide vision, leadership and daily management of all Donated Goods Retail (DGR) business operations including donor services, logistics & transportation, warehousing, retail stores, outlets, E-commerce, and salvage. This includes leading real estate strategy, donation acquisition, retail sales performance, mission integration, and regulatory compliance. This role also oversees the Facilities, Technology and Risk Management & Loss Prevention Departments. As a C-level executive, oversight of relevant budgets, profitability, and promotion of the mission-based culture are critical to success. As important as driving donations and revenue, this executive must be committed to the mission of Goodwill Central Coast, promoting it throughout the community and ensuring that the Mission of Goodwill Central Coast is integrated within all departments overseen by the COO.
As a key member of the executive leadership team with certain direct reports, this individual must be skilled at leading through influence and able to cultivate strong, motivated teams. This executive will possess the emotional intelligence to lead and motivate teams through empowerment and mentorship.
The COO will interface with the Board of Directors at Board meetings; presenting DGR results, strategies and forecasts as well as higher level topics such as mission integration and technology initiatives.
- Provide visionary leadership and executive oversight across DGR, Ecommerce, Facilities, Risk Management/Loss Prevention, IT and Operations, ensuring alignment, performance, and operational effectiveness across Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Luis Obispo Counties.
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Establish operational goals and performance measures; monitoring progress and encouraging leaders to empower their staff to achieve objectives.
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Train, develop and evaluate management team members across all assigned departments. Promote mentorship and develop succession plans throughout departments; to include identifying high-potential team members for career progression.
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Ensure all departments operate in full alignment with Goodwill Central Coast’s strategic plan, financial targets, and performance expectations, fostering cross-functional collaboration and respect; and mission-driven outcomes.
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Provide oversight to ensure that all departments meet compliance requirements including mandatory training, CARF accreditation standards, and adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs); and remain in compliance with applicable state and federal laws, and industry regulations.
- Ensure consistency, compliance, and operational excellence across operations by reinforcing standards, controls, and disciplined execution.
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Develop strategies and action plans to source an adequate supply of donated goods; and to optimize the monetization of donated goods.
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Provide analysis and solutions for increased four-wall profitability of revenue centers through the appropriate deployment of resources such as labor, space, inventory and supplies.
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Ensure Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for all departments align with organizational goals. Regularly review business metrics with departmental management to achieve desired outcomes. Create opportunities for department managers to participate in the development of ideas for process improvement and innovation.
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Provide oversight and leadership in the development, management, and monitoring of annual operating and capital budgets.
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Continuously review and analyze departmental performance data to support informed decision-making, identify operational efficiencies, and implement timely corrective actions.
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Employ Lean Production/Kaizen Continuous Improvement principles to ensure operational excellence.
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Promote a safety-first environment by maintaining safety and environmental compliance standards throughout the organization. Ensure that appropriate measures are in place to identify and correct non-compliance with policies, procedures and safety standards.
- Ensure effectiveness of asset protection and loss prevention strategies, ensuring robust systems are in place to mitigate operational risk and minimize internal and external shrinkage/loss across all facilities.
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Ensure the upkeep, safety and operational readiness of all owned and rented facilities, equipment and vehicles; including compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
- Lead the planning, development, and execution of new facility openings, remodels, and capital improvement projects to ensure operational efficiency and adherence to brand standards.
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Advance the use of technology initiatives that secure long-term sustainability, increase operational efficiency and resilience, and elevate the employee and customer experience.
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Identify and expand partnerships to divert goods from landfills; prioritizing those that have in place, or are developing, traceability programs.
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Identify opportunities to reduce GCC’s energy consumption and internally-generated waste.
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Participate in regional and national Goodwill conferences, committees, work groups or other platforms in the Goodwill network to learn and share best practices in this area.
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES
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Establish and maintain management controls that are sufficient to ensure the protection of the organization’s assets.
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Provide reports of relevant activities for the CEO and Board of Directors.
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Foster cross-functional collaboration while actively engaging leaders from all departments including Finance, HR, Training & Development, etc.
- Operate with fiscal responsibility with the goal of increased profitability across all departments.
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Foster a success-oriented, accountable environment within the company.
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Understanding the mission of Goodwill Central Coast, with a firm commitment to integrating its principles into all of GCC’s operations.
EDUCATION, CREDENTIALS AND EXPERIENCE
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Bachelor’s degree in Management, Business Administration, or related field; MBA highly valued
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10+ years of senior management experience in a complex retail or other multi-site business of scale
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Valid California Driver’s License required
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
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Knowledge of production, inventory control, transportation, pricing standards, and quality control
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Deep understanding of general retail sales principles including cash control, inventory management, merchandising, and customer service.
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Proficiency in principles of cost reduction, plant layout, material planning, labor cost estimates, equipment maintenance and utilization
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Analytical ability to evaluate all “levers” to drive revenue centers’ four-wall profitability
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Effective at motivating a team and developing and attracting talent
- Ability to establish and articulate a vision and project credibility to internal and external constituents.
- Willingness to oversee and “do the work”, not just delegate.
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A firm commitment to Goodwill Central Coast’s social enterprise model; with the ability to apply rigorous commercial retail and business practices toward achieving Goodwill Central Coast’s mission.
PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS AND APTITUDES
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Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Proficiency in Spanish highly valued.
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Skilled listener with a high level of emotional intelligence. Able to remain objective, calm, and solution-oriented when navigating heavy operational stress, tight deadlines, or high-friction interpersonal dynamics.
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Strong cross-functional interpersonal skills; able to engage effectively at all levels of the organization to cultivate a sense of purpose, community, and high morale.
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Results oriented.
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High level of energy, commitment, and passion for the work.
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High level of attention to detail. Organized, and able to multi-task.
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Transparent, agile operating style in a dynamic environment.
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Collaborative by nature.
This is a hybrid position with a primary office base in Salinas. The role includes a mix of office-based work and travel to retail, warehouse, and other locations throughout the region. Work is completed independently and in cooperation with department, staff, management and employees. There is frequent contact with public, business and community agencies.
The role involves a mix of office work and active field oversight. The candidate must be able to frequently walk and stand for extended periods while touring retail floors, warehouses, and other facilities. Normal lifting and/or carrying is limited to approximately 15 lbs. On occasion, up to 25 lbs. may be lifted and carried. Heavier items (26 lbs. or more) are moved by using proper material handling equipment, assistance from another person, or by work order request.
Normal or corrected talking, hearing and seeing abilities are sufficient to perform the required tasks.
Duties and responsibilities may be added, removed, or modified at any time at management's discretion, either formally or informally, verbally or in writing.
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Base Salary $200,000-$210,000 (Expected range at time of hire)
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Potential for annual, performance-based bonus
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Comprehensive employer-sponsored health insurance (medical, dental, vision) with competitive cost-sharing for employee and dependents
- 403(b) with company match
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Paid Time off
- Company-provided vehicle or mileage reimbursement for business travel
APPLICATION PROCESS
To apply for this mission-driven executive leadership opportunity, please submit:
- Resume
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Letter of interest
- Five professional references with contact information including email addresses (references will not be contacted until after interviews are conducted).
Position will remain open until filled. Human Resources anticipates conducting preliminary interviews with qualified applicants during the week of June 15, 2026. Recommended finalist candidates are expected to interview with Goodwill leadership during the first week of July 2026
If you have questions regarding this position, please contact Ms. Walker at [email protected].
