Creative Reuse Warehouse Operations Manager

OPERATIONS MANAGER – PART TIME, CREATIVE REUSE WAREHOUSE

The Creative Chicago Reuse Exchange (CCRx) is changing how Chicago thinks about surplus. Our community of educators, artists, businesses, volunteers, and program partners foster creativity and environmental stewardship through creative reuse. We source supplies and equipment for teachers, nonprofits and community groups and teach creative reuse at workshops and events across the city. Our warehouse and distribution center is in Auburn Gresham, co-located with Envision Unlimited at 2124 W. 82nd Place. Envision Unlimited serves individuals with disabilities in a structured workshop environment. 

A nonprofit organization, CCRx has a small core staff/team and many volunteers. We are problem-solvers, multi-taskers and self-starters who value collaboration, creativity, and initiative. We care about details, expect professionalism, and work hard to engage a multiplicity of groups and constituencies.

THE OPPORTUNITY

We are looking for a flexible, detail-oriented person who embraces CCRx’s vision and mission and who can lead our team and organization to the next level. Reporting to the Executive Director, the CCRx Operations Manager will be highly organized, collaborative, and enthusiastic about decreasing the amount of waste going to landfills. The Operations Manager will serve as the first face at the Auburn Gresham facility, acting as CCRx’s liaison and most important/visible contact to neighborhood stakeholders, material donors, program partners, and other constituents. The Operations Manager will be primarily responsible for organizing and managing CCRx’s physical space and inventory, guiding and inspiring our warehouse Team Members, volunteers and partners, and assuring that donations, events, and all other warehouse operations run smoothly.  

Responsibilities include:

Warehouse Team Volunteer Management

• Oversee team of independent contractors and volunteers for the following duties:
• Engage, train, schedule, assign tasks, and manage team members on
• Opening/Closing Logistics, Customer Assistance, Point of Sale checkout and cash management
• Coordinate volunteer and group activities at the center 

Physical Site and Inventory Management 

• Manage the day to day activities of the CCRx Creative Reuse Warehouse
• Maintain a safe, clean, pleasant, organized and secure environment 
• Oversee continually changing inventory of donated items -- sorting and display  
• Assess, perform and/or oversee repairs of donated items as needed
• Oversee identification of select donated items, “Special Finds” to be added to Wix and other online sales platforms.  Oversee Special Finds listings, descriptions, imagery and price via research of comparable items.  Maintain computerized inventory of Special Finds, including periodic updates
• Oversee populating and maintaining online sales platform(s) (Wix, Facebook, Ebay, Rheaply, Etsy)
• Provide clear and ongoing direction for the continued movement of donations to their assigned sections on the warehouse floor.  Think ahead strategically to prepare for placement of merchandise when space limitations occur.  Be ready to minimally adjust displays when large items sell and make room for new items.

Administrative

• Posting on social media (CCRx Instagram / FB) from warehouse
• Monitor, respond to and oversee Volunteer inquiries and group activities 
• Monitor, respond to and document Donation Inquiries via email and Google Forms 
• Schedule and coordinate off site Pack-ups and Pick-ups of donated reuse materials 
• Assist with the development of creative reuse workshops on and off-site
• Act as the primary site liaison to Envision Unlimited, our facility and program partner, its staff and members, and the Auburn-Gresham community at large
• Work collaboratively to create and sustain an atmosphere that promotes teamwork and collaboration, effective individual performance, and smooth working relationships 
• Actively participate in and support fundraising efforts

The ideal candidate for this position will have:

• Strong ability to work in an ever-changing, fast paced environment with highly refined flexibility. 
• Working familiarity with Google Workspace products and Wix inventory management systems.
• Ability to troubleshoot necessary technology. 
• Good analytical and math skills to create and analyze reports, sales statistics and spreadsheets.
• Strong customer service skills since this is a customer-oriented job.
• Excellent leadership skills and ability to work with teams.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills towards customers, workshop attendees, volunteers, colleagues and board members. 
• Great attention to detail for maintaining an organized and orderly warehouse, displays, signage, and maintaining store appearance.
• Ability to lift heavy merchandise (up to 30 pounds), walk and stand for long hours.
• Experience operating a pallet jack, dollies and driving a truck or van.
• Capability and willingness to work in an environment that may include dirt, dust, and mold.
• Valid Driver’s License and good driving record.

Preference will be given to individuals who have

• A commitment to waste reduction and creative reuse and familiarity with the mission and vision of CCRx. 
• At least 1-year verifiable experience in direct supervision of employees, preferably in a retail environment.
• Experience working with a nonprofit; preferred but not required.
• Experience with, or knowledge of, second hand/thrift store pricing and selling strategies.
• Familiarity with the Auburn Gresham and its surrounding communities
• Experience in scheduling, managing, supporting and retaining volunteers 
• Proficiency in standard spreadsheet and inventory management
• Demonstrated engagement with social media and e-commerce

Salary and Benefits

This is a part-time contractor position that pays $25 per hour. The Operations Manager is a visible presence during CCRx operating hours (Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays); thus, some weekend and evening availability is required. CCRx is an equal opportunity employer. CCRx is committed to building a culturally diverse and pluralistic team.



To apply, please email a letter of interest and resume to Barbara Koenen, Executive Director at  info hiring@creativechirx.org  The deadline for submission is 5:00 p.m. Central Daylight Time, Friday, January 27, 2024.