Love Seat General Manager

Job Summary: Love Columbia is a nonprofit organization in Columbia, MO. The mission of Love Columbia is to transform our community by networking resources and relationships to love people forward to stability and flourishing. We do this by serving the whole person and involving the whole community.

This position is responsible for the daily operations of the Love Seat resale store and Furniture Bank, ensuring a positive experience for customers, donors, Love Columbia clients, staff and volunteers. The successful candidate in this role will be able to maximize profitability while ensuring the store and Furniture Bank represent and support the mission of Love Columbia.

Mission of The Love Seat:

The Love Seat exists to promote four purposes:

• Provide free furniture and furnishings to neighbors in need through the Furniture Bank while fully supporting and sustaining the Furniture Bank’s operations.
• Provide healthy, transitional employment opportunities for people who may, for a variety of reasons, have limited opportunities elsewhere.
• Bless the community with clean, quality items at the most affordable price in town (Bargains for a better Columbia).
• Encourage, facilitate and empower neighbors helping neighbors.

We do this through excellence in three areas:

• Cultivating an environment of care and kindness that extends to staff, volunteers, customers and donors.
• Fully receiving the generosity of the community.
• Operating with business excellence to act as the best stewards of resources.

Key Responsibilities:

• Staff Management:
• Directly supervise Love Seat management team and lead a team of approximately 25 staff plus additional volunteers
• Supervise Furniture Bank Manager and support program operations
• Oversee staff recruitment and training, and partner with managers to address personnel issues and concerns
• Ensure managers are providing adequate training and support to volunteers
• Conduct performance evaluations and provide ongoing coaching
• Promote second-chance employment opportunities
• Maintain the staff schedule

• Customer Service:
• Foster a welcoming and friendly environment for customers, clients, donors, volunteers and staff
• Address customer inquiries and complaints, and resolve promptly and effectively
• Implement strategies to enhance customer satisfaction

• Sales and Marketing:
• Oversee inventory management, including sorting, pricing, and displaying merchandise
• Monitor sales trends and adjust pricing and displays accordingly
• Develop and implement promotional strategies and events to increase sales
• Oversee social media pages and coordinate with Love Columbia staff on broader communications including newsletters, website updates, marketing materials, etc.

• Financial Management:
• Prepare and manage the store budget
• Maintain accurate financial records, including daily sales reports and bank deposits
• Explore new sources of revenue
• Ensure compliance with financial policies and procedures
• Oversee employee hours for payroll

• Store Operations:
• Ensure a clean, organized, and safe environment
• Ensure operational and safety regulations, policies, and procedures are developed, implemented, and adhered to
• Actively seek to identify efficiencies in systems and processes
• Communicate facility repairs, improvements and procurement needs to the Love Columbia Facilities Manager

• Community Engagement:
• Promote the mission and values of the Love Seat store, the Furniture Bank, and Love Columbia
• Build and maintain relationships with donors and community organizations. This could include building partnerships for donations, staff referrals, service groups, etc.
• Communicate volunteer needs and activities with Love Columbia’s Community Engagement Director and maintain a robust volunteer program that includes onboarding, training, support and recognition.
• Support the mission of Love Columbia and act as a conduit for information and team coherence

• Strategic Planning:
• Partner with Love Columbia leadership to define goals and envision future growth (store expansion, additional location, Furniture Bank programs, sales targets, new sources of revenue, volunteer opportunities, etc.)
• Define and achieve short-term goals as steps towards long-term goals

Qualifications:

• Previous experience in retail management or a similar role; resale store experience a plus
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills
• Excellent organizational and problem-solving abilities
• Familiarity with point-of-sale systems and basic financial management acumen
• An ability and desire to interact with a diverse group of people is necessary
• Bachelor’s degree preferred, preferably in business management or related field. Not required for candidates with extensive retail management experience.
• Familiarity with nonprofit organizations and community engagement in Columbia, MO

Working Conditions:

• Ability to lift and move items as needed, up to 25 pounds at a time
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including some Saturdays and certain holidays

Conditions of Employment:

Love Columbia is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of any status or condition protected by applicable law. Employment is contingent on the results of a background investigation and positive references.

Compensation and Benefits:

This is a full-time, benefits-eligible position. Compensation is commensurate with experience.

Application Instructions:

To apply, please submit a resume, cover letter, and list of professional references to careers@lovecolumbia.org.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Love Columbia

1209 E Walnut St

Columbia, MO 65201

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Shift:

• 8 hour shift

Work Location: In person