Retail Store Manager

ABOUT VEJA

Since 2005, VEJA has been creating sneakers in a different way, mixing social projects, economic justice, and ecological materials. VEJA uses Brazilian and Peruvian organic cotton for the canvas and laces, Amazonian rubber for the soles, and various innovative materials from recycled plastic bottles or recycled polyester. VEJA sneakers are produced in high-standard factories in Brazil.

Job Description

We are currently searching for a Store Manager to lead our NYC Flagship store located in Nolita.

The Store Manager will lead the sales team in delivering exceptional customer service, driving top-line productivity, while managing store budgets and bottom-line expenses. This individual will need to be well-versed in product knowledge and be natural in talking about our project and mission.

The Store Manager will promote a culture of excellence in customer service, visual merchandising and team development, while leading operational efficiency daily in store. Strong capacity for sales floor supervision, skill building in junior leaders and sales team, and strategizing for business growth are imperative.

This role is fully onsite and based out of our NYC Nolita store and reports to the Director of Retail, North America.

Main Responsibilities:

• Oversee end-to-end store operations.
• Proactively resolving problems with customers, employees and property maintenance partners.
• Supporting inventory processing and inventory accuracy practices.
• Facilitating accurate cash handling and banking practices.
• Maintaining visual merchandising standards and executing periodic updates in alignment with global retail leadership.
• Scheduling and payroll management, in partnership with the Retail Director.
• Working with corporate business partners to provide product feedback and optimize day-to-day operations, maintaining a regular cadence of communication with key partners to coordinate business strategy.
• Driving results and building a business acumen through individual ownerships, while supporting the Retail Director’s and business partners’ initiatives.
• Partner with corporate retail and communications business partners to create and execute effective activations, maintaining up to date knowledge of events in the local market and proactively identifying opportunities to build engagement with customers.
• Effective people management including motivating a team, teaching, coaching and leadership development.
• Delivering constructive feedback to employees and creating action plans to support both career pathing and disciplinary action as needed.
• Strategizing and developing product knowledge trainings for store team.
• Recruiting, interviewing and onboarding of new store employees, in partnership with North America People Team.
• Lead periodic performance reviews for store employees.
• Scheduling store staff to maximize customer traffic and control bottom line expenses.
• Being comfortable in a hands-on, personalized customer service environment.
• Maintaining a high level of sales floor awareness at all times.
• Directing the flow of customer foot traffic to maximize store space and available sales staff.
• Ensure execution of customer service standards.
• Using all available tools and information to keep up to date on current product and be proficient in product details.

Role Requirements:

• Commitment to the VEJA Project and vision; passionate about fair-trade brands with the ability to speak confidently about the VEJA Project both internally and externally.
• 2-3 years prior experience as a Retail Store Manager with a like-minded brand, footwear preferred.
• Experience managing a retail team of 8-10, including other leaders, is essential.
• Proven track record in driving retail sales growth and building brand awareness.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and communication skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt to changing business needs.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire and develop high-performing teams.
• Strong dedication to delivering outstanding customer service and fostering a collaborative team environment.
• Work efficiently and effectively with both remote and in-person teams.
• Able to work 5 variable days/shifts and approximately 40 hours in a typical work week, maintaining a flexible schedule based on business needs, including evening, weekend and holiday availability.
• Experience with basic Excel and Outlook functions preferred, e.g. data organization, managing multiple ongoing e-mail chains of communication, etc.
• This role requires frequent standing for 7-8 hours a day, regular use of ladders, frequent kneeling and crouching, and occasional lifting/moving of 20-25 pounds with assistance.
• Foreign language skills are a plus (French, Spanish and/or Portuguese).
• The estimated compensation range for this role is $90,000-$100,000 annually to align with experience, plus a comprehensive benefits package.