Area Manager

Goodwill of Western New York•Buffalo, NY

48d•$65,000 - $80,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Area Manager will lead daily operations, merchandising, and brand presentation across multiple stores. This role involves managing and coaching Store Managers to deliver strong operational performance and a positive team culture, driving sales growth and profitability through effective planning, execution, and continuous improvement. The Area Manager will ensure compliance with operational standards, safety protocols, and loss prevention practices, while analyzing performance metrics and guiding stores to take action. Maintaining high brand and merchandising standards, supporting talent development, and delivering an exceptional customer and donor experience are key aspects of this position. The role also includes overseeing P&L performance, budgeting, staffing, and expense control for assigned stores, executing company strategies, promotions, and community engagement initiatives, and promoting Goodwill’s mission, values, and sustainability efforts.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business/Retail Management
5+ years of multi-unit retail management with a record of sales growth & operational excellence
Experience training, developing, and elevating leaders; strong succession planning skills
Financial acumen (P&L ownership, forecasting, labor budgeting) and KPI mastery
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite; strong analytical and communication skills
Reliable transportation and valid NYS driver’s license; ability to travel across WNY
Strong organization, attention to detail, and multitasking ability; able to meet production/processing goals
Values-driven servant leader who coaches like a pro and thinks like an owner
Data-informed and people-first leader: decisive, adaptable, and calm under pressure
A culture builder who inspires trust, accountability, and continuous improvement
A clear, persuasive communicator and community connector/brand ambassador
Schedule-flexible and energized by fieldwork (travel up to ~90% between locations)

Responsibilities

Lead daily operations, merchandising, and brand presentation across multiple stores.
Manage and coach Store Managers to deliver strong operational performance and a positive team culture.
Drive sales growth and profitability through effective planning, execution, and continuous improvement.
Ensure compliance with operational standards, safety protocols, and loss prevention practices.
Analyze performance metrics (sales, labor, productivity, shrink) and guide stores to take action.
Maintain high brand and merchandising standards across all locations.
Support talent development, including hiring, training, and building a strong leadership pipeline.
Deliver an exceptional customer and donor experience in every store.
Oversee P&L performance, budgeting, staffing, and expense control for all assigned stores.
Execute company strategies, promotions, and community engagement initiatives.
Promote Goodwill’s mission, values, and sustainability efforts throughout daily operations.