Bench Store Manager

Goodwill of the Finger Lakes•Rochester, NY

5d•$62,500 - $67,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Bench Store Manager is a store manager development and operational support role responsible for ensuring consistent retail performance across multiple Goodwill of the Finger Lakes locations. Serving as a flexible leader, the Bench Store Manager is assigned to stores experiencing leadership vacancies, business growth, new store openings, operational challenges, or temporary management absences. This role performs all functions of a Store Manager while preparing for permanent placement into a retail store leadership position. The Bench Store Manager champions Goodwill's mission, drives operational excellence, develops talent, and delivers exceptional customer and donor experiences while adapting quickly to varying store environments. This position models Goodwill's BLUE Values: Be Trustworthy, Live a Culture of Belonging, Unleash Potential, and Embrace Collaboration.

Requirements

Minimum three (3) years of progressive retail leadership experience required.
Experience managing sales goals, labor budgets, staffing, employee relations, and operational performance required.
Ability to read and understand documents such as receipts, timecards, production reports, safety information, procedures, and policy manuals.
Ability to complete routine reports, production documentation, and other required records accurately.
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with customers, donors, team members, supervisors, and other employees.
Ability to understand and follow verbal and written instructions.
General math skills required, including the ability to accurately handle basic calculations related to cash transactions, pricing, and other assigned store responsibilities.
Must have open and flexible availability based on store needs and be willing to work evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree preferred; equivalent combination of education and experience considered.
Bachelor's degree in Business, Retail Management, Leadership, or related field preferred.
Previous Store Manager, Assistant Store Manager, or comparable leadership experience preferred.
Multi-location retail experience preferred.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and retail management systems.
Demonstrated commitment to equity, and belonging.

Responsibilities

Provide leadership and oversight for assigned store teams, fostering a culture of accountability, engagement, and inclusion.
Recruit, interview, hire, onboard, train, and develop team members in accordance with Goodwill policies and procedures.
Coach and mentor Assistant Store Managers, Shift Leaders, and Team Members to achieve individual and store performance goals.
Conduct performance discussions, evaluations, corrective actions, and recognition activities.
Promote employee engagement initiatives and reinforce organizational values and workplace expectations.
Maintain appropriate staffing levels by supporting workforce planning and succession development.
Ensure exceptional customer service and donor engagement across all assigned locations.
Create a welcoming environment that promotes belonging for employees, customers, donors, volunteers, and program participants.
Respond to customer concerns and service opportunities professionally and timely.
Represent Goodwill positively in the community and support mission integration efforts within retail operations.
Assume responsibility for the overall operation of assigned stores, including temporary assignments, leadership coverage, and new store openings.
Execute all store operating procedures related to donation processing, merchandising, inventory management, cash handling, safety, security, and loss prevention.
Ensure compliance with Goodwill policies, OSHA requirements, company standards, and operational procedures.
Maintain store readiness standards, visual merchandising expectations, cleanliness, and facility appearance.
Utilize operational reports and dashboards to monitor performance and identify opportunities for improvement.
Support transitions, operational stabilization efforts, and special retail projects as assigned.
Learn and demonstrate best practices across diverse retail environments.
Assist in onboarding, coaching, and developing newly promoted retail leaders.
Support implementation of new initiatives, process improvements, technology enhancements, and operational changes.
Participate in leadership development activities designed to prepare for permanent Store Manager placement.
Serve as a change champion and resource for operational excellence initiatives.
Achieve assigned sales, revenue, donation, production, and profitability goals.
Manage labor utilization, payroll expenses, controllable costs, and operating budgets.
Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and implement action plans to improve business results.
Analyze operational trends and develop strategies to increase sales, donor acquisition, and productivity.
Ensure responsible stewardship of organizational resources and assets.
Drive a culture of performance, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Identify operational challenges and implement solutions to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
Evaluate store performance metrics and provide recommendations for enhanced results.
Support district and organizational goals through collaboration, innovation, and strategic execution.
Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability in rapidly changing business environments.