Business Operations Coordinator

Lambs Farm•Libertyville, IL

1d•$50,000 - $60,000

About The Position

At Lambs Farm, we are passionately committed to enriching the lives of adults with developmental disabilities by providing meaningful opportunities, person-centered support, and a vibrant community where people can grow. Our diverse campus businesses-including our Farmyard, Pet Shop, Thrift Shop, and Greenhouse-welcome the public while creating opportunities for participants to develop skills, engage with their community, and take pride in meaningful work. Our business operations play an important role in both our mission and the guest experience at Lambs Farm. Strong leadership across these areas helps ensure our businesses operate efficiently, provide exceptional service, and continue creating opportunities that connect our participants with the broader community. We are seeking an organized and collaborative Business Operations Coordinator to oversee daily operations across several of our campus businesses, including the Greenhouse, Farmyard, Pet Shop, and Thrift Shop. This role will help ensure resources are allocated effectively, teams are working toward shared priorities, and each business delivers an excellent guest experience while meeting operational and financial goals. In this role, you will directly supervise three department managers and provide leadership across budgeting, sales, inventory, staffing, customer service, process improvement, and special events. You will also partner closely with our Programs team to develop meaningful work opportunities and enriching activities that align with participants' interests, abilities, and support needs.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree preferred; candidates without a degree may qualify with at least six years of retail leadership experience managing a team of 10 or more direct reports
Minimum of three years of experience in operations, project coordination, or a similar cross-functional role
Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, projects, and operational needs across diverse teams
Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to coach, develop, and hold managers accountable for performance and results
Strong organizational and problem-solving skills with the ability to create clarity in complex or changing situations
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively as part of a team
Passion for working with and supporting adults with developmental disabilities
Ability to balance operational efficiency, financial performance, customer experience, and mission-driven priorities
Proficiency in writing, speaking, and understanding English
Proficiency in basic computer skills, including accurate typing, navigating websites, entering and retrieving data, word processing, spreadsheet software, email, and digital communication platforms
Availability to work a flexible schedule based on business needs, including weekends and evenings as needed for special events and operational support

Responsibilities

Supervise three department managers, ensuring priorities are aligned, expectations are clear, and deadlines are met
Coach, develop, and evaluate department managers, addressing performance concerns in partnership with Human Resources
Monitor budgets, sales, expenses, resource allocation, and vendor relationships to support cost-effective operations and established financial goals
Oversee inventory management, purchasing, pricing, and merchandising practices to support sales goals while minimizing waste and loss
Drive product sales through effective merchandising, high-visibility product placement, and assortments aligned with customer needs and sales goals
Monitor cash-handling practices and ensure department managers consistently follow established financial procedures
Identify opportunities to streamline workflows, strengthen collaboration, and implement process improvements across business areas
Analyze operational data and performance metrics and provide leadership with insights to support strategic planning and decision-making
Oversee scheduling across multiple business areas to ensure appropriate staffing levels and operational coverage
Establish and monitor customer service standards and help create welcoming, accessible, and well-maintained environments for guests
Address and resolve escalated guest concerns in a professional and timely manner
Ensure department practices align with organizational policies and applicable safety, sanitation, and animal care requirements in coordination with appropriate staff
Support special events by developing promotions and coordinating staffing, resources, and logistical needs
Partner with program staff to develop and implement meaningful work opportunities and enriching activities for participants based on their interests, abilities, and support needs
Coordinate initiatives that support participants while strengthening Lambs Farm's engagement with the surrounding community
Maintain clear and consistent communication across departments and communicate operational needs, challenges, priorities, and progress to leadership
Work a flexible schedule based on business needs, including weekends and evenings as needed to support operations and special events