Department Lead - Apparel

Rural King • City of Elmira, NY

2d

About The Position

The Department Lead oversees the efficient and effective operation of an assigned department at Rural King. This role manages inventory, department recovery, price changes, planogram sets, cleanliness, and merchandising standards while providing customer service and supporting front-end operations as needed. The Department Lead also participates in cross-training and learning initiatives and demonstrates Rural King’s values in interactions with customers and associates.

Requirements

• At least 2 years of retail experience with knowledge of the specific department.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to actively listen, ask relevant questions, and provide clear, thorough responses.
• Adaptability to changing priorities, unexpected challenges, and evolving business needs.
• Ability to navigate ambiguity and uncertainty with a flexible mindset.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Ability to remain composed and focused during high-pressure situations.
• Ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and maintain attention to detail.
• Ability to review and analyze information carefully and identify errors or inconsistencies.
• Comfort navigating computer systems and software.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Ability to work a 40-hour workweek with varied hours, days, nights, and weekends as business dictates.
• Ability to sit or stand for extended durations.
• Ability to lift, push, and/or pull a minimum of 30 pounds repetitively and 31–50 pounds intermittently.
• Ability to use a ladder and/or pallet jack.
• Ability to navigate and access all facilities.
• Ability to communicate verbally in person and via electronic devices.
• Close vision for computer-related tasks.

Responsibilities

• Follow the indoor merchandising guide to maintain department and signing standards and appealing displays.
• Monitor inventory through stock counts, scanning outs, reconciling discrepancies, and replenishing merchandise from the stockroom or top stock.
• Oversee department recovery to maintain a neat, organized, and visually appealing shopping area.
• Coordinate and execute price changes, including updating pricing labels and signage with relevant teams.
• Implement playbook features and planogram sets according to company guidelines and standards.
• Maintain department cleanliness and orderliness and enforce sanitation and safety protocols.
• Provide customer service by assisting with inquiries, locating products, and addressing concerns.
• Support front-end operations by processing transactions or loadouts as required.
• Use general office equipment, including telephones, copy machines, fax machines, calculators, and computers.
• Operate handheld devices, forklifts, pallet jacks, ladders, and other retail equipment.
• Participate in cross-training across departments and responsibilities.
• Participate in training programs, workshops, webinars, and other learning initiatives.
• Provide friendly, proactive, and professional support to internal and external contacts.
• Demonstrate Rural King’s values: People First, Integrity, Attitude, Initiative, Teamwork, Accountability, and Continuous Improvement.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• 401(k) plan with a 100% match on the first 3% of contributions and a 50% match on the next 2%.
• Healthcare plans.
• Virtual doctor visits.
• Access to Centers of Excellence with Barnes Jewish Hospital and Mayo Clinic’s Complex Care Program.
• 15% associate discount.
• Dave Ramsey’s SmartDollar Program at no cost.
• Associate Assistance Program.
• RK Cares Associate Hardship Program.
• 24/7 Chaplaincy Services.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed