Manager in Training - Columbia Mall

Lush•Columbia, MD

19h•Onsite

About The Position

Manager in Training (MIT) at Lush North America. Lush has been creating fresh and handmade cosmetics for 20 years, with retail shops across Canada and the US. The company is dedicated to fair trade sourcing, supporting sustainable communities, and giving back to organizations that make a difference. The MIT supports the Store Manager in all business areas, acting as second-in-command to ensure a strong customer and staff experience, operational excellence, and exceeding sales goals. The role emphasizes Lush's Leadership Practices: Be Real, Be Curious, Lead Fearlessly, Adapt and Evolve, Grow Talent, and Live with Purpose.

Requirements

1-3 years managing or supervising in a retail environment
Excellent listening and communication skills
Excellent analytical, critical thinking and troubleshooting skills
Excellent organization and time management skills
Strong customer service, supervisory and sales skills
Knowledge and interest in skincare, natural beauty and ethical business
Ability to work flexible hours to meet the needs of the shop including holidays, evenings and weekends

Nice To Haves

Experience with consultation-based customer service models
Ability to develop and train staff through positive coaching and feedback
Proficient in Excel, Microsoft Suite, and adaptable to other systems
Basic HR skills in hiring, scheduling, training, and performance management
Experience in cross-cultural collaboration and DEIB or social justice training
Fluency in Spanish, French or other languages

Responsibilities

Collaborate with the team on plans to exceed daily sales goals and ensure a unique and inclusive customer experience.
Educate customers and staff on brand values, including Fighting Animal Testing, Freshest Cosmetics, Ethical Buying, 100% Vegetarian, Handmade, and Naked Packaging.
Increase product knowledge and make informed product recommendations.
Demonstrate strong business acumen and understanding of metrics, budgets, and reports to drive profitable results.
Support the team on the sales floor, answer questions, remove obstacles, problem-solve, and motivate them to meet sales goals.
Own personal development, assess performance, seek feedback, and support team growth through coaching and leading by example.
Communicate needs and feedback for the team and leaders, and adapt to business needs.
Engage the team to ensure they are inspired, motivated, building strong relationships, and connected to brand values.
Support the staffing of the shop by networking, recruiting, hiring, and succession planning.
Collaborate on creating and executing plans to improve staff engagement, retention, performance, and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) practices.
Support the manager to ensure shop compliance with company standards for opening/closing, product integrity, respectful workplace, health and safety, and daily communication.
Train the inventory team on fresh standards and rotation rules, and manage ordering to ensure product availability within budget.
Identify and support the development of the team to maintain a clean and beautiful work environment and follow merchandising and design standards.
Ensure appropriate staffing levels with the right skill sets during peak times, and manage breaks and meals for staff wellbeing and payroll accuracy.