Retail Assistant Store Manager - Backroom Operations

Goodwill Industries of Middle Tennessee•Franklin, TN

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Retail Assistant Store Manager – Backroom Operations leads the store’s backroom operations, including donor stewardship, processing, inventory management, quality control, and production workflow. The role is accountable for operational excellence and for handling donated goods with care while preparing them efficiently to meet sales-floor needs. Using key performance indicators (KPIs), the manager aligns backroom output with inventory needs, quality standards, and store performance so the right products reach the sales floor at the right time. Through hands-on, on-floor leadership, the manager sets expectations for pace, quality, safety, and efficient workflows. The role supervises, coaches, and develops backroom team members and Leads; supports donor service and eCommerce processing; and collaborates with the store leadership team. The position supports Goodwill’s mission of Changing Lives through Education, Training, and Employment and promotes a workplace grounded in Teamwork, Respect, Uprightness, and Empowerment. The schedule is flexible and includes evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required.
Two to three years of supervisory or lead experience in production, warehouse, retail, or logistics environments required.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Strong leadership, coaching, and people-management skills.
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities accurately in a fast-paced environment.
Knowledge of production, inventory, and quality-control processes, and ability to compile, interpret, and analyze operational data for reporting and continuous improvement.
Ability to learn and apply new processes, systems, equipment, and operational procedures.
Ability to lead and motivate a diverse team while promoting a positive, inclusive culture grounded in the organization’s Mission and TRUE Core Values.
Ability to provide safe, friendly, and efficient donor service at the Donor Door.
Ability to interpret and meet production metrics, KPIs, and performance goals.
Ability to identify quality standards, classify goods accurately, and ensure compliance with CPSC and public-protection requirements.
Working knowledge of Outlook, Word, Excel, and online product research.
Ability to operate a forklift; forklift certification must be obtained, with training and certification provided by the organization.
Reliable transportation to perform job duties, including travel to other Goodwill locations and/or bank deposits as needed.
Valid driver’s license required.

Nice To Haves

Associate’s degree in business, Logistics, Supply Chain, Management, Retail Operations, or a related field.
Four years of supervisory experience in retail, warehouse, logistics, or production environments as an alternative qualification.
Experience in fast-paced, high-volume operations.
Prior retail, nonprofit, or mission-based organization experience.
Experience supporting or working alongside eCommerce operations.
Previous experience training, coaching, or developing staff.
Bilingual language skills.

Responsibilities

Oversee daily backroom operations, including ownership of the donor door, maintaining a clean, organized, and mission-aligned environment.
Manage workflow from donor-door intake through sorting, processing, and placement of products on the sales floor.
Manage production flow, quality control, inventory movement, and trailer readiness.
Ensure items are accurately priced and placed on the sales floor at the right time.
Align production output with sales performance and inventory needs.
Maximize the value of donations through efficient processing and strong donor stewardship.
Provide friendly, efficient, and respectful service to donors at the donor door.
Identify and route items that meet online standards to support eCommerce.
Plan, schedule, assign, and direct team work, adjusting as needed to meet sales, service, production, labor-efficiency, and profit objectives.
Lead daily production huddles to review performance, identify gaps, and set priorities.
Hold the team accountable to production, yield, sell-through, quality, and quota KPIs.
Maintain accurate reporting and make performance metrics visible and actionable.
Address performance gaps promptly and lead continuous-improvement efforts.
Ensure store performance meets financial targets and metrics in annual and quarterly operating plans.
Reinforce expectations through consistent follow-up and coaching.
Supervise, coach, and develop backroom team members and Leads.
Conduct training, performance feedback, corrective action, and development planning in alignment with HR policies.
Build a positive, inclusive team culture that supports accountability, engagement, and retention.
Support cross-training for operational coverage and business continuity.
Ensure compliance with policies, procedures, and operational standards.
Monitor donation intake and production for accuracy, quality, and compliance.
Support loss prevention by maintaining awareness and promptly addressing concerns.
Collaborate with store leadership and other functions to meet store goals.
Provide on-floor leadership that models professionalism, accountability, and operational excellence.
Participate in audits, projects, and initiatives that strengthen store performance.
Maintain a flexible schedule that includes evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Travel to other Goodwill locations and/or make bank deposits as needed.
Perform other duties as needed to support store operations, operational effectiveness, and leadership priorities.