Retail Operations Manager

Organization Overview
Free Geek Twin Cities is a nonprofit organization dedicated to digital inclusion and environmental sustainability through technology reuse and recycling. We reduce e-waste, support community education, and promote responsible technology use.

Job Summary

The Retail Operations Manager formulates, determines, and effectuates the operational and financial direction of the Free Geek Twin Cities online and retail store. As a key member of the management team, this role leads and supervises staff and volunteers to ensure profitability, operational efficiency, and alignment with the organization’s mission. The manager applies strong financial acumen to track performance, develop data-informed sales strategies, and optimize online and store operations across all departments.

Leadership & Supervision

• Lead and supervise the Thrift Store Clerks and Ecommerce lead, setting goals, evaluating performance, and fostering accountability.
• Determine staffing schedules to ensure adequate store and volunteer coverage.
• Formulate and implement policies, operating procedures, and sales standards for staff and volunteers.
• Develop and deliver orientation, training, and performance coaching to ensure consistent and equitable experiences.
• Support volunteer recruitment, retention, and recognition in collaboration with the Community Outreach & Education Manager.
• Create a culture of inclusion, motivation, and teamwork that drives ecommerce and store success and mission alignment.

Financial Management & Planning

• Apply strong financial acumen to manage and analyze store operations, ensuring profitability and fiscal responsibility.
• Track daily, weekly, and quarterly sales and expenses, pulling financial reports to evaluate trends and inform decision-making.
• Develop and present financial summaries and performance metrics to leadership.
• Determine sales strategies, pricing adjustments, and promotions based on financial data and inventory turnover.
• Prepare and manage the annual store budget; monitor expenses and revenue goals to ensure targets are met.
• Effectuate sound cash-handling procedures, including daily reconciliations, deposits, and recordkeeping.
• Collaborate with the Operations Manager and Executive Director to forecast needs and create short- and long-term financial plans.

Operations & Inventory Management

• Formulate and oversee processes for receiving, sorting, pricing, and displaying donated merchandise.
• Implement inventory control systems to manage stock rotation, minimize loss, and maintain quality standards.
• Ensure the store and surrounding areas are clean, safe, and visually appealing.
• Determine appropriate pricing structures in collaboration with the store and technology teams.
• Maintain compliance with Free Geek Twin Cities policies as well as local, state, and federal regulations.

Customer Experience & Community Engagement

• Ensure exceptional customer service by modeling professionalism, friendliness, and knowledge of Free Geek’s mission.
• Address and resolve customer concerns and inquiries promptly and effectively.
• Lead community outreach by cultivating relationships with donors, partners, and customers to increase visibility and engagement.
• Represent the store at community events and organizational functions as needed.

Cross-Department Collaboration

• Work across departments to proactively communicate store needs related to inventory, staffing, and operations.
• Partner with the Recycling, Tech Lab, and Education teams to align retail activities with mission-based programming and product flow.
• Participate in management meetings and contribute to organizational strategy development.

Qualifications & Skills

Experience

• Proven retail management experience, preferably in electronics, resale, or consignment environments.
• Demonstrated success in financial tracking, sales analysis, and strategic decision-making.
• Experience supervising staff and volunteers, with strong leadership and delegation skills.
• Familiarity with POS systems, CRM tools, and inventory management software.
  Experience with electronics or hardline merchandise preferred.

Education

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in business, nonprofit management, or related field preferred; equivalent experience considered.

Core Competencies

• Leadership: Demonstrated ability to lead and supervise teams with clarity, accountability, and motivation.
• Financial Acumen: Skilled in budgeting, forecasting, analyzing financial data, and presenting results.
• Operational Strategy: Proven ability to formulate, determine, and effectuate policies that improve efficiency and profitability.
  Communication: Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Organization: Excellent attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
  Problem Solving: Decisive and resourceful in addressing operational or customer service challenges.