Procurement, Inventory and Retail Specialist - Little Shop Around the Corner

About the role

Responsible for supervision of inventory and procurement for Little Shop around the Corner. Drive store sales by providing excellent customer service, including ensuring a friendly environment, displaying thorough product knowledge, offering recommendations to customers, maintaining store appearance, resolving customer issues, and providing efficient and accurate sales transactions.

Responsibilities

• Oversight of sourcing, procuring, and delivery of furniture and goods for MBG properties in accordance to Garden guidelines, as needed, within a given timeframe, while balancing Little Shop duties.
• Checking for damages, providing initial cleaning and light repairs on furniture accepted for Little Shop resale and/or MBG properties, in advance of placement.
• Schedule deliveries/pick-ups of items to/from MBG properties when needed.
• Source items from Little Shop Around the Corner, when appropriate.
• Maintain inventory list of all items going to MBG properties.
• Spearhead online merchandising objectives through new efforts as applicable.
• Process bills/receipts.
• Greet customers, ascertain customer needs, and provide advice in selecting merchandise.
• Open and close cash registers, performing tasks such as counting money, processing credit card transactions and balancing cash drawer.
• Aid in maintaining and organizing inventory stock room, pricing and researching merchandise, itemizing donations, processing paperwork, pricing merchandise, and assisting with floor displays.
• Participate in performing store inventory; count merchandise and supplies in stock.
• Ensure all applicable safety standards are followed: inform employees/students/volunteers of safety guidelines and safe working practices and routine monitor to enforce them.
• In supervisor’s absence, this position is required to oversee shop activities.
• Meet expected attendance guidelines.
• Follow and adhere to established policies and procedures, including but not limited to Employee Handbook, Garden Safety Guidelines and Department Policies.
• Behave and communicate in a manner that promotes and fosters a culture of teamwork and cooperation, within our division and throughout the Garden, with co-workers, supervisors/managers, volunteers, visitors and employees.
• Perform other duties as required.
• Supervisory Responsibilities: Responsible for running the shop in the Supervisor’s absence.

  Core Competencies

  • Communication – Listens to others and asks questions for clarification; Writes clearly and presents information accurately; Speaks professionally and responds well to questions; Supports positive visitor relations.
  • Collaboration – Demonstrates teamwork and promotes respect in the workplace; Engages in problem solving and group initiatives; Cooperates in implementing procedures and process improvements; Strives for positive visitor experiences.
  • Accountability – Demonstrates commitment to responsibilities and adaptable to changes; Effectively prioritizes, troubleshoots and takes appropriate actions; Follows policies and procedures, meets deadlines, quality, and safety standards; Strives to proactively, address visitor and internal colleagues’ concerns.
  • Problem Solving – Identifies and resolves problems; Includes supervisor before taking action as necessary; Recommends solutions, demonstrates creativity and resourcefulness; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment in decision making process; Includes appropriate people in making decisions.
  • Stewardship – Promotes and adheres to sustainability, safety and security protocols; Fosters a culture of respect, diversity and inclusion; Demonstrates effective and prudent use of Garden resources; Maximizes contributions during work hours.

  Qualifications/Experience

  • Minimum of (6) months’ experience in retail, customer service and/or sales environment required.
  • Proficient knowledge of sales principles, customer service principles and processes required.
  • Experience in online merchandising a plus.
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively at all levels; must enjoy and feel comfortable interacting and working with the general public, in a safe and friendly manner.
  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, high volume, retail environment.
  • Ability to patiently work with volunteers and provide direction regarding tasks in the absence of a management member.
  • Demonstrates the highest level of professional and ethical conduct; knowledge and understanding of organizational policies, procedures and systems.
  • Must be punctual, dependable, self-starter, and possess the ability to effectively multi-task and work under minimal supervision.
  • Scheduling flexibility that allows working some weekends and evenings is required.
  • Exceptional demonstrated project management, organizational, time management skills, problem-solving and conflict resolution skills required; ability to work independently with little instruction; coordinate and prioritize multiple tasks, set deadlines, and complete projects in a timely manner.
  • Adherence to all health and safety guidelines.

  Education

  • Associate’s degree in Retail Management, Business or other related field strongly preferred.
  • An equivalent combination of skills, education and experience may be considered.

  Computer Skills

  • Experience using Microsoft Office suite (i.e., Outlook, Excel, Word,) and POS knowledge preferred.

  Language Skills

  • Ability to communicate effectively in English (verbal and written).

  Physical Demands

  • Ability to lift 35-50 lbs. (i.e.: load, unload and move supplies, equipment and furniture).
  • Required to perform tasks at varying heights (i.e. Use step stools, climb ladders, etc.).
  • Requires standing, walking, bending, stooping and reaching for extended periods of time – 75% or more of the workday many be standing on feet.
  • Required to perform tasks at varying heights (i.e., step stools, climb ladders, etc.).
  • Ability to effectively utilize computer keyboard (typing) and cash register.
  • Requires extensive speaking and interaction with people.

  Work Environment

  • Comfortable working in immediate proximity to the general public, in a safe and friendly manner, answering general questions regarding the Little Shop and MBG, Butterfly House and Shaw Nature Reserve operations.
  • Must be able to work weekends.
  • Ability to work in a multi-paced, team-oriented environment.
  • Indoor open office setting, shared by multiple staff.
  • Comfortable assisting diverse visitors.
  • Adhere to all dress codes.

  Contacts with Individuals/Organizations inside/outside the Garden

  • Garden Employees, volunteers, members, donors, and vendors.

  Supervisor (title not person)

  • Supervisor, Little Shop