Retail Operations Manager

About the Role

The Retail Operations Manager supports the Director of Stores and District Managers as a liaison between the stores and retail support departments. This role executes company directives, policies, and procedures to ensure customer service, product sales, and profitability.

Responsibilities

• Work directly with the Director of Stores to execute strategies and action plans to meet business plan objectives.
• Collaborate with department managers to prioritize and manage projects for retail stores, ensuring alignment with the retail calendar and business impact.
• Travel regularly to Blick offices in Galesburg and Highland Park to attend and facilitate meetings.
• Visit stores to identify opportunities for business improvement.
• Oversee updates to Loss Prevention audits and manage Store Visit Review compliance.
• Attend strategic meetings and collaborate with department managers to execute leadership initiatives.
• Serve as a liaison between the retail field and office staff to support District Managers.
• Partner with the Director of Stores to communicate initiatives to stores.
• Monitor progress of training initiatives and communicate updates to Store Managers, Human Resources, and senior management.
• Update and develop policies and procedures to meet changing business needs.
• Ensure timely and appropriate communication of directives, initiatives, and feedback to field employees.
• Create tracking systems to monitor the progress of operations initiatives.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in business or a related field (recommended).
• 3-5 years of progressively responsible retail management experience.
• 3+ years of experience managing multiple stores.
• Basic computer skills, including email and Microsoft Office products.
• Ability to break down complex problems and communicate effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Extensive experience delivering high-level customer service in a brand-image retail environment.
• Experience in retail operations, budgeting, planning, customer service, sales, and people management.

General Requirements

• Ability to work onsite in the Highland Park office and travel monthly to the Galesburg office.
• Occasional overnight travel (20% of the time).
• Self-motivated with an entrepreneurial spirit.
• Excellent time management skills to handle time-sensitive projects while adapting to changing circumstances.
• Availability to work day/evening shifts, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Ability to stand and walk for prolonged periods.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 40 lbs using appropriate techniques and adhering to safety rules.

Pay

$60,000 - $70,000 per year + incentives.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401K & profit-sharing plan.
• Incentive bonus plans.
• Paid holidays and paid time off.
• Paid parental leave.
• Short-term and long-term disability.
• Training opportunities.
• Basic and optional life insurance.
• Employee discount.

About the Company

Founded in 1911, Blick Art Materials is the largest and oldest provider of art supplies in the United States, currently in its third generation of family ownership. The company’s mission is to support the visual art community by offering the widest selection of art supplies at the lowest prices, with a focus on extraordinary service, integrity, and creative growth for artists, educators, students, and employees.