Retail Manager

Portland Japanese Garden – a 501(c)(3) non-profit in Portland, Oregon – is hiring for a Retail Manager (RM). The Retail Manager is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the Retail department, including overall staff development and management, financial budgeting, reporting, and optimizing the customer experience in adherence to Garden standards. The Retail Manager reports to the Director of Guest Experience (DGE). This position works from the primary Garden campus, located at 611 SW Kingston Ave.

The benefits packet for this position includes 100% employer-paid insurance premiums for medical, vision, and dental insurance and a 4% employer match on the 401k.

COVID-19 Vaccination Policy: For the safety of our staff, volunteers, and guests, Portland Japanese Garden requires all staff and volunteers to be vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus, including at least one booster shot. Candidates must be fully vaccinated by their hire date and must provide proof of vaccination upon hire.

Primary Duties 

Staff Management

• Mentor, coach, and develop Retail staff to promote a work environment where team members’ input and individual strengths are encouraged and valued, and performance issues or conflicts are addressed promptly and fairly
• Oversee overall performance management, hiring, and training of Retail staff, ensuring guest experience is the primary focus
• Create weekly schedules and manage staff timesheets
• Develop and maintain department policies, procedures, and training resources
• Responsible for overseeing and training Retail staff on POS procedures, cash handling, Garden policies/procedures, product knowledge/presentation, and customer service standards

Operations

• Work as needed in the Garden Gift Shops (shops), developing knowledge of and ability to perform all front-of-house functions, ensuring functional continuity and being the primary role model for positive, proactive customer service
• Serve as primary Retail Manager on Duty, which includes opening and closing the shops, troubleshooting POS or operational issues, and responding to guest concerns
• Attend regular meetings with Retail leadership regarding staff management, Garden events or policies, product merchandising strategies, revenue goals, etc
• Oversee inventory and shipping policies and procedures
• Work closely with IT to maintain and make improvements to hardware and software
• Oversee operational aspects, including installation, breakdown and inter-department coordination, of Behind the Shoji summer marketplace, “Garden” Gift Shop, and other retail Garden programs and exhibitions
• Oversee the restocking/merchandising of shops, and in conjunction with the Director of Buying and Merchandising (DBM), ensure retail spaces are optimally merchandised and presentable in alignment with the aesthetics and mission of the Garden
• Collaborate with Cultural and Exhibition Department Managers and DBM to integrate retail elements, when appropriate, into Garden programs and events
• Collaborate with Director of Marketing and DBM to ensure Retail marketing collateral is in alignment with the aesthetics and mission of the Garden and maximizes sales
• Collaborate with Garden curators to develop working knowledge of Japanese aesthetic and culture
• Engage in external events/associations to develop department knowledge of retail and customer service trends

Financial

• Responsible for evaluating and improving financial performance by meeting key sales and profit performance targets including revenue, capture rate, average sale per visitor, profit margin and shrinkage
• Develop and manage annual Retail budget
• Oversee end-of-month reports including Sales, COGS, Inventory Returned/Received and Ending Inventory Balance, and work closely with Finance department to ensure accuracy
• In conjunction with Inventory Specialist and Finance Department, oversee and participate in annual physical inventory count process including preparation, counting, and rectifying any discrepancies
• Oversee and participate in department deposit and cash handling procedures
• Other periodic duties as assigned

Other Responsibilities  

• Familiarize oneself with the organization and the Employee Handbook
• Get to know fellow staff members, developing trust, establishing credibility, encouraging teamwork, and creating an atmosphere of open, honest, two-way communication 
• Be welcoming and friendly with PJG volunteers, Board members, and visitors
• Maintain a high level of professionalism in manner and appearance
• Adhere to Garden Dress Code (business casual)

Qualifications

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the qualifications as described in a job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the position, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and qualifications for this role.

• Minimum four years retail experience, with at least two years in a management role
• Proven track record of excellent customer service and effective team leadership skills
• Excellent verbal and written English communication skills
• Proficient on a computer, and in-depth knowledge of point-of-sale software and other programs such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook

Special Requirements

• Flexible work schedule and able to accommodate changing Garden needs, including working occasional overtime
• Must successfully complete first aid training, provided by the Garden
• Must be comfortable lifting up to 40lbs
• Must be able to remain in a standing position and/or move about the Gift Shops for several hours
• Knowledge of Japanese culture and/or bilingual in Japanese is a plus
• Current driver’s license; must be able to supply a satisfactory DMV report once hired

Compensation & Schedule

• Wage: $55,000 - $65,000/year, depending on experience
• This is a full-time, salaried position with 40-45 hours per week. Regular workdays vary but are generally Sunday-Thursday. Shifts are typically 8-9 hours (plus ½ hour lunch) between 7:30am–7:30pm but may be needed for occasional Friday/Saturday shifts and/or evenings
• Benefits:
  • health, dental, and vision insurance (premium 100% covered for employees), with partial deductible reimbursement
  • 401k plan (after 6 months, with 4% employer match after 1 year)
  • flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care expenses
  • paid vacation, sick, and holiday time
  • free access to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Transportation

The Garden is located at 611 SW Kingston Avenue, in Washington Park. Below are the transportation options for staff commuting to the Garden:

• Parking: Staff may park in the pay-to-park spaces throughout Washington Park. The cost is $8/day, or staff may request parking permits from Washington Park. The Garden subsidizes a portion of the cost for parking permits; the cost for staff is $75/month during the high season (March – September) and $50/month during the low season (October – February).
• Bus Passes: For staff who take public transit as their primary means of commuting to the Garden, we provide paid bus passes. Full-time staff receive a monthly TriMet pass, and part-time staff receive daily passes, based on their work schedule.
• Transportation Stipend: Staff who take any form of alternative transit to get to work qualify for a $5 daily stipend. This includes taking public transit, walking, biking, carpooling, or getting dropped off. The only staff who do not qualify for the stipend are those who are receiving a bus pass through the Garden.

Applications

To apply, please submit a resume, cover letter, and three work-related references. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please no phone calls or hand delivered applications. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.