Store Lead

Tender Loving Empire(TLE) was created for people who seek inspiration and positive change; for people who believe that art, music, creativity and human connections simply make life better; for people who want to live wholehearted.  TLE has been a part of the Portland creative community since 2006 with a mission to empower and support creatives, enrich and fulfill employees, and delight and inspire patrons.   We have a strong focus on selling locally-made goods, and are proud to carry the work of makers from around the country as well.  Our goal is to showcase the work of independently-owned businesses and makers with values that align with ours.

We are looking for a Store Lead to help bring our mission and values to life at our Portland Airport locations.  Applying to work at Tender Loving Empire is a choice to support hundreds of makers, musicians and small businesses.

We’d love to hear from people with:

• Excellent leadership skills, including the ability to motivate and uplift others.  
• Effective communication skills, including writing, speaking and active listening.
• Great interpersonal skills and the ability to build strong relationships with team, customers, and vendors. 
• Exceptional time management and organization skills.

Requirements:

• High school diploma, GED or equivalent education.
• Minimum two years in a specialty retail and/or customer service role.
• Minimum one year in a supervisory or leadership role. 
• Ability to work full time including variable hours including early mornings, evenings, weekends and/ or holidays.

Benefits + Perks

• $18.19/hour
• Vacation time accrual, eligible for use after 90 days of employment
• Front loaded sick time, 40 hours per year, eligible for use after 90 days of employment
• 9 Observed Holidays (time and a half on worked holidays)
• Generous employee discount
• Occasional show or event tickets
• 401k w/ up to 2% company match at 1 year of employment
• Benefits for Full Time Employees (health + dental) 
• HSA account access to some health care options
• Working with a group of kind, hard-working, fun-loving, value-driven, talented humans

Job Summary

This position is responsible for supporting the management team in meeting the company and store goals.  This position provides leadership to the team of Sales Associates to increase sales and improve customer experience.  Store leads also support the management team by assisting in the training of new employees, ensuring all policies and procedures are followed, and completing or delegating daily and weekly tasks.  

Essential Duties 

1. Leads the team in providing an exceptional customer service experience by developing strong relationships with customers and looking for opportunities to expand their purchase. 
2. Ensures brand standards are met, processes are executed daily, and tasks are delegated based on their priority level.
3. Upholds brand merchandising and presentation standards by ensuring the effective execution of operational activities and updates.
4. Assists the management team with general supervision in the store in accordance with company policies and procedures, where applicable. 

Job Duties

1. Assists with training team members on store and company procedures and programs.
2. Provides hands-on mentoring and teaches the "why" behind tasks, plans, and processes. 
3. Monitors store key performance indicators and leads the team in driving sales, promotions, customer profiles, and basket value.
4. Leads by example to support the vision of the organization and store by helping teammates understand how their responsibilities directly align to the common purpose, organizational goals, and customer shopping experience.
5. Addresses customer service issues and escalates them to the management team. 
6. Creates an inclusive store environment where everyone (teammates & customers) feels welcome and safe and is treated with respect.
7. Adheres to established policies and procedures related to inventory management, safety, loss prevention and standard operating procedures. Maintains confidentiality of all Company information.
8. Takes an all-hands-on-deck approach to support the team across the store.
9. Performs other tasks as assigned by management.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

1. The employee may be exposed to weather based heat and humidity.   
2. While performing the duties of this job the employee must frequently lift up to 15 pounds and must occasionally lift and or move up to 40 pounds.  
3. The employee is also regularly required to stand, walk, use hands and fingers to work with products, twist, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl, and reach with hands and arm.