Retail Operations and Merchandise Manager

Job DetailsJob Location: Corporate - Grand Island, NE 68801Position Type: Full-Time - RegularJob Shift: DaysJob Category: RetailGENERAL DESCRIPTION: The Retail Operations & Merchandise Manager plays a critical role in the success of Goodwill Industries of Greater Nebraska's Retail Division. This position serves as the primary administrator and subject matter expert for retail point-of-sale systems, reporting platforms, retail analytics, and new merchandise programs. Through data-driven decision making, strategic purchasing, operational support, and continuous process improvement, this position helps maximize sales performance, enhance the customer experience, and support the achievement of organizational goals.

This role partners closely with retail leadership to identify opportunities, implement solutions, and drive operational excellence throughout the retail division.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: (Note: Qualified persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodation will be provided.)

Retail Merchandise & Inventory Management

Lead the administration, purchasing, pricing strategy, and distribution of the new goods merchandise program across all retail locations.
Analyze product performance, sales trends, inventory levels, and shrink data to maximize profitability and improve inventory turnover.
Develop recommendations and implement strategies to increase sales, improve product placement, and reduce inventory loss.
Establish and maintain relationships with merchandise vendors and suppliers while identifying opportunities to improve product assortment and cost effectiveness.
Monitor inventory levels and merchandise performance and make recommendations regarding purchasing, replenishment, and inventory management practices.

Retail Systems & Reporting

Serve as the Retail Division subject matter expert for POS systems, reporting platforms, and retail technology applications.
Maintain, troubleshoot, and coordinate enhancements to retail systems in collaboration with internal and external technology partners.
Develop, generate, and analyze operational and financial reports to identify trends, performance opportunities, and areas requiring corrective action.
Create and maintain dashboards, reports, and key performance indicators to support informed decision making throughout the Retail Division.
Provide training, guidance, and technical support to retail management teams regarding system functionality and reporting tools.

Business Operations & Project Management

Coordinate and oversee retail operational initiatives, special projects, and process improvement efforts.
Support retail leadership through analysis of store performance metrics and development of actionable recommendations.
Manage retail voucher processing and ensure appropriate tracking, documentation, and reporting.
Coordinate the retail sustainability program, monitoring schedules, results, and process efficiencies.
Prepare reports, presentation materials, and operational analyses for leadership meetings and strategic planning discussions.
Coordinate and maintain retail division documentation, forms, procedures, and operational resources.

Training & Development

Assist in the development of retail training materials, operational procedures, instructional documents, and training videos.
Partner with retail leadership to identify training needs and support the development of best practices across store operations.
Utilize retail operational experience to ensure training content reflects practical and effective business practices.

Compliance & Administrative Responsibilities

Complete all required state and regulatory filings, including but not limited to Nebraska Waste Reduction and Recycling Fee reports and vehicle contribution documentation.
Ensure accurate recordkeeping and compliance with organizational policies and reporting requirements.
Perform additional duties and special projects as assigned in support of retail operations and organizational objectives.

Organizational Responsibilities

Demonstrate ethics that are above reproach by consistently making decisions that prioritize integrity, transparency, and accountability.
Demonstrate Goodwill's CARE Values in all interactions and business decisions.
Maintain consistent attendance and punctuality.
Perform other duties as assigned.

STAFF PERSONS SUPERVISED: This position does not have direct supervisory responsibility but serves as a key resource and operational leader within the Retail Division and may provide functional guidance, training, and support to retail management teams
QualificationsEDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Retail Management, Information Systems, Data Analytics, or a related field preferred. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.
Three years of experience in retail operations, business analytics, inventory management, merchandising, or a related field preferred.
Experience administering retail point-of-sale systems, inventory management systems, or business reporting tools strongly preferred.
Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel required, including data analysis, pivot tables, reporting, and dashboard creation.
Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and other business applications.
Demonstrated ability to analyze data, identify trends, and translate findings into actionable business recommendations.
Project management experience preferred.
Valid Nebraska driver's license and ability to meet insurability requirements.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Ability to communicate in spoken conversation and have normal hearing for conversation/telephone use.
Visual acuity, depth perception and field of vision within normal range.
Ability to be independently mobile on all surfaces and situations; to move safely about the work area.
Physical stamina to work at least 8 hours per day and be able to travel to conferences, meetings, stores.
Physical ability to safely lift up to 35 pounds.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS OF THE ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.
Strong business acumen with the ability to identify opportunities for operational improvement.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to collaborate effectively with individuals at all levels of the organization.
Self-directed with the ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment.
Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
Ability to adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced retail environment.

WHY THIS ROLE MATTERS:

The Retail Operations & Merchandise Manager strongly supports Goodwill’s retail performance. In a division where every sale fuels mission impact, this role ensures stores have the right merchandise, the right systems, and the right operational rhythm to win in a competitive retail environment.

HOURS:  Forty (40) Generally, Monday through Friday during regular business hours. Periodic travel to retail locations and occasional evening or weekend work may be required to support operational needs and special projects.

JOB CLASSIFICATION:   Exempt

Teammates are expected to adhere to Goodwill Industries of Greater Nebraska’s ethical code of conduct. 

Teammates must abide by Goodwill Industries of Greater Nebraska’s Corporate Compliance policies.  The purpose of our corporate compliance program is to prevent and detect any criminal, fraudulent, unethical, or improper conduct and take appropriate corrective action.