JOB BRIEF
The Soft Goods Manager in each store is responsible for the overall operation of the soft goods department. In that capacity, the Soft Goods Manager must supervise the employees of the department to ensure that the staff is well trained and productive. The Soft Goods Manager is responsible for the continuous evaluation of the department to maximize its contribution to the store's overall success.


JOB DUTIES
- Observe department for evidence of shrink, including damage, poor inventory control, and theft; inform and coach employees as to procedures to reduce shrink; consult with loss prevention and store manager as needed to decrease shrinkage in the department.
- Review the condition of the department throughout the day ensuring that employees are dressed according to the dress code and utilizing all required personal protective equipment; that customer service levels are high and employees are practicing learned customer service skills; that department condition meets company standards; and is maintained at all times.
- Assign responsibility for ordering supplies and monitor to ensure proper levels and proper control; facilitate product transfers between departments or between stores from time to time; responsible for department's readiness for inventory each quarter; direct and assign necessary duties to prepare for inventory.
- Review invoices of product received into the department and ensure proper receipt procedures were followed and that the invoice is correct and contain all the information needed to ensure proper accounting and payment.
- Execute the quarterly department action plans as well as any additional plans received from Merchandising. Develop and implement additional action plans or promotional events that will maximize sales and ensure merchandising goals are achieved. Prepare and implement department plans for effective space management, product allocation, and cross merchandising. Responsible for department's readiness for inventory each quarter; direct and assign necessary duties to prepare for inventory.
- Prepare employee schedules each week based on projected sales, labor budget, and anticipated activity; monitor labor budget daily and adjust schedule as needed.
- Assign responsibility for ordering supplies and monitor to ensure proper levels and proper control; facilitate product transfers between departments or between stores from time to time; responsible for department's readiness for inventory each quarter; direct and assign necessary duties to prepare for inventory.
- Review and analyze sales and compare with budget; identify and record events that may have affected sales; review labor costs as it pertains to sales.
- Ensure that clothing and other soft goods are properly rotated and presented attractively to customers to encourage sales. Assess inventory needs based on movement, specials, promotions, and trends; determine amount of inventory needed to meet needs and ensure that appropriate merchandise is on hand.
- Interview candidates; assess and recommend candidates for hire; ensure that new employees completes orientation ; conduct job training for new employees to ensure that expectations are being met; coach and train so that work is performed safely and efficiently; make work assignments for employees and follow-up to ensure completion; ensure that efficiency procedures are being followed consistently ; meet with employees of the department on a regular basis to communicate department or company news and topics that will enhance their performance; discuss any deficiencies discovered and counsel employees if necessary using company guidelines for disciplinary action.
- Monitor employees continuously to ensure that employees are making safety an important part of their work. Keep the Store Manager and/or key staff members informed of any unusual or unauthorized activity in and around the store.
- Investigate any personnel situations or policy violations that may have an adverse effect on department operating performance or any situations that may require disciplinary action; take appropriate disciplinary action according to company policy and consult with Store Manager when necessary.
- Evaluate performance of staff periodically and coach and counsel as necessary to recommend personnel actions such as retention, promotion, pay increase, transfer, reward or dismissal of employees. Communicate policies and expectations to employees; enforce company policies and procedures in the department, including policies related to security, safety, company dress and grooming standards.
- Work to develop and maintain a friendly atmosphere and good morale in the department; by giving feedback and recognition to employees on a regular basis; resolving disputes and/or issues between employees and by addressing employees' questions and concerns.


Secondary Job Duties:
- Comply with all company policies and procedures.
- Verify price checks for customers as needed.
- Ability to extract and analyze data and use data to plan, project, identify problems, etc.
- Ensure all product labels, signs and prices are aligned with product.
- Present favorable impression in dress, personal hygiene and business attitude.
- Other duties assigned by management.

QUALIFICATIONS
- High School diploma or equivalent experience, some college preferred.
- Must be at least 18 years of age.
- Successful experience in a Soft Good department (i.e., merchandising, ordering, inventorying, and pricing.)
- Fluency in English language, Spanish skills are extremely desirable.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills for dealing with customers, employees and vendors.
- Above average analytical skills necessary to study and interpret various reports to keep the department profitable. Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel


COMPETENCIES
Never- 0%, Occasionally- 1-33%, Frequently- 34-66%, Continuously- 67-100%

Physical Demands:
- Occasionally- Pushing and pulling up to 100 lbs., climbing up to 6 foot height, balancing, crouching, talking, and smelling.
- Frequently- Carrying up to 50 lbs., lifting up to 50 lbs., stooping, and kneeling.
- Continuously- Standing on tile/concrete, walking on tile/concrete, manual dexterity, reaching waist/overhead level, seeing, and hearing.

Safety Risk Factors:
- Occasionally-Loud noise, slippery or cluttered floor surface, hazardous equipment, contact with sharp objects, contact with skin irritant, toxic exposure (see Material Safety Data Sheets), nuisance dust, fumes, sprays, and hazardous cleaning solutions.
- Frequently-Twisting of back and neck.

Other:
- Varied, irregular schedules.
- Working environment involves inside store environment with controlled temperatures.