Manager, Retail Operations

Manager, Retail Operations

Tracking Code: req1409

Faculty/Department: Office of VP, Administration

Number of Positions: 1

Appointment Type: Full-Time Continuing,

Hours of Work: 35 hours per week

Salary Range: Level 10 - Annual Hiring Salary, $86,176, with annual step progression in accordance with the Salary Grid.

Posting Date: November 20, 2024

Closing Date: November 27, 2024

Job Summary: The Manager, Retail operations will be responsible for overseeing the daily operations of campus retail stores including the campus bookstore and food service facilities ensuring efficient management and optimal performance. The manager will be responsible for overseeing the Campus Bookstore's inventory, managing vendor relationships, and implementing sales strategies that align with the university's academic calendar and student needs. Additionally, they will lead a team to deliver excellent customer service, support availability of course materials, and foster a welcoming environment for students, staff, and visitors. The Manager will also work closely with the contracted / leased food services providers to ensure delivery of smooth, efficient, consistent and customer-focused of food services on campus. Their leadership will be crucial in driving revenue growth, enhancing campus life, and promoting sticky campus. This position will be in-person, on campus 5 days per week.

Nature of work:
To whom does the position report? Director of Ancillary Services

Responsibilities/accountabilities:

Bookstore Operations

• Initiate, plan, organize and direct a variety of activities related to the Campus Bookstore Store operations including, but not limited to General Operations Management, Human Resources Management, and Inventory Management.
• Collaborate with campus stakeholders to address issues and align services with university needs.
• Coordinate staffing and merchandising for campus and offsite events.
• Ensures PCI compliance and other relevant standards are met in all areas, as required.
• Manage staff and provide leadership within the unit: Recruit, train, schedule and ensure staff are following policy and procedures, health and safety guidelines.
• Coordinates staff training, new staff orientation, performance management, and coaching/support as required.
• Maintain an active understanding of the Collective Agreement, employment standards, and consult with HR as required.
• Ensure motivation of staff through staff meetings, individual consultations and performance management.
• Ensure day-to-day coverage levels are met (sick and vacation scheduling).
• Acts as the first point of contact to staff and resolves issues and concerns

Financial & Asset Management

• Assist in preparing and managing budgets and quarterly forecasts for all retail operations (bookstore and food services) including costing and analysis, ensuring alignment with KPIs.
• Review and provide first level approvals all invoicing related retail operations to ensure budget requirements are met and invoices are paid in a timely manner.
• Maintain an accurate inventory of assets owned and utilized by retail and food services ensuring proper tagging, and annual updates.
• Develop short, medium and long-term maintenance and replacement plans/budgets for all retail and food services equipment. Flag where infrastructure should be considered and updates planned by supporting departments such as OCIS and Facilities.
• For Campus Bookstore: prepare and monitor all revenue reports, bank deposits and reconciliations; prepare monthly financial reports and KPIs for Director as required; budget reconciliation as required; provide details and information to support Finance during audits as required; implement financial controls as per Finance and Director.

Customer Service & Engagement

• Identify marketing opportunities and work with the Manager, Ancillary Services to develop an annual marketing plan to promote campus retail events, bookstore promotions, special sales and catering services.
• Address customer concerns and resolve complaints, developing action plans to enhance overall satisfaction in retail services on campus.
• Liaise with faculty, students and other campus stakeholders to ensure retail and food services meet the needs of the community.

Maintain Industry Expertise

• Maintain current knowledge of the University Campus Stores industry, food services and general retail operations to identify strategic opportunities.
• Maintain Ontario Tech brand standards and work with Communications & Marketing to create opportunities for future brand awareness.
• Attend trade shows to gain market exposure and additional industry knowledge

Growth & Development of the Ancillary Services Portfolio

• Supports the Director in identifying potential growth opportunities and new revenue-generating initiatives for the university. The Manager will assist in researching market trends, executing pilot projects, and developing business proposals that align with strategic goals. This role involves collaborating with stakeholders to evaluate the feasibility of new ventures, implement pilot programs, and contribute to the long-term success and sustainability of Ancillary Services.

Required Skills:

• Strong leadership, organizational, financial management, interpersonal and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent computer skills including: Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and internet applications.
• Demonstrated presentation and facilitation skills; and the ability to communicate with a diverse population.
• Initiative, organizational and time management skills.
• Strong judgement, flexibility and adaptability.

Required Education:

• Completion of a formal post-secondary/college/university program of three academic years. College diploma in business, retail management, or a related field, or an equivalent.

• Verification of Academic credentials may be required

Required Experience:

• Minimum 5 years of supervisory/management experience within a busy retail environment is required, ideally in a post-secondary setting.
• Proven experience managing in a unionized environment, ideally, in a post-secondary education setting.
• Proven experience in retail and/or institutional food services management.

Knowledge

• Familiarity with POS systems and inventory management is an asset, especially Bookware3000.
• Demonstrated understanding of project management in a large institutional setting.
• Ability to provide quality, student-centered, services.
• Excellent research, analytical and writing skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Understanding of university policies and procedures.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should submit in electronic format a covering letter and their resume. Applications will be accepted until November 27, 2024 or until a suitable candidate is found. We appreciate all applications received; however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Ontario Tech University is actively committed to equity, diversity, inclusion, indigenization and decolonization (EDIID), and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates, while especially encouraging applications from First Nations, Metis, Inuit peoples, Indigenous peoples of North America, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, and those who identify as women and/or 2SLGBTQ+. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens, permanent residents, Indigenous Peoples in Canada, and those eligible to work in Canada, will be given priority.

Ontario Tech University respects people's different needs and therefore will take all reasonable steps to ensure accommodation for applicants where appropriate. The University is also committed to ensuring that confidentiality is maintained throughout all aspects of the recruitment cycle.

If you require accommodation, please contact Julie Day, Health and Disability Management Specialist. For more information about the universities policies for accommodating employees with disabilities please review the university’s Accessibility Policy.

The university acknowledges the lands and people of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation which is covered under the Williams Treaties. We are situated on the Traditional Territory of the Mississaugas, a branch of the greater Anishinaabeg Nation which includes Algonquin, Ojibway, Odawa and Pottawatomi.

Job Location: Oshawa, Ontario, Canada

Expected Start Date: 1/2/2025