Retail & Food Programs Manager

Job Overview

We are seeking a dynamic and strategic Retail & Food Programs Manager to provide leadership and oversight for Couleecap’s Prairie du Chien site operations, including the Bargain Boutique resale clothing/household retail business, food pantry, volunteer program, community partnerships, resource coordination, and related services. Responsible for the overall performance, compliance, and mission alignment of Crawford County operations.

Develops and maintains strong relationships with community members, donors, volunteers, businesses, partner organizations, and service providers. Ensures programs and services are delivered in a welcoming, dignified, and client-centered manner while advancing Couleecap’s mission to fight poverty and create opportunities for economic and social mobility so that all people succeed in thriving communities.

Responsibilities
All Couleecap employees are required to support and uphold Couleecap’s mission to fight poverty and create opportunities for economic and social mobility so that all people succeed in thriving communities. Couleecap employees also must have the ability to understand, appreciate, and interact with people from all cultures or belief systems.

Site Operations & Community Resource Coordination

• Provide overall leadership and coordination of all Prairie du Chien site operations, including the Bargain Boutique, Food Pantry, volunteer program, community partnerships, and resource coordination activities.
• Ensure effective coordination between retail operations, food security services, and other community-based resources available through Couleecap and partner agencies.
• Ensure the Prairie du Chien site operates as a welcoming community resource hub that reflects Couleecap’s mission and values.

Retail Operations & Store Performance

• Develop and oversee daily store operations, including opening/closing, cash management, and staff/volunteer training procedures
• Ensure the location is functional and maintains cleanliness, safety, accessibility, and an inviting shopping environment
• Monitor sales performance, set goals, and implement pricing strategies that align with market value and meet revenue targets
• Maintain efficient donation intake, sorting, and monitor flow from donation to sales floor
• Ensure compliance with all retail policies, safety standards, and nonprofit guidelines

Food Pantry Operations

• Develop and oversee daily food pantry operational procedures including food donation pick up, delivery, volunteer and staff scheduling, and volunteer recruitment and training.
• Monitor pantry inventory to align with pantry guidelines.
• Complete required reports and documentation to remain aligned with grant guidelines
• Monitor pantry compliance with rules and regulations of funding sources

Staff and Volunteer Management

• Recruit/Hire, train, and supervise employees and volunteers
• Create schedules to ensure adequate coverage for both retail and pantry duties
• Foster a positive, mission-driven team culture
• Provide performance management functions including, but not limited to planning and assigning work, coaching, resolving problems, conducting performance evaluations, and supporting professional growth

Donor & Customer Experience

• Provide excellent customer service and resolve issues professionally
• Build relationships with donors and community partners
• Ensure donation drop-off processes are efficient and welcoming
• Promote repeat business and donor retention

Financial Management

• Track daily sales, deposits, and basic financial reporting
• Manage expenses to operate within budget
• Implement loss prevention and cash handling practices
• Collaborate with department director on financial goals

Community Engagement

• Promote awareness of Couleecap’s mission through store operations
• Support fundraising events, promotions, and campaigns
• Ensure store messaging reflects Couleecap’s impact
• Maintain strong working relationships with community partners

Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Retail Management, Marketing, Nonprofit Management, Human Services, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education, training, lived experience, and relevant professional experience.
• Two or more years of experience in retail operations, customer service, nonprofit retail, thrift store operations, merchandising, or a related field.
• One or more years of experience supervising employees, volunteers, or work teams.
• Demonstrated ability to manage daily operations, prioritize tasks, and meet performance goals.
• Strong customer service, interpersonal, and conflict resolution skills.
• Experience handling cash, maintaining accurate records, and supporting financial accountability.
• Ability to recruit, train, motivate, and supervise staff and volunteers.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and time management skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and point-of-sale or inventory management systems.
• Ability to regularly lift, move, and organize donated merchandise and store inventory.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience administering food security, economic support, or other community service programs.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed, strengths-based, and client-centered service delivery approaches.
• Experience working with low-income households, rural communities, or historically underserved populations.
• Professional or lived experience with poverty, housing instability, or navigating public assistance systems, and the ability to apply that perspective to support clients with empathy, trust-building, and a client-centered approach.

Certificates, Licenses & Registrations

• Must hold a valid driver’s license and maintain vehicle insurance.