Paper Source Now Interviewing Creative Store Management

DO YOU.......

 Display a true passion for creativity?

 Enjoy working in a fun, creative, teaching and learning environment?

 Inspire creativity in your customers and employees?

 

IF SO........

  Come see why Paper Source was recently chosen by Crain’s Chicago Business as one of their Fast Fifty – the fifty fastest growing companies based in Chicago.

www.paper-source.com

 Paper Source is a 21-store retailer of fine stationery, paper and craft products, with stores across the country. Paper Source was founded over 20 years ago in Chicago by Sue Lindstrom. Over the years, the company has added locations in Chicago and expanded to the Bay Area, Boston, DC and LA areas. With a mission of inspiring customers to “Do Something Creative Everyday,” Paper Source has built an incredibly passionate and loyal customer following.

 While there is a target customer who has a strong craft skill set, Paper Source also serves a much broader market of customers (mostly women) who are seeking inspiration for some form of creative expression – whether it is simply a beautiful album, a unique card, or a special gift. Paper Source’s assortment includes a range of beautiful, proprietary colors of paper and envelopes, unique designs of flat paper, boxed stationery, greeting cards and letterpress; a distinctive offer of fine papers from around the world, crafting accessories (stamps, tools, pens), and a unique range of gifts that encompass beauty and our quirky personality. Paper Source sells over 12,000 SKUs and manufacturers products that account for over 50% of sales. The company has been growing at double-digit rates, and has recently secured the backing of a high-quality private equity firm (Brentwood Associates) to expand the company substantially. Plans are to expand to 70-100 locations in the next five years.  Within this year alone, Paper Source plans to open 6-7 stores in the second half.  Our growth will create some wonderful career opportunities for our associates!We are now interviewing store management candidates for the following locations: Charlotte, NC Annapolis, MD Thousand Oaks, CA San Francisco Bay Area Berkley, CA Beverly Hills, CA Evanston, IL

Store Manager /Assistant Store ManagerJob Description

Essential Responsibilities:

The Store/Assistant Manager supervises and motivates the store team, inspiring them to perform the highest level of customer service to drive sales and exceed customer expectations.  The Store /Assistant Manager effectively coaches and develops their team by providing honest and effective feedback, and recognizing excellent performance. Store Managers oversee store operations and ensure Paper Source policies and procedures are followed. The Store Manager works in partnership with the Regional Manager to establish store priorities and sales goals. Store/Assistant Managers must promote a fun and positive work environment that fosters open communication, encourages teamwork and inspires creativity.

Customer Service: Lead by example and exemplify the Customer Service Initiative at all times Sincerely greet, engage and thank customers Coach Customer Service Associates on how to excel at the Customer Service Initiative. Understand customers’ needs and projects well enough to make meaningful suggestions for additional purchases. Ensure customer transactions are handled accurately and efficiently and returns are processed in compliance with the Paper Source Customer Service Policy and Return Policy.   

Operations: Manage opening and closing procedures including daily paperwork. Act as Manager-on-Duty, overseeing the salesfloor, providing direction, defining priorities for Customer Service Associates and maintaining customer interaction. Create the Daily Agenda to set goals and tasks for the staff Motivate the Customer Service Associates, Supervisors and Assistant Managers to achieve sales goals. Monitor store cleanliness and tidiness of the store presentation.   Regularly solicit and provide feedback to Regional Manager on customer requests, reaction to merchandiser, and store environment. Communicate daily sales goals to store team on a monthly basis. Develop hiring plans to support sales goals. Analyze business reports to create action plans to improve store performance. Effectively communicate and execute changes from corporate. Oversee the receiving of Inventory Shipments; including checking-in Inventory Receipts via the POS and merchandising product on the selling floor. Oversee monthly staff schedule. Approve or design windows and delegate in-store merchandising needs

 

Human Resources: Recruit candidates for all store level positions. Conduct final interview for CSA candidates and extend offers. Coach, train and counsel staff to develop bench strength to fill future positions. Recommend promotions and merit increases to Regional Manager. Address interpersonal conflicts and create action plans to address performance concerns. Recognize excellent performance through Monthly Associate Reward Program. Evaluate performance of store team; conduct staff reviews in a timely manner. Oversee staff training programs   

Teamwork: Create a positive, upbeat, fun work environment. Foster an environment of open communication. Develop positive relationships by appreciating, respecting and learning from fellow staff members. Seek new challenges and increased responsibility. 

 

Requirements

REQUIRED: Please include in your cover letter or  resume, a description of your interest in our products. 

Applicants must demonstrate an interest or experience in paper, wedding invitations, do-it-yourself projects or other creative projects.

Experience: Retail management experience in a specialty store environment required. 5-6 years of retail management experience BFA/BA/BS or equivalent experience.

 

 Physical Requirements: Ability to effectively maneuver around sales floor and stockroom. May include repetitive bending, prolonged standing, twisting, stooping, squatting and climbing. Ability to lift and carry up to 30 pounds. Ability to work with/around cleaning chemicals and various art supplies. 

 

Schedule Requirements:

Ability to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the business, which will require evening and weekend shifts.

PLEASE SEND RESUME, SALARY HISTORY AND REFERENCES