Ten Thousand Villages Assistant Manager

Job Synopsis

JOB SUMMARY
The mission of Ten Thousand Villages (TTV) is to create opportunities for artisans in developing countries to earn income by bringing their products and stories to our markets through long-term fair-trading relationships. Reporting to the Manager, the Assistant Manager plays a pivotal role in supporting both front-of-house operations and overall store management. This includes driving sales, delivering exceptional customer service, and engaging with volunteers to foster a positive and mission-aligned environment.

We are seeking an individual with a passion for growth and learning, who is excited about the opportunity to advance into a Manager role in the future. As a key leader within the team, the Assistant Manager will take on increasing responsibilities, stepping into the Manager’s role during their absence and developing their management skills through mentorship and hands-on experience.

This role also requires flexibility to take on additional shifts during peak periods (e.g., Christmas, special events, inventory) to ensure operational excellence. As a representative of TTV and MCC, the Assistant Manager embodies and upholds the values, beliefs, and mission in all interactions with constituents, partners, customers, and the public.

MISSIONAL COMMITMENT & WORKING CONDITIONS

• Missional commitment: this role requires a demonstrated commitment to: a personal Christian faith and discipleship; active participation in a Christian church or Christian community; and nonviolent peacemaking. This role commits the employee to working collaboratively to create and maintain an organizational culture that prevents and responds to situations of abuse of power (sexual harassment, child abuse, racism, exploitation, and fraud among other situations). This role participates in devotional and prayer times at MCC BC and/or at local church and faith gatherings, being prepared to answer inquiries about MCC BC’s mission and values. This role contributes to a positive workplace culture based on Christian beliefs and values, while modelling nonviolent peacemaking in the workplace, in the community and the church through respectful interactions with others. This role requires adherence to MCC BC’s Code of Conduct, policies, practices, and procedures, including Workplace Health and Safety.
• How much you work: this is a part-time salaried position working a minimum of 24 hours per week. Supporting special organizational initiatives may require working extended, after or holiday hours, as necessary.
• When you work: this role operates during retail hours, from 10 AM – 4 PM, Monday to Saturday. Regular shifts may begin prior to or extend later than retail hours. This role may require extended, after or holiday hours to support shop needs, issues or special organizational initiatives, as necessary.
• Where you work: this position is located at MCC BC’s Ten Thousand Villages in Abbotsford, BC, with occasional travel to other MCC BC locations for trainings or meetings.
• Physical conditions & requirements: this position works primarily indoors but may work outside occasionally as circumstances require. This position requires spending a significant portion of time on one’s feet, handling goods, and lifting and moving objects up to 50 lbs. This position includes some computer-monitor time.
• Pace of work: this position requires working in a comfortable but fast-paced retail shop/shipping & receiving environment. You may be met with multiple demands at once from customers, volunteers and employees, responding positively and adroitly throughout.
• Interactions with vulnerable populations: as a busy retail location, and following MCC BC safety and de-escalation protocols, this position may require occasional interactions with drug-addicted and street-involved persons, or individuals who are members of vulnerable populations.

Qualifications

All MCC workers are expected to exhibit a commitment to: a personal Christian faith and discipleship; active participation in a Christian church or Christian community; and nonviolent peacemaking.

SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Proven ability to take initiative and lead effectively, working independently while fostering a collaborative environment with staff and volunteers.
• Demonstrated leadership skills to guide, mentor, and encourage the store team (staff and volunteers) in their roles, contributing to a positive and productive workplace.
• Strong organizational and time management skills to prioritize tasks, manage competing demands, and meet deadlines independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent communication skills, including verbal, written, and interpersonal abilities, to effectively engage with customers, volunteers, and team members.
• Advanced computer literacy, including proficiency in word-processing, spreadsheets, and navigating retail systems with ease.
• Strong aptitude for numbers and financial accuracy, with experience operating sales equipment such as POS systems and credit card machines.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, & ACCREDITATIONS

• Knowledge and a strong commitment to the mission of Ten Thousand Villages and the principles of fair trade.
• 3 plus years of progressive experience retail sales, with a preference for supervisory or management roles, ideally within a volunteer-driven team environment.
• Proven excellence in customer service, with the ability to lead by example and foster a welcoming and professional atmosphere for customers, team members, and volunteers.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage store operations, including inventory control, visual merchandising, and sales.
• Understanding of the online retail market and ability to adapt and grow with changing retail trends.
• Working knowledge of social media platforms for marketing and online sales operations is an asset.

JOB REQUIREMENTS & LICENSING

• Legally able to work in Canada.
• Satisfactory criminal record clearance (required upon hire).
• Valid BC Driver’s License along with a satisfactory Driver’s Abstract.

FOR COMPLETE JOB DESCRIPTION & TO APPLY ONLINE (Please include resume and cover letter): Ten Thousand Villages Assistant Manager

Questions?: recruit@mccbc.ca