The Chicago Zoological Society's Brookfield Zoo is known throughout the world as a leader in animal welfare and conservation and has an exciting, fast-paced work environment and family friendly atmosphere. Our beautiful park like setting has an amazing 216 acres of meticulously landscaped grounds where thousands of animals representing 500 species receive state-of-the-art care through top-notch medical, husbandry, and nutrition programs. We are able to reach many audiences each year, including 2 million zoo guests engaged by unique exhibits and programs; some 250,000 schoolchildren, campers, and families participate in award-winning science education programs; nearly 24,000 teachers take part in our professional development workshops; and, we provide offsite educational programming in diverse communities across Chicagoland. We take PRIDE in every aspect of our operation, and our employees enjoy a work environment that is based on respect, openness, cooperation and involvement. Employees are proud to work for the Chicago Zoological Society and are committed to our important conservation mission. Our dedicated staff has a true sense of purpose and a strong commitment to animals and conservation.

A popular South Gate attraction, Wildlife Trading Post is open 365 days a year and offers a scenic world tour of unique handcrafted gifts that includes jewelry, scarves, and decorative items as well as large selection of animal masks, toys, crafts, and stuffed animals. Guests can pamper themselves with a new purse, animal umbrella, sweatshirt, or blanket or spend time perusing our large selection of books for all ages. Wildlife Trading Post has the largest and latest selection of men's and women's fashion apparel items, and kids can play dress-up in our children's zookeeper costume. Whether it is a spectacularly sunny summer day or a wonderful winter wonderland, our guests are sure to find that special item to remember their fantastic visit to Brookfield Zoo.

In the full-time role of Store Manager (General Manager, Merchandise) of the Wildlife Trading Post Gift Shop, you will contribute to the success of the Chicago Zoological Society and support the Society's mission of inspiring conservation leadership by managing the operations of the primary gift shop location along with satellite retail shops, stands, and carts. Using your entrepreneurial spirit in a non-traditional and fun retail environment, you will drive sales and optimize financial results through employee training and development, creative merchandising, and the identification and pursuit of business growth opportunities. Leveraging your retail experience and expertise as well as your enthusiasm for wildlife and nature, you will lead a team that provides Brookfield Zoo guests with an exceptional and memorable experience and be at the forefront of seeking support for the Conservation Fund.

The primary duties and responsibilities include:

• Direct and manage day-to-day operation of assigned retail locations. Ensure standards are maintained in the areas of extraordinary guest service, employee supervision, cash handling, inventory control, product merchandising, merchandise stock levels and facility maintenance.
• Perform daily management functions to ensure proper cash handing, cash accounting and system auditing in support of programs and procedures established in conjunction with the Cash Control, Finance and Information Security Departments.
• Manage seasonal employees, including but not limited to: interviewing and selection, training and development, scheduling, monitoring, evaluating performance, documenting performance issues and taking corrective actions, and verifying crew work time in computerized time and attendance system. Work with Human Resources to maintain adequate seasonal staffing levels throughout the year.
• Prepare annual staffing plan for assigned locations that support budget goals and ensure adequate coverage for all assigned locations. Monitor financial performance of operations and implement corrective action in controllable areas, such as labor and other expenses, to operate within approved budget. Accurately track labor use by business unit for routine reporting and submit recommended expenses for assigned locations for annual budget preparation.
• Manage the ordering, receiving, pricing, display and distribution of all merchandise received at all assigned locations following established guidelines. Responsible for working with Operations Manager and Merchandise Managers (Buyers) to develop and execute merchandise plans.
• Assist in the development and implementation of departmental training programs to reinforce guest service standards and procedures and direct training and supervision of seasonal crew members and assure all required training is completed.
• Assist in coordinating special events and programs within assigned areas and within the Merchandise Operations Department. Provide support to other departments, including but not limited to Marketing, Catered Events, Advancement and Membership, as needed.
• Communicate all relevant news to staff to ensure crew members are fully informed and can communicate effectively with appropriate information and messages to Zoo guests.
• Actively support the employee survey and action planning process within assigned area. Encourage maximum survey participation, share survey results for assigned area, and assure reporting staff are engaged in developing and implementing actions to improve the workplace. Monitor and document progress. Incorporate survey action
  planning into regular staff meetings on an ongoing basis. Hold reporting manager accountable for implementation of action plans, continuous improvement, and improvement of survey results.
• Assure compliance with Society policies and procedures, government Job Safety regulations and pertinent employment laws. Evaluate current protocols and recommend new procedures and modifications as necessary.
  

Position Requirements and Specifications
The requirements for this position include the following:

• Associates Degree in business administration, management or other relevant field or equivalent combination of training/education and/or relevant experience required.
• Three years retail experience in a management capacity.
• Experience with multiple units of retail operations.
• Five years of experience in customer service and cash management required.
• Prior experience working with budgets.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Word and Excel required.
• Ability to create visually attractive displays.
• Demonstrated strong customer service orientation required.
• Self-motivated, strategic, team player.
• Strong leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills including verbal, written and listening skills required. Must be able to deal effectively and tactfully with staff at all levels.
• Excellent organizational, decision-making, and problem-solving skills required.
• Must be able to work effectively under pressure, meet critical deadlines, and adhere to the Society's high standards.
• Experience and/or ability to work and interact effectively with a diverse, multicultural audience.
• A valid driver's license is required on date of hire. If you are an Illinois resident, you must possess a valid Illinois driver's license at the time of hire or must obtain one within 90 days of hire. A valid out-of-state driver's license is required at time of hire if the employee is an out-of-state resident.

Desirable qualifications include:

• Experience in high-volume, fast-paced environment preferred, including experience in retail operations and employee supervision (of more than 20 employees).
• Multilingual ability, Spanish fluency a plus.

Additional Information: This position requires an energetic, flexible and results-oriented professional who is capable of effectively managing a complex operation. Must have a participative, people-oriented management style and advocate a team approach. Requires a tactful individual who is able to interact effectively with diverse personalities at all levels. This is a full-time position which routinely includes working weekends, holidays, and occasional evenings.

Additional Information
The Chicago Zoological Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Affirmative Action Employer - Minorities / Women / Veterans / Disabled.