Retail Sales Associate in Toronto, Ontario at Canada's National Ballet School

Are you passionate about dance, customer service, and supporting the next generation of artists? Canada’s National Ballet School (NBS) is seeking an enthusiastic and community-minded Sales Associate to join The Shoe Room team. This is an exciting opportunity to work in a vibrant arts environment while helping dancers of all ages and abilities find the products and support they need to succeed.

About Us:
Canada's National Ballet School (NBS) is a leading arts and education institution dedicated to excellence in dance training, community programming, and health initiatives. With 300+ employees, NBS supports programs ranging from professional ballet training to groundbreaking community and health initiatives. At NBS, we foster a collaborative, creative environment rooted in inclusion, innovation, and continuous growth - and every team member plays an important role in supporting our vibrant community.

The Role:
Under the leadership of the Manager, Retail Operations, the Sales Associate helps create a welcoming and supportive shopping experience for students, families, faculty, and guests visiting The Shoe Room at Canada’s National Ballet School (NBS). From assisting dancers with footwear and dancewear fittings to processing transactions and supporting day-to-day retail operations, you'll play an important role in helping dancers feel prepared, confident, and supported.

This is a dynamic, customer-focused role where every shift brings something different. One moment you may be helping a young student find their first ballet slippers, and the next you could be restocking merchandise, updating inventory records, steaming apparel, or supporting a pop-up event during a busy performance weekend. If you enjoy connecting with people, staying active throughout the day, and balancing multiple tasks in a creative and collaborative environment, this role could be a great fit for you!

Why You'll Love This Role:

• Be part of a welcoming and collaborative team within a vibrant arts community
• Support dancers and students in a meaningful and rewarding way
• Gain hands-on retail, customer service, and inventory experience
• Work in a creative, energetic, and community-focused environment
• Build product knowledge in dancewear and ballet footwear
• Opportunities to support special events, performances, and pop-up shops
• Get involved in employee-led initiatives like our EDI and Social Committees

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide friendly, professional, and knowledgeable customer service to students, families, staff, and guests
• Assist customers with dancewear and footwear selections, fittings, and product recommendations
• Process cash, debit, and credit transactions accurately using the POS system
• Maintain customer and student purchase records and assist with transaction tracking
• Help maintain a clean, organized, and welcoming retail environment
• Restock merchandise, organize displays, refold apparel, and steam items as needed
• Assist with inventory organization, stock management, and annual inventory counts
• Support on-site and off-site retail initiatives, including pop-up shops and NBS events
• Balance multiple responsibilities throughout shifts, including customer support, merchandising, inventory, and cashier duties
• Jump in wherever needed to support the team and contribute to a positive customer experience
• Take on other duties as assigned

Qualifications/Skills/Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Minimum 1 year of retail or customer service experience
• Knowledge of dancewear, ballet footwear, and dancers’ fitting needs preferred; Prior ballet or dance training considered a strong asset
• Experience using POS and inventory systems preferred
• Comfortable handling cash and processing transactions accurately and efficiently
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with a professional and approachable demeanor
• Ability to multitask, stay organized, and thrive in a fast-paced environment
• Strong attention to detail and customer-focused mindset
• Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office
• High proficiency in English required; additional languages considered an asset
• Positive attitude, strong work ethic, and willingness to support the team wherever needed

We encourage you to apply even if you don't meet every qualification listed. If you're enthusiastic, dependable, and excited to be part of a supportive and creative community, we'd love to hear from you!

Compensation
Rate: $17.60 per hour
Schedule: 10–18 hours per week
Availability: Weekend availability required, plus 1 or 2 weekdays

Our Commitment to Equity & Accessibility
NBS is committed to addressing systemic inequities in every facet of our organization including programs, policies and practices. It is NBS’ top priority to build a remarkable and talented workforce that reflects the diversity of the City of Toronto. We strongly encourage applications from all qualified individuals, especially welcoming those with diverse intersectional identities who bring unique perspectives and contribute to the diversification of ideas.
If you require accommodation at any stage of the recruitment process, please inform us.

Successful candidates must supply Canada’s National Ballet School with a Police Reference Check in accordance with the School’s Child Abuse/Sexual Abuse Prevention Policy; this will be coordinated through the Human Resources Department at NBS