Retail Manager - Whistler in Whistler, British Columbia at Mountain Equipment Company

Why Join MEC

MEC is expanding! We're opening our newest store in Whistler and are looking for experienced retail leaders to join our founding leadership team.

We currently have three Department Manager opportunities available:

• Department Manager, Member Experience
• Department Manager, Operations Support
• Department Manager, Category

As part of MEC's founding leadership team in Whistler, you'll help shape the culture, develop teams, and bring MEC's purpose and values to life from day one in one of the world's most iconic outdoor destinations.

At MEC, our purpose is to equip people for a lifetime of great outdoor experiences and adventure. Everything we do is grounded in a belief that the outdoors builds confidence, connection, and community.

We are a people-first organization guided by our values of respect, integrity, inclusivity, collaboration, and accountability.

The Opportunity

As a Department Manager, you are a key member of the store leadership team responsible for delivering strong business results, building high-performing teams, and creating exceptional member experiences.

Reporting to the General Manager, you will lead teams, coach and develop staff, drive operational excellence, execute business priorities, and help create a positive and inclusive culture. Depending on your background and experience, you may be aligned to one of three leadership areas: Member Experience, Operations Support, or Category Leadership.

What You'll Be Responsible For:

Leading People

• Coach, develop, and inspire frontline teams
• Support recruitment, onboarding, training, and performance management
• Foster an inclusive, respectful, and high-engagement team environment
• Build capability through ongoing coaching and development

Member Experience

• Deliver exceptional member service and support on the sales floor
• Lead by example and coach teams on MEC's service standards
• Resolve member concerns and support positive outcomes
• Strengthen community connections through events and partnerships

Business & Operational Excellence

• Drive execution of operational standards and business priorities
• Support inventory management, merchandising, and product availability
• Use sales and operational metrics to identify opportunities and improve results
• Ensure compliance with health and safety, loss prevention, and company standards

Leadership Team Contribution

• Partner with the Senior Staff Team to achieve store goals
• Contribute to workforce planning and scheduling
• Support change initiatives and continuous improvement
• Help shape the culture and success of Whistler's newest MEC store

What You Bring

• 1-3 years of leadership experience in a retail, service, or customer-focused environment
• Proven ability to coach, motivate, and develop teams
• Strong business and operational acumen
• Experience using sales, service, inventory, or operational metrics to drive performance
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced retail environment
• Passion for the outdoors and helping people get outside
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays

Bonus If You Have

• Experience in outdoor, specialty, or lifestyle retail
• Experience in merchandising, operations, inventory management, or service leadership
• Outdoor certifications or instructional experience

Compensation

• $48,100 - $60,200 annually, based on skills and experience. MEC is open to discussing compensation further for candidates with strong, relevant experience.