Team Lead - Retail | Merchants in Knoxville, Tennessee at KARM Stores

Summary

Partners with the Retail Assistant Store Manager to lead daily department operations, develop associates, and drive sales performance. This role supports operational excellence by coordinating sales initiatives, monitoring performance metrics, coaching team members, and delivering an exceptional customer experience while advancing the mission and values of KARM Stores.

Essential Functions

Store Operations & Sales Leadership

• Assist the Department Manager in planning, coordinating, and executing daily, weekly, and monthly sales initiatives that support department and store goals.
• Monitor daily sales metrics and operational data to identify trends, evaluate performance, and support informed decision-making.
• Support daily department operations by ensuring company policies, procedures, and operational standards are consistently followed.

Success Factors: Practices Critical Thinking Focuses on Setting Vision/Strategy Attains Operational Excellence Achieves Results

Team Leadership & Associate Development

• Provide day-to-day leadership by coordinating workflow, assigning priorities, and supporting associates throughout each shift.
• Coach, motivate, and develop associates through ongoing feedback, training, and recognition to strengthen individual and team performance.
• Foster a positive, collaborative work environment where associates feel supported, engaged, and aligned with department priorities.
• Cross training for paired role in production
• Assist with other duties as assigned to support daily operations and team success.

Success Factors: Leads Culture Develops Team Embraces Communication (360) Displays Personal Insights & Growth

Merchandising & Inventory Management

• Ensure merchandise is accurately stocked, priced, recovered, and presented according to company standards.
• Support inventory accuracy through effective merchandising, replenishment, and department organization.
• Continuously identify opportunities to improve department efficiency, presentation, and overall execution.

Success Factors: Attains Operational Excellence Practices Critical Thinking Achieves Results

Customer Experience & Mission Leadership

• Deliver an exceptional customer experience by modeling outstanding service and helping associates resolve customer concerns effectively.
• Build positive relationships with customers and associates while promoting a welcoming, service-oriented culture.
• Represent and reinforce the mission, values, and expectations of KARM Stores through daily leadership and decision-making.

Success Factors: Leads Culture Embraces Communication (360) Exercises Good Judgment Achieves Results

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Previous retail leadership experience preferred.
• Experience coaching or leading team members in a retail environment.
• Strong understanding of merchandising, sales performance, inventory management, and customer service.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong leadership, interpersonal, and customer service skills.
• Effective verbal communication, coaching, and team development skills.
• Knowledge of retail operations, merchandising, inventory control, and sales performance.
• Ability to analyze sales metrics, prioritize objectives, and manage multiple responsibilities.
• Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to solve complex operational problems and make sound business decisions.
• Ability to motivate, develop, and hold associates accountable for performance.
• Commitment to professionalism, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods and frequently bend, stoop, squat, reach, and perform repetitive movements throughout the workday.
• Ability to frequently lift, carry, push, and pull merchandise or materials weighing up to 50 pounds, using assistance or appropriate equipment for heavier items.
• Ability to push and maneuver loaded carts, racks, and other material-handling equipment and safely use approved step stools or ladders as needed.
• Ability to perform repetitive tasks involving the hands, wrists, and arms, including sorting, hanging, tagging, stocking, and other retail or production activities.
• Ability to work in fast-paced retail, production, and receiving environments that may involve varying temperatures and periods of high physical activity.

Work Schedule and Required Hours

Full time, Monday through Saturday, up to 40 hours per week. Requires regular weekend shifts. Attendance at scheduled meetings, off-site events, and training sessions as required.