Thrift Shop Production Supervisor

About us
PRISM is a community supported social service organization providing dignity-centered resources for food, housing, and other basic needs. We were founded by community members concerned about their neighbors' basic needs and challenges. PRISM blends talent, passion, and abilities into opportunities that improve the lives of everyone as we build a resilient community, reflecting the spirit of the northwest suburbs.

Our vision is to lead in providing innovative and dignified services that foster resilient individuals and a healthier, more sustainable community. 

The Shop for Change Thrift Shop is open to the public and is a social enterprise for PRISM. 100% of the proceeds support PRISM's social services, including a food shelf, rental housing assistance, and children's programs. Shop for Change Thrift Shop is fueled by quality donations from the community and a team of dedicated volunteers.

We are currently hiring a Production Supervisor. This part-time, benefits-eligible position is scheduled to work 20 hours per week. 

Shop for Change Thrift Shop hours are:
9:00 a.m. - 5 p.m. On Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday
9:00 a.m. - 7 p.m. on Thursdays
9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. on Saturdays

Job Summary

The Production Supervisor is to reflect a “service first” philosophy in the Shop for Change, PRISM’s thrift shop that provides low-cost high-quality clothing and housewares to the public, providing critical income for PRISM used to support other programs that support the basic needs of food, clothing, and housing, in times of financial hardship. This position plays a crucial role in ensuring the flow of merchandise from donors to the sales floor as well as managing specialty items that may be sold on Facebook, Poshmark, or other online sales outlets with a broader reach.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Supervise and support our team of thrift shop volunteers; including providing appropriate training, delegating tasks, providing feedback, and prioritize volunteer retention
• Monitor volunteer schedule and ensure that the thrift shop is consistently staffed
• Coordinate rotation of stock and seasonal items
• Monitor donations to ensure that they fit within our guidelines as well as monitor donations, ensuring vintage, unique and valuable items are diverted to proper revenue streams
• Maintain online selling platforms, including researching, posting and shipping items
• Oversee the process of sorting and pricing donations to ensure quality and consistency
• Responsible for cash flow, deposits and reporting, including opening and closing procedures
• Maintain our high level of customer service experience through role modelling, floor presence and adherence to policies and procedures
• Monitor and maintain store supplies and equipment
• Maintain cleanliness of the back room, storage and hallways
• Ensure standards in recycling and refuse are upheld
• Assist in innovations to improve shop efficiency
• Act as Manager on Duty in absence of Director of Thrift
• Prompt and consistent attendance. All work is performed on location.
• Other duties as assigned or apparent.

• Ability to work under pressure and to pivot job responsibilities quickly
• Superb interpersonal skills to successfully interface with customers, donors, and volunteers and positively represent PRISM
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Base knowledge of a variety of retail cost of goods
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and POS systems
• Demonstrated success in working as a member of a team and independently
• Flexibility, sense of humor, and eagerness to collaborate are attributes of successful PRISM staff

• 1-3 years of retail supervision experience
• Knowledge of vintage, collectibles, art and rare items
• Sensitivity to our diverse customer base and commitment to creating a positive shopping experience for all customers
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends

• Prior thrift experience
• Prior experience selling online
• Experience working with volunteers, preferably in a supervisory or leadership role
• Reliable with a strong work ethic
• Desire to drive sales and comprehension of retail financials

• Employee will be exposed to noise and a regular flow of people. Headaches, eyestrain, and other related occupational hazards reflect the most common potential for injury. Work is light duty and sedentary with ability to lift, carry or push up to 50 pounds.
• This position is frequently exposed to mental effort and stress, is assigned to changing priorities, and performs work requiring attention to detail under deadlines.
• The ability to operate and interact with computers or other office equipment via keyboard, mouse, or touch screen is required.
• A valid Class D driver’s license and the use of a personal vehicle may be required.

• Lifting and Carrying: Handling donations, which can range from lightweight items to heavier boxes and bags or awkward shaped items.
• Standing and Walking: Prolonged periods of standing and moving around to sort, organize, and process items.
• Reaching and Bending: Frequent reaching above shoulder level, bending, and kneeling to access items or organize shelves.
• Pushing and Pulling: Moving carts or racks filled with merchandise.
• Gross Manipulation: Sorting through items, which involves grasping, holding, and turning objects.

• Most tasks are performed indoors, but occasional outdoor work may be required, such as unloading donations.
• When working in some areas closer to doorways or the dock door, there is occasional exposure to heat or cold.
• Handling second-hand items can expose workers to dust, or other allergens.
• Potential risks include sharp objects, heavy lifting, or tripping hazards from cluttered spaces.
• Work schedules include occasional evenings and weekends (mostly Saturdays)

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