Full-Time | On-Site in Summerland, BC | $60,000-$70,000
Lead One of the Okanagan's Greatest Success Stories!
For more than 60 years, Summerland Sweets has been creating products, experiences and memories that keep generations of customers coming back.
Since 1962, our jams, syrups and other distinctly Okanagan products have become part of family traditions across Western Canada, while our Summerland retail store has grown into a much-loved destination for locals and visitors alike. Our destination is also home to Sleeping Giant Fruit Winery, offering visitors the opportunity to discover and enjoy wines crafted from Okanagan fruit.
Today, Summerland Sweets is entering an exciting new chapter.
With ambitious plans to grow our retail business, elevate the customer experience and expand the Summerland Sweets brand across Canada, we're looking for an exceptional Retail Operations Manager to help shape what comes next.
This isn't your typical retail management job. It's an opportunity to run a business within a business, lead an incredible team, improve how things work and leave your mark on an iconic Okanagan brand.
Reporting directly to the CEO, you'll take ownership of the day-to-day retail operation for Summerland Sweets and Sleeping Giant Fruit Winery, creating an exceptional and seamless experience for our customers while contributing ideas and leadership that improve performance across the broader business.
If you love retail, understand the numbers behind a successful operation and aren't afraid to jump in when things get busy, we'd love to meet you!
About You
You love retail, but you also think like an entrepreneur.
You notice the little things that make customers smile. You know how to build schedules that actually work. You understand margins, inventory, payroll and financial reports just as well as you understand merchandising and customer service.
You're equally comfortable coaching an employee, reviewing yesterday's sales, solving an inventory issue or jumping onto the retail floor during a rush.
You don't wait to be told what needs improving. You spot opportunities, bring forward ideas and make things happen.
Most importantly, you're a leader people genuinely love working with. If you're someone who enjoys building, improving, leading and creating memorable customer experiences, this could be a great fit.
What You'll Be Doing Day-to-Day
No two days are the same, and that's exactly how you like it.
You'll oversee the daily operation of our busy, seven-day-a-week destination retail business while continually looking for ways to make it even better.
- Lead, coach, schedule and develop an outstanding retail team.
- Create an exceptional customer experience that keeps visitors coming back year after year.
- Oversee the Sleeping Giant Fruit Winery retail experience within the store, ensuring our wines are beautifully presented, effectively merchandised and integrated into the overall customer experience.
- Manage staffing levels, recruitment, onboarding, training, and performance management.
- Manage merchandising, product displays and seasonal retail presentations across Summerland Sweets and Sleeping Giant Fruit Winery with a creative eye.
- Monitor daily sales, labour costs, payroll, budgets, margins, inventory and operating expenses while identifying opportunities to improve profitability.
- Complete accounting reconciliations and support bookkeeping and financial reporting requirements.
- Manage vendor relationships and ensure the right products are available at the right time.
- Work directly with the CEO and leadership team to identify opportunities for growth, promotions, new products and improved retail experiences.
- Maintain high standards for store operations, organization, safety and presentation.
- Solve problems quickly, confidently and with a positive attitude.
- Jump in alongside the team during busy periods. We're looking for a leader who is happy to roll up their sleeves when needed.
What We're Looking For
- 5+ years of progressive retail leadership experience.
- Solid accounting and business acumen, including budgeting, payroll, inventory and financial reporting.
- Experience managing teams in a fast-paced, seven-day retail environment.
- Strong knowledge of scheduling, labour planning, HR practices and employment standards.
- A passion for creating beautiful retail environments and memorable customer experiences.
- An entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to spot opportunities and turn ideas into results.
- Excellent communication, coaching and leadership skills.
- Strong organizational and multitasking abilities.
- Experience using POS and Microsoft Office software. Sage 50 software experience is an asset.
- Experience supporting or managing e-commerce and direct-to-consumer (D2C) retail operations is an asset, including online order fulfillment, inventory coordination and customer experience.
- Availability to work on-site, including weekends and seasonal peak periods.
A Few More Reasons to Join Summerland Sweets
Be part of two iconic Okanagan brands. You'll help lead the retail experience for both Summerland Sweets and Sleeping Giant Fruit Winery, two locally rooted brands that celebrate the flavours and agricultural heritage of the Okanagan.
Help shape what comes next. We're growing and modernizing the business, and this role will have a genuine opportunity to influence how our retail operation evolves.
Work with a fantastic team. We have people who care deeply about our customers, our products and each other.
Plus, there's free on-site parking, store discounts and, admittedly, pretty great access to delicious jams and syrups!
Apply Today!
If you're excited by the idea of leading a successful destination retail operation while helping grow a proudly Canadian, Okanagan-born business, we'd love to hear from you.
Please submit your resume and share why you'd be a great fit for the role to [email protected] before Friday, October 2.
Summerland Sweets is committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive workplace where people can grow, contribute and succeed.
All applications are appreciated. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
