We’re expanding the Collective. Join our Team.

Noir Collective AVL, a Black-owned boutique, art gallery, and bookstore featuring Black entrepreneurs, is located on “The Block” within the retail spaces of YMI Cultural Center, one of the oldest operating African-American cultural centers in the United States. 

With YMI as the hub, “The Block” was a thriving Black business district within one of Asheville’s oldest Black communities, East End / Valley Street neighborhood.

And like many Black neighborhoods that thrived during Jim Crow South, this neighborhood, along with others in Asheville and around the country, was devastated by programs like Urban Renewal.

Noir Collective AVL is dedicated to bringing Black back to the Block, ensuring that Black creatives and entrepreneurs are not erased from this neighborhood and City.

Retail Manager Job Description

Position Overview: The chosen candidate will oversee our retail operations, ensuring the effective running of our store, elevating customer experiences, and driving sales while maintaining the brand’s ethos.

• Key Responsibilities:

  • Retail Operations:

    • Oversee daily store operations, ensuring efficiency and productivity.

    • Coordinate inventory management, order processing, and vendor relations.

    • Ensure an optimal in-store experience for customers by addressing feedback, ensuring high standards of visual merchandising, and managing schedules.

    • Collaborate with marketing and sales teams to execute in-store promotional campaigns and sales strategies.
      

  • Team Management:

    • Lead, motivate, and train the retail team to achieve sales targets.

    • Handle recruitment, appraisals, and performance management of store staff.

    • Foster a collaborative and positive in-store environment.
      

  • Financial Management:

    • Monitor store revenues and expenses, ensuring profitability.

    • Oversee the budget, financial planning, and financial reporting for the retail division.

    • Ensure cash handling, daily reconciliations, and banking processes are accurately conducted.
      

  • Customer Service:

    • Elevate customer service standards and resolve any customer-related issues.

    • Develop and implement strategies to retain and attract customers.

    • Stay informed of market trends and adapt strategies to keep the store competitive.

  • Program Management

    • Creating visuals for social media posts

    • Contributing to the newsletter

    • Generating eventbrite invitation for events 

• Qualifications: This list is aspirational and candidates who feel that they meet most of these things are still encouraged to apply.

  • Bachelor’s degree in Business, Retail Management, or related field and/or lived experience that reflects the mission, vision, and values of Noir Collective AVL

  • Proven experience as a Retail Manager or similar senior role in the retail sector.

  • Proficient knowledge of the merchandise industry, niche retail operations, and/or cooperatives

  • Strong leadership and people management skills

  • Excellent organizational, multitasking, and communication abilities

  • Proficiency in using retail management software

  • Strong commitment and connection to Black community

• What We Offer:

  • Competitive salary and company branded perks

  • Opportunities for professional development, career growth, and access to business coaching

  • A dynamic work environment surrounded by passionate professionals

  • Opportunities to actively engage in antiracist, womanist, and social justice frameworks

Interested candidates are invited to submit their CV along with a cover letter detailing their relevant experience and elucidating why they would be the perfect fit for the role at Noir Collective AVL.

Noir Collective AVL is an equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

To apply or for further details, please contact alexandria@noircollectiveavl.com or to learn more about the Collective, visit our website at www.noircollectiveavl.com.