Assistant Manager

Mountain Equipment Company is more than a retailer— we’re a hub for the outdoor community, a leader in sustainability, and the kind of workplace where you can feel free to be yourself. Our goal is to be the first spot folks think of when they’re planning an adventure. We’re proud that last year, Canadians voted us this country’s most trusted brand; our resourceful, knowledgeable store staffers are a key part of why. 

As the Assistant General Manager of our North Vancouver store , you’ll be there to help make it all happen.

Members (our customers) visit us for gear and advice for hiking, camping, climbing, cycling, watersports, snow sports, travel, and more. You’ll partner with the store’s General Manager to manage a team of talented people who support our members in planning everything from dream trips to weekend getaways, from first-timers to outdoor experts.

You’ll also work with some pretty incredible people who might just become future adventure buddies . We asked our staffers what their favourite thing was about working for MEC, and the overwhelming answer was “the people ”.

The role

As a n Assistant General Manager, you’ll make MEC a great place to visit and work. You wi ll work closely with the store’s General Manager to manage store operations, support MEC’s strategic direction, and deliver on business objectives that include exceptional member satisfaction levels. You wi ll play a key role in building a high-performing crew of staffers and an engaging culture and are accountable for results. If you love the outdoors, leading teams and connecting with people, this is the role for you. 

What a day in the life looks like

• Financial Health: Co-responsible for the financial health of the store, meeting assigned budget and monitoring the store's P&L (profit and loss).
• Recruitment: Responsible for the recruitment and selection of floor staff.
• Performance Management: Manages staff performance, focusing on floor staff by setting performance expectations and holding staff accountable, ensuring they follow company procedures and role expectations, providing an ongoing feedback and coaching, and addressing performance issues. Conducts annual performance reviews.
• Training and Development: In partnership with the Store Learning Assistant, manages and coordinates training budget expenditures; supports planning of training (including fields courses) for floor staff ; maintains and tracks cross training standards throughout the departments; supports Department Managers in identifying training and development needs; and conducts training to floor staff on assigned topics.
• Morale and Engagement: Responsible for conducting regular check-ins with all store staff to maintain open communication and to gather feedback on staff satisfaction. Supports General Manager in identifying actions that could foster a positive workplace culture aligned with MEC values.
• Scheduling: Reviews store schedules and makes necessary changes to ensure efficiency (budget, member experience, staff morale) by working closely with General Manager and staff.
• Vision and Purpose: Actively promote the principles, culture, vision and purpose of MEC amongst all staff within store.
• Inventory Receiving + Shipping: Accountable for ensuring that store meets chain wide KPIs set for inventory receipt processing times. Responsible for holding the department manager accountable to the metrics.
• Inventory Processing and Management: Responsible for maintaining stock accuracy in the store. Ensures that restock rates are maintained and the on-hand numbers are accurate.
• Visual Merchandising: Supports visual presentation and makes sure it is aligned with established standards to supports the achievement of MEC’s financial goals as well as exceptional member service.
• Facilities: Coordinates building maintenance and repairs and partners with facilities team to secure necessary support.
• Loss prevention: Work cross-functionally with teams both in the store and in Home Office to manage Loss Prevention programs and ensure programs are adhered to in the store.
• Health and Safety: Supports compliance with provincial requirements and company standards. Participates in joint health & safety committee meetings to ensure that potential gaps are identified, and appropriate actions are taken to address them.
  
  

You might be who we’re looking for if

• You have at least five years of experience in a similar role in a retail setting.
• You have demonstrated skills in handling ambiguity, effective communication, managing conflict, and driving results in a retail setting.
• You like working with a diverse, inclusive, hands-on, collaborative team.
• You’re passionate about the outdoors
• You’re a “can do” person who likes to learn new things.
• Your skill set includes personal integrity and awareness, customer focus, initiative and character, teamwork and the ability to develop yourself and others, along with an understanding of how to lead through leaders and delegate when needed.
• You have a good natured, outgoing welcoming vibe and genuinely like helping people.
• Customer service is not just your skill, it’s your mindset. You’ll go out of your way to provide an excellent member experience.
• Exceptional leadership and employee motivation abilities are what you’re known for.
• You’ve got strong communication skills and business acumen.
• You’re curious about gear and want to learn more – we’ll provide training to build your skills.
  
  

Availability requirements

• As a member of our Senior Staff Team, you must be available to support your store during a variety of shift times throughout the week, including daytime, evenings and weekends.
• Assistant General Managers are expected to have full availability seven days a week, with the understanding that they will be scheduled for five full shifts.
  
  

Perks you’ll love

The anticipated base salary range of this role is $65,000 to $80,000 annually. The exact salary will be dependent on the successful candidate’s relevant skills, experience, qualifications, store location, and internal equity. This role is eligible for a variable annual incentive plan.

Benefits

MEC is more than just a job. We love what we do, and we offer to share our passion for the outdoors. Joining the MEC team also gives you access to tons of awesome benefits, including:

• Competitive salary and sales incentive bonus program.
• Extended health and dental plans for you and your eligible immediate family members.
• Access to our retirement savings plan, including employer contribution matching.
• Discounts on gear for pretty much every outdoor activity out there – from bikes to camping essentials, and so much more.
• In addition to paid vacation time, you’ll also receive paid time off each year to enjoy the outdoors and volunteer with community organizations that support getting people outdoors.
• Access to confidential mental health support, and other work/life support services at no cost to you.
• An amazing, collaborative team – people are what make MEC an incredible place to work. 
  
  

We’re all about equal opportunity.

MEC is an equal opportunity employer. We’re proud to work with our people to create a diverse workplace, which accommodates individuals of all abilities, backgrounds, and identities. We welcome and encourage applications from people with disabilities. Tell us what you need during the hiring process, and we’ll do our best to accommodate you.