District Manager, Retail

Job Description 

Job Title: District Manager, Retail Operations 
Department: Retail 
Reports To: Senior Vice President, Retail Growth Strategy & Operations 
Positions Supervised: Assigned Store Managers 
Employment Class: Management Salaried Exempt 
Pay Grade: G-8 
EEO Class: 1.2 – First/Mid-Level Officials and Managers 
Driver Status: N/A 

About Goodwill Columbus 

At Goodwill Columbus, we believe in the power of work to transform lives. Our mission is to create pathways to independence and economic mobility through growth-oriented employment. Guided by our core values—Integrity, Collaboration, Accountability, Respect, and Owner’s Mindset—we strive to make a lasting impact in our community. 

Job Summary 

As a District Manager, you’ll lead and inspire teams across multiple retail locations, ensuring operational excellence and a consistent, mission-driven experience for both employees and customers. You’ll champion our values, drive financial performance, and foster a culture of growth and inclusion. 

Essential Job Functions 

• Provide hands-on leadership and operational oversight for assigned locations, ensuring all duties and directives are executed efficiently and consistently. 

• Audit and optimize store operations, leveraging Lean Six Sigma principles to drive continuous improvement. 

• Maintain a visible, supportive presence in stores—coaching, setting clear goals, and addressing challenges promptly and fairly. 

• Drive financial results by ensuring locations meet or exceed budget expectations and maintain financial health. 

• Champion exceptional customer service and create memorable customer experiences. 

• Role model and ensure that those responsible hire, train, and performance manage with a focus on providing opportunities to individuals reflecting the community’s diversity, including people with disabilities. 

• Maintain positive, team-oriented relationships and role model moving from conflict to collaboration with supervisors, subordinates, peers, and others. 

• Build and nurture productive relationships within the community. 

• Safeguard Goodwill assets by proactively preventing, reporting, and addressing potential losses. 

• Partner with Marketing & Development to implement strategies that boost retail sales. 

Ancillary Job Functions 

• Analyze reports and optimize store layouts to maximize sales. 

• Ensure a safe, compliant environment in every location. 

• Support the development of new retail sites alongside leadership. 

• Take on additional related duties as needed. 

Education and Experience 

An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience will be considered. 

• Minimum five years of progressive retail experience, including multi-unit management (DGR environment preferred). 

• Directly applicable education and certification(s) desirable. 

Competencies Critical to Success at Goodwill 

Customer Focus: Observe the customer journey; identify service gaps; align staffing, training, and processes to deliver consistent, high quality experiences; measure satisfaction and act on feedback. 

Decision Quality: Make timely, effective decisions that move the organization forward. 

Directs Work: Drive priorities and quality standards; ensure clear deliverables; remove obstacles to timely execution; monitor outcomes and course corrects to hit targets. 

Situational Adaptability: Adjust approach to meet changing demands. 

Optimizes Work Processes: Use data and observation to spot process gaps.  Act quickly to improve flow, quality and optimize sales. 

Ensures Accountability: Translate financial targets into operational actions; track KPIs against plan; hold teams accountable for variances with constructive problem solving; reallocate resources to protect margins and cash flow. 

Communicates Effectively: Communicate with the right person at the right time using the right method.  Tailor communications to diverse audiences. 

Develops Talent: Provide on the floor feedback tied to specific behaviors; cocreate goals and development plans; respond to issues with fairness and transparency; adapt coaching style to the person and context while maintaining trust.   

Builds Effective Teams: Model inclusive hiring and coaching practices; ensure equitable and effective performance management; create conditions where each team member contributes and grows.  

Instills Trust: Listen to understand interests; frame issues objectively; seek common ground and joint solutions; deescalate tensions and convert disagreements into cooperative action plans. 

Work Environment & Conditions 

• Moderate noise levels; exposure to varying outdoor weather. 

• Frequent standing, walking, bending, pushing, and reaching. 

• Ability to lift and carry up to 30 pounds occasionally. 

• Regular travel to and presence in locations throughout the Columbus metropolitan area. 

Being Part of Goodwill’s Story 

• Join a mission-driven organization making a real difference in the community. 

• Be part of a team that values integrity, respect, and excellence. 

• Enjoy a culture focused on professional growth and development. 

• Receive competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits. 

Employee Acknowledgement 

I understand that this job description summarizes the position and its requirements. I know of no limitations that would prevent me from performing these functions with or without reasonable accommodation. I understand that this description does not constitute a contract of employment and that my employment is at-will.