What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Store Manager - The COOP Concept Store (Allston) position at The Harvard/MIT Cooperative Society?
Overview
About the COOP
Founded in 1882, the Harvard & MIT Cooperative Society—known as The COOP—is one of the most iconic collegiate retail institutions in the country. Today, the COOP is in the midst of an exciting transformation—reimagining its role not just as a retailer, but as a platform for connection, community, and engagement across Harvard, MIT, and the neighborhoods they call home.
The COOP Allston store is a key part of this next chapter.
Located within Harvard’s new Enterprise Research Campus (ERC) at the Atlas Hotel, the Allston COOP is a new concept store designed to serve a mix of students, hotel guests, neighbors, and visitors. It will be a highly curated, welcoming neighborhood destination—combining retail and community activation in an intimate footprint. The space will feature thoughtfully selected merchandise, rotating displays, events, and moments that invite people to linger, explore, and connect.
The Role:
We are seeking an Assistant Store Manager as a pivotal role for our new concept store from day one. This role is ideal for someone who loves retail AND people - who is energized by launching something new, building community, and helping shape the future of this iconic brand. Drawing on prior retail experience, the Assistant Manager will support the Store Manager, in helping to guide the store toward monthly sales goals while maintaining visual excellence and operational integrity. The role encompasses helping with visual displays, hosting and supporting in-store events, building meaningful guest relationships, and maintaining organized back stock and precise inventory control. This role requires an understanding of retail operations, customer service, and is a team player.
Key Responsibilities:
● A strong understanding of luxury retail operation
● Understanding and the ability to help train team-members on store operating procedures and selling techniques
● Knowledge of Shopify POS system, with a strong understanding of its functionality, day to day usage, and reporting capabilities
● Support Store Manager to deliver the monthly sales goals and help create strategies to maximize profitability
● Assisting in guest’s needs and problem solve any guest related concerns within (and according to) company standards
● Receiving deliveries of goods and follow protocol for back stock and inventory management
● Ensuring daily reports of stores performance are accurate and complete
● Coordinating store events with Store Manager and the Home Office
● Participating in weekly conference calls with operations, inventory, and merchandising teams if needed
● Maintaining a consistent and active presence on the sales floor, providing coverage where necessary to maintain store hours, service standards, and an optimal, elevated guest experience
Qualifications:
● Minimum of 3 years of retail experience
● Thorough retail background with demonstrated knowledge and skill sets, including customer service, POS systems, processing shipment arrivals, answering phone calls and emails, and product knowledge
● Experience assisting a global clientele, with the ability to educate team members on the same skills
● Detail-oriented and self-motivated, with enthusiasm for motivating and leading team members
● Ability to think independently and troubleshoot technological issues
● Proven experience training and educating team members to successfully meet sales goals and performance expectations
● Applied experience with Microsoft Office products and Shopify POS
● Availability to work days, nights, and some weekends
Compensation and Benefits
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
Pay: Up to $70,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Salary : $70,000