What are the responsibilities and job description for the New Store Development Manager position at Winmark Corporation?
Help Build a More Sustainable Future for Retail
At Winmark, we believe in giving quality items a second life and creating a more sustainable future through resale. As the company behind Plato's Closet, Play It Again Sports, Once Upon A Child, Music Go Round, and Style Encore, we help entrepreneurs build successful businesses while making resale accessible to communities across North America.
We're looking for a New Store Development Manager who is passionate about coaching others, building strong relationships, and helping franchisees launch successful businesses. In this role, you'll guide new franchisees from pre-opening through grand opening, providing hands-on operational support, training, and consultation to help them build a strong foundation for long-term success. You'll partner closely with franchisees and internal teams across Training, Marketing, Operations, and Real Estate to support store openings and maintain brand standards.
Job Duties
Guide New Franchisees Through Store Openings
- Travel to franchisee locations before store openings to ensure brand standards are met and provide operational consultation.
- Advise franchisees on the used buy process, inventory quality and pricing, product mix, merchandising, pre-opening advertising, staff hiring and training, business planning, and all other operational areas.
- Conduct virtual consultations with franchisees throughout the store development process.
- Return to stores during opening periods to provide onsite support and coaching through opening day.
Support Training and Operational Excellence
- Review and enhance training programs and tools to support successful store openings and franchisee performance.
- Assist in developing and implementing new training programs and learning modules aligned with Winmark objectives.
- Deliver training during Resale University 101 and 201, covering topics such as inventory management, merchandising, marketing, employee management, vendor relations, and the buying-used process.
- Support special projects including conference planning, workshop development, training content creation, and other department initiatives.
Build Relationships and Drive Results
- Track and report franchisee store activity in a timely manner to the training department, including inventory levels, category mix, marketing metrics, and operational progress.
- Maintain detailed documentation of phone calls and store visits within CRM systems and communicate store development updates regarding store opening, transfer, relocation and expansion store events to internal stakeholders.
- Serve as a liaison between franchisees and corporate teams to ensure a coordinated and successful store opening experience.
- Foster productive relationships with franchisees, vendors, and business partners while promoting Winmark philosophies and standards.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Business Management or a related field preferred.
- Two or more years of retail operations experience.
- Experience with customer experience, inventory management, and merchandising.
- Assistant Store Manager, Key Holder, or Team Lead experience preferred.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to train and present to small and medium-sized groups.
- Strong organizational and time management skills with exceptional attention to detail.
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.
- Ability to travel at least 50% based on store opening schedules.
- Valid driver's license and ability to rent a car is required.
Why Join Winmark?
This is an opportunity to make a direct impact on the success of new franchisees while helping grow some of the most recognized brands in resale retail. You'll develop expertise in franchise operations, training, and business consulting while building meaningful relationships across the organization. Winmark is committed to investing in employees through professional development, hands-on learning, and opportunities for career advancement.
Location: Plymouth, Minnesota | Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.(travel required)
Pay Range: $48,000 - $58,000
Position Status: Exempt
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage with competitive employee contributions
- Flexible Spending Accounts (Healthcare and Dependent Care)
- 401(k) plan with company match
- Discretionary profit-sharing opportunities
- Company-paid life insurance
- Paid time off, including vacation, personal days, and 11 paid holidays
- Professional development opportunities
- Free onsite fitness center
- Onsite café
Physical Requirements
This position requires frequent travel and extended periods of standing while training and supporting franchisees. The role also involves working at a desk and computer when in the office, lifting up to 50 pounds unassisted, and performing activities including walking, bending, reaching, sitting, repetitive motions, talking, hearing, and visual tasks associated with a retail and office environment.
Ready to Make an Impact?
If you enjoy coaching others, building relationships, and helping entrepreneurs launch successful businesses, we'd love to hear from you.
Salary : $48,000 - $58,000