Mission Market Retail Store Manager

About Concern Worldwide

Concern Worldwide is an international humanitarian organization committed to the relief, assistance and advancement of the poorest people in the least developed countries of the world. Founded in Ireland in 1968, Concern Worldwide has over 4,700 personnel working in 26 countries across the globe. Concern believes in a world where no one lives in fear; where all have access to a decent standard of living and the opportunities essential to a long, healthy and creative life. Our mission is to help people living in absolute poverty achieve major improvements in their lives, improvements that are sustainable without ongoing support from Concern.

Concern envisions a world where no one lives in poverty, fear, or oppression where everyone can exercise their rights to a decent standard of living with equal access to opportunities. We believe in creating a culture of inclusion where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to the workplace. Building a diverse and inclusive team is an absolute necessity to deliver the solutions needed to achieve our core mission, because without promoting justice and equality, we cannot eliminate extreme poverty.

Concern Worldwide US (CUS) is an independent affiliate of Concern Worldwide, with offices in New York, Chicago and Los Angeles. CUS advances the Concern Worldwide mission through mobilizing financial and human resources, as well as influencing and activating networks in the US to elevate programs globally.

About Mission Market:

Created by Concern Worldwide, Mission Market is a retail concept that aims to celebrate culture and craft from the communities we work with in 26 countries globally. Always handcrafted, ethically sourced, and carefully curated, your purchase helps power our emergency response and long-term development programs. We are a market with a mission to end extreme poverty.

The Role:

The Retail Store Manager will oversee the daily operations of Mission Market's physical and online retail platforms, ensuring a seamless, high-quality customer experience while aligning with Concern Worldwide’s mission and values. This role will require close collaboration with cross-functional teams to develop strategies that maximize sales, customer engagement, and organizational impact.

Responsibilities: Including but not limited to

• Manage day-to-day operations of Mission Market’s retail presence (both onsite and online), including inventory control, order fulfillment, customer service excellence, and operational efficiency.
• Collaborate with the team to develop and execute an integrated retail strategy across physical, online, and mobile platforms, aligned with Concern Worldwide’s mission, vision, and values.
• Assist in sourcing unique, mission-aligned products and work with vendors, artisans, and manufacturers to curate a diverse, appealing product line.
• Stay informed of market trends and customer preferences to support product procurement, launches, and targeted marketing campaigns.
• Collaborate with digital and operations teams to enhance the online shopping experience, including optimizing order fulfillment processes, improving website performance, and refining the user experience.
• Build strong relationships with both in-store and online customers to drive sales, increase brand loyalty, and create a meaningful connection to Concern Worldwide’s work.
• Analyze sales trends, customer feedback, and web analytics to make data-driven decisions that improve conversion rates and overall business performance.
• Lead, manage, and support retail associates, volunteers, or support staff to ensure smooth operations and maintain a positive work environment.

Qualifications:

• Proven experience in retail management (onsite and online) with a strong understanding of inventory control, customer service, and team leadership.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute retail strategies that drive sales and customer engagement.
• Experience working with cross-functional teams and a strong ability to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders.
• Knowledge of market trends, product sourcing, and building vendor relationships.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret data and adjust strategies to optimize business outcomes.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and leadership skills.
• Passion for social impact and alignment with Concern Worldwide’s mission.
• Must be able to be in Chicago office
• Must be eligible to work in the US.
• This is a 6 month contract with the potential for extension.