About the Opportunity
Located at the iconic Peggy’s Cove, The Sou'Wester Gift & Restaurant Company Ltd is seeking a dynamic, high-energy Gift Shop Manager & Purchaser. This is a unique "hybrid" leadership role that blends high-volume retail management with strategic international purchasing.
You will be the architect of our retail experience, responsible for the entire product lifecycle—from scouting trends at North American trade shows to managing a team of up to 25 staff during our bustling peak season.
Your Core Responsibilities
This role shifts focus with the seasons: 70% Management + 30% Purchasing during peak months (April –November), with an increased focus on Purchasing and Strategy during the off-season (December-March).
1. Strategic Purchasing & Inventory
- Identify global and local market trends to curate a high-quality inventory that reflects the Sou'Wester brand.
- Travel to wholesale gift shows across North America to source unique products and negotiate supplier contracts.
- Analyze sales data (KPIs, sell-through rates, and margins) to inform buying decisions.
- Manage the full inventory cycle across our warehouse and retail stockrooms.
2. Retail Operations & Merchandising
- Lead the visual merchandising strategy, ensuring the shop floor is optimized for flow and high-volume sales during hours of operations 7 days a week.
- Incorporate a proactive restocking system, ensure shelves are never empty
- Oversee daily financial reporting, cash handling procedures, and sales quota management.
- Ensure strict compliance with safety and operational policies.
3. Leadership & People Management
- Work with HR to recruit, train, and mentor a seasonal team of 4 to 25 employees.
- Manage weekly scheduling via the "When I Work" platform, ensuring optimal coverage for operations 7-days a week.
- Foster a culture of exemplary customer service and professional conflict resolution.
Requirements & Qualifications
- Experience: 5+ years in retail management with a proven track record in buying/purchasing and supervisory roles.
- Education: Degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field preferred.
- Technical Skills: Proficiency in POS and Inventory Management Systems (experience with Lightspeed and Shopify is a significant asset).
- Logistics: Must possess a valid Driver’s License and reliable transportation (Public transit is not available to Peggy’s Cove).
- Flexible Schedule: Must work 40+ hours/week (including evenings/weekends) and maintain availability for emergency call-ins or urgent after-hours site visits as needed.
Compensation & Benefits
- Salary: starting at $60,000/year (commensurate with experience)
- Hours: 40+ hours a week (evenings and weekends)
- Health & Wellness: Comprehensive Medical Benefits package available after 3 months.
- Vacation: 2 weeks paid vacation annually (accrued at 4%); increasing to 3 weeks after 8 years of service, in accordance with NS Labour Standards.
- Start Date: ASAP
- Location: Peggy’s Cove, NS
- Status: Full-Time, Permanent
- Probation Period: 6 months (180 days)
Successful candidates will be required to undergo a background check and a 180-day (6 month) performance review period applies.
How to Apply
The Sou'Wester is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Please submit your Resume and Cover Letter to this post; Only those who meet the qualifications will be contacted for an interview.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: From $60,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company events
- Dental care
- Discounted or free food
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- Store discount
- Vision care
Application question(s):
- Do you have reliable transportation to and from Peggy's Cove? - NO PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
- What POS and Inventory Management Systems have you worked with?
- Are you able to work 40+ hours per week including the evenings and weekends?
- When are you available to start?
- Briefly describe your experience attending wholesale gift shows or working with vendors.
How do you decide which products are a good 'fit' for a specific target audience?
Education:
- Bachelor's Degree (preferred)
Experience:
- Supervising: 5 years (required)
- Purchasing: 5 years (required)
- Retail management: 5 years (preferred)
Licence/Certification:
- Drivers Licence - Class 5 (required)
Work Location: In person
