The Lead Gift Shop Associate plays a pivotal role in the daily operations of Magnolia Plantation & Gardens' Gift Shop. This position is responsible for providing exceptional customer service, overseeing sales activities, maintaining inventory, and ensuring the shop reflects the company’s mission, vision, and values. As a team leader, the Lead Associate supports other associates, including scheduling, handles customer inquiries, manages point-of-sale systems, and drives retail performance. They act as a liaison between the Gift Shop Team and the Manager of Retail Services, contributing to the store's overall success and guest satisfaction. Essential functions: + Delivers excellent customer service through engaging and connecting with Magnolia guests in a welcoming and friendly manner; shares information with the guest around MPC promotions and events; supports guests with purchases, offering assistance and suggestions throughout the buying process as needed; enters purchases into Magnolia’s point-of-sale system; takes payment and provides change as needed + Lead the day-to-day operations of the Gift Shop, including opening and closing and cash handling procedures + Train and mentor Gift Shop Associates, offering guidance on sales techniques, store policies, and customer service standards + Responsible for driving daily sales goals to meet/exceed budget; manages inventory accuracy; suggests and executes identified opportunities with store standards and merchandising + Performs daily sales floor inspections from a guest's viewpoint to ensure the highest level of service and safety for our guests; makes recommendations to the Retail Services Manager to improve the guest experience as needed + Uses active listening techniques to address and resolve guest inquiries in a timely manner; communicates any operational or guest issues to the management team when applicable + Stays abreast of company-wide events and general knowledge, promotional Gift Shop events and sales and maintains product knowledge + Ensures all company policies and processes are executed at a high level Requirements Competencies: + Technical Skills: You are versed in point-of-sale (POS) systems and have basic computer and technical skills. + Customer Service: You’ve got exceptional customer service skills and have 2+ years experience in a customer facing role. Public gardens or attractions experience a plus! + Result-orientation & Communication: You understand that extraordinary guest experiences aren't just about what products we have available, but how each interaction makes them feel. Knowing this, you make it a point to ensure that each guest has an immersive, positive experience from the moment they enter through the doors + Problem solving with proficiency in English and basic math skills: You have experience using point-of-sale and inventory platforms to manage the guest sales and store merchandising management processes + You have the ability to lift up to 50lbs, stand for extended periods of time, and have the ability to work holidays and weekends as needed + You embody Magnolia's core values, and are passionate about its mission Work Environment: Clean, well-lit, indoor Gift Shop with persistent interactions with customers on the sales floor with moderate noise levels. Physical Demands: + Standing and walking for long periods of time and for the duration of the scheduled shift + Using hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls + Using stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired + Lifting and moving merchandise that can weigh up to 35 pounds + Climbing ladders to retrieve stock + Balancing on ladders + Bending at the waist, kneeling, squatting, stooping, or crouching + Reaching above the shoulder frequently Benefits Employee Benefits + Magnolia realizes the importance of a healthy work/life balance and offers a generous amount of PTO, Sick Days & Paid Holidays + Happy Birthday.. off! If you are scheduled to work on your special day, you can request 8 hours of pay + Magnolia contributes 80% of medical premiums for employee-only coverage and 40% to all other levels of coverage + No cost $10,000 life & accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance + 401K retirement plan matching at 4% + If enrolled in our medical plan, access to covered MinuteClinic® and Teledoc® services are offered to you free or at a lower cost. Covered medical participants can also enjoy Peerfit (helps you stay active with monthly credits that can be redeemed for group fitness classes), Wellness tools (health assessment and online programs to help you meet your goals), Discount program (helps you save on health products and services), 24/7 Employee Assistance Program (helps in all aspects of life, from emotional well-being, legal and financial help), behavioral telehealth/virtual providers and services, no-cost diabetic meters and enhanced maternity program. Plan participants are also offered free, online will preparation with claimant support services and emergency travel assistance Employee Discounts + Experience our history, horticulture and nature with your loved ones! Employees can host their immediate family members (on non-scheduled working days) to Magnolia! This includes free admission to the gardens and to all tours. If immediate family members visit during an employee's scheduled working day, eligible family members are welcome to visit the gardens with free admission. Please contact the Welcome Center for more information. + Save 50% on all on-site venue rentals (includes standard fees), 40% off at our charming Gift Shop and meal discounts at our impeccable Peacock Cafe! + Employees and their immediate family members can join Community Events for free! + Enjoy discounted pricing for Magnolia's prime Special Events + Earn your Reciprocal Admission Pass after your first 90 days! This gold pass allows you and one guest free admittance to over 40 participating attractions such as: SC Aquarium, SpiritLine Cruises, Charleston County Parks, Children's Museum of the Lowcountry and many more! + Team Members are provided company branded uniform items at no cost! Training & Development + No-cost continuing education training for current licenses that benefit both you and MPC + Limitless internal training and development opportunities! Additional Perks + It really pays! Referral bonus for an employee's referral that is hired and completes three months of service. $500 for full-time hires and $250 for part-time hires. + Accept your own stainless steel Magnolia logoed bottle, perfect for preserving our environment and keeping your drinks hot or cold (up to 24 hours) + 6mi of Biking and Walking Trails for you to use