Hobby Shop Manager

Location: [Abu Dhabi, UAE]

Reports To: Owner

Job Type: Full-time

Summary:

The Store Manager will be responsible for the overall operations, profitability, and

customer experience of our yarn and craft store, which specializes in high-quality yarns,

knitting, crochet, and other craft supplies. A key aspect of this role involves overseeing

and facilitating our in-store learning sessions, including knitting and crochet classes for

all skill levels. The ideal candidate will be a passionate crafter with strong retail

management experience, excellent interpersonal skills, and a genuine desire to foster a

vibrant and inspiring creative community.

Key Responsibilities:

• Retail Operations & Sales:
• Oversee daily store operations, ensuring a clean, organized, and visually
  
  

appealing environment.

• Achieve sales targets by effectively managing inventory, merchandising,
  
  

and promotional activities.

• Develop and implement strategies to increase foot traffic and customer
  
  

loyalty.

• Process sales transactions accurately using the POS system and handle
  
  

cash, credit, and gift card payments.

• Manage opening and closing procedures, including cash reconciliation
  
  

and security protocols.

• Monitor and manage store expenses within budget.
• Inventory Management:
• Conduct regular inventory counts and manage stock levels to prevent
  
  

overstocking or stockouts.

• Place orders with suppliers, negotiate favorable terms, and build strong
  
  

vendor relationships.

• Receive, unpack, and organize incoming merchandise efficiently.
• Customer Service Excellence: o Provide exceptional customer service, offering expert advice on yarn
  
  

types, patterns, tools, and craft techniques.

• Handle customer inquiries, complaints, and returns professionally and
  
  

efficiently, aiming for satisfactory resolutions.

• Build strong relationships with customers, fostering a sense of
  
  

community and belonging.

• Learning Sessions & Community Engagement:
• Develop, schedule, and promote a diverse range of knitting, crochet, and
  
  

workshops.

• Oversee the registration process for classes and manage class sizes.
• Ensure class materials and equipment are readily available and in good
  
  

condition.

• Organize and host crafting events, "knit nights," and community
  
  

gatherings to engage customers.

• Utilize social media and local marketing to promote classes and store
  
  

events.

• Marketing & Merchandising:
• Collaborate with the owner to develop marketing strategies and
  
  

promotional campaigns.

• Manage the store's social media presence (e.g., Instagram, Facebook)
  
  

with engaging content.

• Stay updated on industry trends, new products, and popular craft
  
  

techniques.

• Administrative Duties:
• Maintain accurate sales records, customer data, and employee files.
• Generate regular reports on sales performance, inventory, and class
  
  

registrations.

• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and retail regulations.
  
  

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Retail Management, or a related
  
  

field preferred.

• Minimum of 3-5 years of proven retail management experience, with a strong
  
  

preference for experience in specialty retail (e.g., craft stores, hobby shops,

boutiques).

• Demonstrable experience in managing a team.
• Experience with POS systems, inventory management software, and basic
  
  

accounting principles.

Skills & Knowledge:

• Knowledge in Knitting and Crochet: basic or beginner knowledge in both
  
  

knitting and crochet.

• Business Acumen: Strong understanding of retail metrics, sales forecasting,
  
  

inventory control, and profit margins.

• Leadership & Team Building: Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop a
  
  

high-performing team.

• Exceptional Customer Service: A genuine passion for helping customers, with
  
  

a friendly, patient, and approachable demeanor.

• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for
  
  

interacting with customers, staff, suppliers, and for marketing purposes.

• Organizational Skills: Highly organized with strong attention to detail, capable
  
  

of managing multiple tasks and priorities effectively.

• Problem-Solving: Ability to identify issues, analyze problems, and implement
  
  

effective solutions.

• Marketing & Social Media Savvy: Experience in utilizing social media for
  
  

business promotion and engaging with online communities.

• Adaptability: Ability to thrive in a dynamic retail environment and adapt to
  
  

changing trends and customer demands.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) and Google
  
  

Workspace.