Job Description

Store Lead Sales Associate (Full-Time)

The Salvation Army – Thrift Store

Location: Lawrence, KS
Pay: $14.14 per hour
Job Type: Full-time
Schedule: 40 hours per week, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as scheduled

About The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army is an international movement and part of the universal Christian Church. Our mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and meet human needs in His name—without discrimination.

Our thrift stores support Adult Rehabilitation Centers (ARCs) while providing affordable, sustainable shopping options to local communities. Every donation and purchase directly helps change lives.

Join our team in Doing the Most Good

The Salvation Army is seeking a Lead Store Sales Associate to support daily thrift store operations and assist store leadership. This is a keyholder-style role responsible for sales support, customer service, cash handling, and staff guidance in the absence of management.

This position is ideal for candidates with retail leadership experience who are dependable, customer-focused, and mission-driven.

Key Responsibilities

Sales & Store Operations

• Support management with daily sales, production, and donation goals
• Assist with store opening and closing procedures
• Complete banking duties, including cash handling, deposits, and reconciliation
• Maintain proper product rotation and inventory flow
• Ensure shelves, racks, and displays remain stocked, organized, and appealing

Customer Service & Store Presentation

• Deliver friendly, respectful, and professional customer service
• Resolve customer concerns calmly and courteously
• Maintain cleanliness, safety, and visual standards of the store
• Assist with signage, displays, and merchandising standards
• Identify opportunities to improve workflow and store presentation

Leadership & Team Support

• Provide direction and support to employees when management is not present
• Enforce company policies and procedures consistently
• Communicate staffing needs and operational updates to the Store Manager
• Assist team members with register issues and basic troubleshooting
• Report performance or behavioral concerns as needed

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• High school diploma or GED required
• Prior retail experience required (thrift or resale experience preferred)
• Keyholder, lead, or supervisory experience preferred

Skills & Abilities

• Strong customer service and communication skills
• Cash handling and register experience
• Basic computer skills (POS systems, Microsoft Office, payroll systems)
• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced retail environment
• Reliable, punctual, and team-oriented

Additional Requirements

• Valid Driver’s License and reliable transportation (required for bank runs)
• Ability to pass a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) check

Physical Requirements

• Stand and walk for extended periods
• Lift up to 25 lbs regularly
• Bend, reach, and use hands repetitively
• Adequate vision and focus for retail work

Work Environment

• Retail setting with moderate noise
• Standing and walking for most of the shift
• Occasional dust and temperature changes

What We Offer

• Meaningful work supporting your local community
• Mission-driven and supportive team environment
• On-the-job training and growth opportunities
• Competitive benefits package for eligible employees

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Salvation Army is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage applications from Veterans, individuals with disabilities, returning workforce members, individuals impacted by the justice system, and those without a college degree.

Search Keywords

Lead Sales Associate 
Retail Lead 
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Nonprofit Retail Jobs 
The Salvation Army Jobs 
Lawrence KS Jobs 
Full-Time Retail 

The Salvation Army is committed to caring for those who care for others. We offer a comprehensive, affordable benefits package designed to support your health, your family, and your future.

Our benefits include:

• Medical, Dental, Vision & Hearing Coverage through Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield – multiple plan options with affordable premiums and low copays.

• Prescription Coverage with Express Scripts – mail-order options for convenience and lower costs.

• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for healthcare and dependent care expenses.

• Employer-Paid Basic Life Insurance and options to purchase additional voluntary life coverage for you and your dependents.

• Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance through Unum, including income-protection buy-up options.

• Supplemental Aflac Plans (Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity) to help offset unexpected medical costs.

• MetLife Pet Insurance available with preventive care options for your furry family members.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offering 24/7 confidential counseling, legal, and financial resources.

• Paid Time Off (PTO) and Paid Holidays each year.

• Retirement Savings Plan (403b) with employer match eligibility.

• Opportunities for growth, training, and career development within one of the nation’s largest and most trusted nonprofits.

Qualifications

What You Need

Required

Education & Experience

• High School Graduate or Equivalent

• Retail experience required

Skills & Abilities

• Ability to speak, write and understand English for effective communication

• Basic computer skills including Point of Sales System and payroll program

• Proficient cash handling and accurate change-giving abilities

• Strong customer service orientation

Certifications

• Valid Driver's License and personal transportation for bank runs

• Must be able to pass a Motor Vehicle Record Search

Physical Requirements

• Regularly required to stand, use hands, handle, feel, hear, and talk

• Frequently required to walk and reach with hands and arms

• Occasionally required to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, or crouch

• Must regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds

• Specific vision abilities required: close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus

Work Environment

• Store environment with quiet to moderate noise level

• May be dusty and experience temperature fluctuations based on weather

• May stand for extended periods

Travel

• May be required to travel to various locations for work or training

The Salvation Army is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates who are returning to work, U.S. Veterans, people with disabilities, people impacted by the justice system, and people without a college degree are encouraged to apply.