Hybrid Bench Store Team Leader - Connecticut chez TPS Group Holdings LLC

TPS Group Holdings, a family of brands including The Paper Store, Uncharted and Gifts & More, is all about transforming daily routines into joyful escapes that inspire and surprise. Our mission is to connect with every customer through carefully chosen products, immersive shopping experiences, and service that goes the extra mile—creating a space that sparks joy with every visit. Our stores support the customer experience by providing curated product assortments, exceptional service, and a welcoming environment that reflects our brand. 

Position Title: Bench Store Team Leader 

Reports to: District Manager 

FLSA Classification: Salary, Exempt 

Position Overview: The Bench Store Team Leader serves as a pipeline for Store Team Leader opportunities within the District, ready to assume leadership of a store when available. In this role, you’ll ultimately be responsible for learning all aspects of running a TPS store while supporting daily operations, provide world-class service through the G.U.E.S.T. approach while ensuring the TPS mission and values are consistently met. Working alongside a Store Team Leader, you’ll gain the skills and experience needed to successfully lead your own store. 

Responsibilities: 

• Learn to act as a TPS Champion by modeling the G.U.E.S.T. service approach and consistently delivering World Class Service.
  • Greet and welcome every customer warmly and with enthusiasm
  • Understand customer needs by asking open-ended questions
  • Explain product features and benefits in relation to the customers’ needs by providing in-depth product knowledge
  • Suggest additional items to build onto sales by utilizing effective selling techniques
  • Thank the customer sincerely and invite them to return and shop with us again
• Support Store Team Leader in being a TPS Brand Ambassador and building customer loyalty by modeling friendliness, attentiveness, and respect.
• Partner with the Store Team Leader to inspire and motivate the team daily, delivering positive feedback and recognizing performance.
• Contribute to creating a positive work environment by modeling ethical behavior, open communication, and confidentiality.
• Learn and assist with performing ear piercings in select locations, following training and health/safety guidelines.
• Develop decision-making skills to act in the best interest of TPS customers, the store team, and the business.
• Demonstrate commitment to training and development by completing all required training programs and applying learnings on the job.
• Support the execution of strategies to drive sales and customer loyalty, including Hallmark Crown Rewards, TPS Customer Capture, and store events.
• Build readiness to cross-train and coach Associates, Key Holders, and Department Managers in all areas of the store.
• Practice coaching skills by training associates in merchandising, operations, compliance, and G.U.E.S.T. service behaviors.
• Learn to use performance management tools to support team development (evaluations, feedback, and recognition).
• Build positive working relationships with District Manager, peers, merchandisers, and corporate partners.
• Shadow the Store Team Leader in resolving conflicts and facilitating complex conversations with honesty and respect.
• Partner in managing supplies and payroll budgets, developing skills in cost management.
• Perform daily management functions under the guidance of the Store Team Leader (opening/closing, POS management, sales floor supervision, scheduling).
• Complete other assigned tasks and development goals provided by the District Manager.
• Support hiring and retention efforts by learning effective recruiting, interviewing, and onboarding practices.
• Ensure compliance with all company policies, procedures, and expectations.

Requirements: 

• Previous specialty retail management experience preferred. This role leads to a Store Team Leader position; all new Bench Store Team Leaders are coded as Manager in Training during the initial onboarding period, up to 8 weeks.
• College degree, preferred.
• Ability to adapt to and support change, learning TPS-specific processes and operational standards.
• Ability to foster a team environment through positive leadership while assisting the Store Team Leader.
• Demonstrates resourcefulness and initiative to problem-solve, learn strategic operations, and act as a supportive team builder.
• Ability to multi-task while maintaining focus on customer service and operational learning.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and POS systems, or ability to learn TPS systems.
• Ability to work independently while following Store Team Leader guidance and paying attention to detail.
• Ability to be mobile on the sales floor and/or stock room for extended periods.
• Ability to lift and mobilize medium to large items up to 50 lbs., following safety protocols.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including nights, weekends, and holidays, to meet the needs of the business.
• Professional presentation in attire, demeanor, and adherence to company dress code.

COMPETENCIES:  

• Communication: Communication is direct and to the point while maintaining employees’ self-esteem. Sets clear performance expectations and provides ongoing feedback. Solicits dialogue to ensure understanding of expectations.
• Leadership: Ability to motivate and influence the team to create buy-in. Clarifies initiatives and articulates their strategic relevance. Helps employees to see the potential for developing their skills; assists them in eliminating barriers to their development.
• Development: Demonstrates a passion for teaching. Identifies skill opportunities and takes timely and appropriate action to coach, develop and redirect employees as needed.
• Delegation: Delegates responsibility based on the employee’s ability and potential. Communicate action steps and desired outcomes. Follows up to ensure success.
• Accountability: Demonstrates a sense of corporate responsibility. Takes personal ownership and responsibility for the quality and timeliness of work. Ensures that actions are consistent with words.
• Creativity and Initiative: Forward-thinking, recognizes opportunities and finds new ways of doing things and implements improvements whenever possible. Encourages creativity and innovation.
• Professionalism: Maintains a professional and positive manner even under changing or uncertain conditions. Works well with a wide range of individuals to provide support, encouragement and direction. Engages others to accomplish organizational and departmental goals. Is seen as a role model.

TPS Group Holdings LLC is an equal-opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, veteran status, or any other classification protected by state, local or federal law.