Retail Assistant – Geelong

The Company:

Patagonia is an outdoor apparel business like no other, “We’re in business to save our home planet.” A certified B Corporation, the company is recognised internationally for its commitment to product quality and environmental activism – and now our one and only shareholder is our home planet with 100% of profits going to fight the environmental crisis. Founded by Yvon Chouinard in 1973, Patagonia is based in Ventura, California with offices around the world including in Torquay, Australia. Our values stay true to a business that was started by a band of climbers and surfers, and the minimalist style they promoted. The approach we take demonstrates a bias for simplicity and utility – build the best product and provide the best service; examine our practices openly and honestly; protect our home planet; be just, equitable and antiracist; do it our way.

We look for candidates with proven experience who thrive in a team-based atmosphere, individuals who are passionate about their communities, the environment and caring for others. We seek core Patagonia product users, people who love to spend as much time as possible in the mountains, ocean, and wild nature. Folks who deal well with ambiguity, learn on the fly, demonstrate sound judgment, and solve problems creatively are most successful with us. We’re looking for someone who builds and maintains relationships with ease and desires to put the customer at the centre of everything they do. We don’t want someone who can just do a job – we want the best person for the job. Yet we don’t look for “stars” seeking special treatment and perks. Our best efforts are collaborative, and Patagonia culture rewards the ensemble player, while it barely tolerates those who need the limelight.

The Role:

Our retail stores are where the brand comes to life, and as a Full Time Retail Assistant, you’re the embodiment of the brand for our customers and our team. Based out of our Djilang / Geelong , and reporting to the Store Manager you welcome, assist and engage customers by providing a positive experience for everyone who comes in – ensuring that the customers’ needs are understood and met. You focus on building relationships and act as a role model to our team. You share your knowledge of core sports and products, your passion for the community and your efforts to protect the local environment. By developing your retail team, you ensure that our customer service experience is consistent, warm, aligned with Patagonia’s core values and best-in-class. You act as an ambassador for Patagonia in your store and community and have goals to expand your leadership. All employees are encouraged and empowered to creatively solve problems and put the customers’ needs at the centre of everything we do.

About You:

You are passionate about the environment.

• You engage customers and inspire them to get involved.
• You inspire and facilitate staff conversation, innovation, and education about environmental issues.
• By hosting events, and elevating campaigns, you connect your community to important environmental and social issues.
• You engage and partner with local grassroots non profit organisations through our 1% for the planet grants, and other partnerships, including events, product donations, and activism activities.
• You operate an environmentally responsible business by recycling, conserving energy and using alternative modes of transportation.
• You use the company’s mission and core values as guides for decision making and act as a brand advocate inside and outside of the store.

Your customer service is not bound by convention.

• You determine and meet the specific needs of each customer with kindness and creativity.
• You handle product returns in the spirit of our Ironclad Guarantee.
• You instil in your employees the importance of customer service and that the retail experience is where the brand comes to life.
• You train and empower your retail team to make decisions and coach staff based on Patagonia’s values, use their best judgment and act generously in all customer service matters.
• You foster a seamless customer experience by making every effort to find merchandise across Patagonia’s sales channels if an item is not in stock in your store.

You are action-oriented and take initiative.

• You support and strive to achieve all store goals.
• You embody proactive leadership to build the best possible relationships.
• You assist in all operational elements of running the store, from cash reconciliation, rostering, to cleaning the toilet!
• You merchandise the store during downtimes: folding, hanging, steaming and stocking.

You value and demonstrate quality in all that you do.

• You ensure accuracy in all point-of-sale operations.
• You accurately fulfil online orders and inventory transfers and are careful to avoid error.
• You practice security measures that help prevent theft and understand how to safely handle shoplifters.
• You have a keen eye for the look and feel of your store and know that powerful visual merchandising, good habits, store cleanliness and maintenance all support a strong business.

You create a safe store environment

• You maintain a safe and secure environment for your team and customers and resolve any concerns quickly.
• You are deeply committed to creating a working environment that is supportive, positive, respectful, and free from harassment.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Patagonia is an equal opportunity employer. Patagonia recruits, employs, trains, compensates, and promotes without regard to race, religion, colour, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, or individuals with a disability. Patagonia is proud of our diverse workforce and encourages applications from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Like our planet, our company is an interconnected network of ecosystems dependent on each other. Patagonia is a global community with members that seek to respect, uplift and celebrate all the qualities that make each of us unique – members that look to champion justice, equity and inclusion across our company and beyond.

Accessibility Support

Patagonia is committed to ensuring that our hiring process is accessible for talent with disabilities. If you require assistance and or accommodation in the search and or application process, please contact us at [email protected] using the subject line: Retail Assistant – Geelong enquiry via EthicalJobs with your full name, best way to reach you, and the accommodation needed to assist you with the application process.

Benefits:

Patagonia provides employees with competitive benefits package (unique to each role) that may include environmental internships, paid Activism Hours, employee discounts, generous clothing allowance, matching of charity donations and much more.

To learn more about who we are visit www.patagonia.com.au.

*Please include a cover letter in your application telling us about your passion for your communities, the environment and caring for others. We’d also love to know how you spend your time in the outdoors!

**Applicants must have full and ongoing working rights within Australia. The position is full-time, 76 hours per fortnight requiring some evening and regular weekend work.