Continuous Improvement Manager/Sr. Manager (Hybrid) - #450263

About MEC

At MEC, we believe the transformative power of the outdoors makes us better humans and drives us to do good for the planet. We are here to inspire and support everyone in getting active outside, matching people with gear and advice that instills confidence. We offer more than products; we offer passion for the outdoors. We play with purpose!

Our business model is dependent on impassioned and well-trained outdoor enthusiasts and as such we look for individuals who live our purpose and fit with MEC ethos and lifestyle. If you are that person, we’d love to connect with you. Join us!

MEC is an equal opportunity employer and committed to building an inclusive community of staffers. We’re proud to work with our people to create a diverse workplace, where everyone feels like they belong and has the opportunity to be successful. We welcome of all applicants to join our diverse team. Tell us what you need during the hiring process, and we’ll do our best to accommodate you.

Location: This is a hybrid role based out of MEC Head Office in Vancouver, requiring you to be in office 2 to 3 days a week.

The Role

You oversee the optimization and creation of standard operating procedures to better support our member and staff experience. You analyze existing processes to determine where efficiencies can be created to alleviate workload on our store teams. Your purpose is to maximize sales opportunities while decreasing non-sale hours across MEC. You understand the intricacies of change management and how to effectively roll out processes to all facets of store operations.

You’ll be assigned a dedicated aspect of our retail stores ranging from member service to inventory.

What great looks like

• You strategize how our stores operate to enhance the member experience
• You maximize process efficiencies by alleviating non-sale hours, providing more opportunity to serve our members
• You understand the principles of budgeting and can translate that to each unique retail location
• You analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) and appropriately modify strategy to execute and align with retail vision and ensure sustainability of improvements
• You understand the principles of project management and can see a project from infancy to completion
• You work cross-functionally with other departments to align priorities that support the member experience
• You manage the vision of continuous improvement and your area of responsibility, and work with your team to strategize priorities
• You work closely with our learning and development team to ensure processes come to life through training
• You lead with empathy and understand intricacies of developing relationships internally and externally
• Develop and implement process improvement strategies that reduce costs and increase productivities
  
  

Facilities Management

• Oversee maintenance and operational efficiency of all retail locations, ensuring compliance with company and regulatory standards.
• Manage vendor relationships, maintenance contracts, and capital improvement projects.
• Drive energy efficiency and sustainability projects across the store portfolio while actively reducing costs
  
  

Health & Safety Compliance

• Ensure all retail locations comply with local, state, and national health and safety regulations.
• Lead the development and delivery of safety training programs for staff.
• Monitor incidents and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
• Champion a safety-first culture throughout the organization.
  
  

Loss Prevention

• Evaluate existing Loss Prevention Program and make recommendations to improve.
• Create Controls and reporting to ensure consistency across all regions
• Analyze financial results, shrink data, and Loss Prevention metrics to identify trends and develop team strategies with the Regional Managers to improve execution.
• Evaluate risks, controls and processes to ensure the highest level of operational efficiency.
• Manage and conduct high shrink investigations to determine root cause of loss and develop solutions that prevent recurrence.
  
  

What You Bring

If you like working with an inclusive, hands-on, collaborative team that connects people with quality products to encourage active outdoor lives, then this is the team for you. MEC is an awesome place for people who are always learning and trying new things like bouldering, yoga, or trail running!

You are good natured and have a welcoming vibe. You’re outgoing and genuinely like helping people. You’re stoked about being active outside.

You have 3-5 years of retail leadership and/or experience in improvement programs in busy, high-volume retail or service environments. You have demonstrated skills in process optimization, change management, planning, and priority setting.

Leadership Principles

Our MEC Leadership Way principles are the backbone of our commitment to fostering a vibrant, outdoor-focused culture. Grounded in integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, these guiding capabilities empower leaders at every level to inspire teamwork and drive meaningful change. By cultivating a culture of trust and accountability, we create an environment where everyone can thrive, adapt to challenges, and contribute to our shared mission of connecting people with the great outdoors. Embrace these principles to help shape a dynamic and supportive workplace that values growth, empathy, and a shared passion for exploration.

• We know where we’re going. Clearly define our mission, connect work to strategy, and set measurable goals collaboratively.
• We guide with empathy. Foster understanding and respect, celebrate diversity, and create an inclusive environment.
• We grow our people. Invest in individual growth, remain accessible to teams, and pursue continuous improvement.
• We trailblaze. Embrace innovation as a process, encourage experimentation, and learn from mistakes.
• We pick the right path. Make decisions based on our values, consider diverse perspectives, and communicate reasoning transparently.
• We change course when needed. Embrace change as an opportunity, adapt strategies swiftly, and lead teams with clear communication and positivity.
  
  

The Compensation & Perks

• Work-life flexibility
• Hybrid work environment
• Variable annual incentive plan
• Generous annual vacation allotment
• Paid Care time (Wellness/sick)
• Maternity and Parental leave top-up
• Staff Discount and amazing deals straight from vendors
• Top-notch benefit plan
• Retirement Plan with matched contributions
• Paid days to pursue outdoor activities and/or volunteer in your community
• Free staff gear rental program
• Access to a learning platform and educational assistance support
• Career development opportunities
  
  

At our Home Office located in Vancouver, you’ll also love:

• Show up as you are—Athleisure wear
• An open office layout- choose where you sit.
• Well stocked kitchens filled with premium coffees and teas
• Onsite fitness equipment, change rooms with showers and bike storage
  
  

Note: Availability of the benefits and perks may be subject to your location & employment type and may have certain eligibility requirements. MEC reserves the right to alter these benefits and perks in whole or in part at any time without advance notice.

Are you up for your next adventure? We’d love to hear from you!

The Candidate must be able to read and converse in English. Le candidat doit être à l’aise de lire et de converser en anglais.