General Manager – Whitby

We’re currently looking for new staffers to join our team in our new location in Whitby. 

MEC is more than a store. We’re a hub for the outdoor community, a leader in sustainability, and a place where you can be yourself. People come to us to try new things and plan new adventures – and as a General Manager, you’ll be there to lead our teams to make it all happen. 

Members (what we call customers) visit us for gear and advice on hiking, camping, climbing, cycling, watersports, snowsports and travel. You’ll manage a team of people who support our members in planning everything from dream trips to weekend getaways, and first-timers to outdoor experts. 

You’ll also have some pretty incredible coworkers who might just become future activity buddies; we asked staff what their favorite thing was about working for MEC, and the overwhelming answer was “the people.” 

The Role

As a General Manager, you’ll make MEC a great place to visit and work at. You’ll manage store operations, support MEC’s strategic direction, and deliver on business objectives that include exceptional member satisfaction levels. You’ll play a key role in building a high-performing crew of staffers and an engaging culture, and are accountable for results. If you love the outdoors, leading teams and connecting with people, this is the role for you. 

What a day in the life looks like: 

• You actively promote the principles, culture, vision and purpose of MEC to all store staffers. 
• You make sure store operations are efficient, consistent and deliver an awesome member experience. 
• You manage team schedules by working closely with workforce planners and staff.  
• You identify store hiring needs, manage recruitment and selection, and stick to budgets for payroll expenditures. 
• You have regular check-ins with all store staff to keep communication open and to gather feedback on staff satisfaction. You take actions to foster a positive workplace culture that’s in line with MEC values. 
• You make sure the store’s visual presentation is in tip-top shape, and that it helps deliver an outstanding experience for everyone who steps inside.  
• You ensure creation of health and safe work environment for our staffers and members. 
• Learn about new products, technology and features (including sustainability). 
• You create a healthy, safe work environment for staffers and people in our store. 
• You’ll be constantly learning about new products, technology and features. 
• Above all, you help more people in Canada get active outside, whether that means planning for a family camping trip or a massive backcountry expedition. 

• You have at least five years of experience in a similar role in a retail setting. 
• You like working with a diverse, inclusive, hands-on, collaborative team. 
• You’re passionate about the outdoors  
• You’re a “can do” person who likes to learn new things. 
• Your skill set includes personal integrity and awareness, customer focus, initiative and character, teamwork and the ability to develop yourself and others, along with an understanding of how to lead through leaders and delegate when needed. 
• You have a good natured, outgoing welcoming vibe and genuinely like helping people. 
• Customer service is not just your skill, it’s your mindset. You’ll go out of your way to provide an excellent member experience. 
• You can lift 50 lb. and walk 10,000 steps per day. 
• Exceptional leadership and employee motivation abilities are what you’re known for.  
• You’ve got strong communication skills and business acumen. 
• You have demonstrated skills in handling ambiguity, effective communication, managing conflict, and driving results in a retail setting. 
• You’re curious about gear and want to learn more – we’ll provide training to build your skills.  

• More than just a job. We love what we do, and we offer to share our passion for outdoors. 
• Competitive salary and bonus program. 
• Staff discount and pro deals (amazing deals straight from vendors). 
• Equipment demonstration program – it’s like a free gear rental program for staffers.  
• The chance to spend time with your peers through field experience programs, and to live our purpose to get active outside.  
• Lots of training and product knowledge.  
• Competitive benefit package including:  
• Health benefits (medical and dental), life insurance  
• Employee matching group Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP). 
• Paid sick days. 
• Tuition reimbursement program to expand your knowledge and skills. 
• Paid volunteerism. 
• Growth opportunities.  
• An amazing, collaborative team – people are what make MEC an incredible place to work.