Retail Compliance & Business Optimization Manager

Location: California with Approximately 10-25% travel.

Schedule: Full-Time

Pay: $70,400-$75,000

Position Type: Full-Time

What’s In It For You:

• Comprehensive Insurance Benefits – Medical, Dental, and Vision (eligible first of the month after 30 days)
• 401(k) with Company Contribution – Available after one year of employment
• Paid Time Off – PTO and Sick Leave
• Work Environment – Collaborative, multi-site retail and distribution operations
• Growth Opportunities – Career advancement in a rapidly growing organization
• Employee Discounts – Generous discounts across all company brands

Who We Are:

Work World is the largest specialty workwear supplier in the Western U.S., operating 38 retail stores, a growing eCommerce business, and servicing industrial accounts nationwide. Our brands include Work World, Whistle Workwear, Willy’s Discount Workwear, and Shoeteria.

We don’t just sell workwear and boots—we support the builders, caretakers, growers, and makers who keep America running. When you join Work World, you become part of a mission-driven team that takes pride in serving the blue-collar community from the ground up.

As the Retail Compliance & Business Optimization Manager, you will play a critical role in designing, implementing, and continuously improving enterprise-wide processes that protect profitability, reduce inventory shrink, improve cash flow, and optimize distribution center (DC) and store operations.

This position requires strong analytical, operational, and leadership skills, along with the ability to collaborate cross-functionally. You will be responsible for driving compliance, strengthening operational controls, and implementing scalable systems that enhance efficiency and financial performance.

Key Responsibilities:

Process Design & Continuous Improvement

• Design, document, and implement end-to-end operational and compliance processes
• Establish standardized procedures and governance models across stores and DCs
• Lead initiatives to reduce inefficiencies and improve operational controls
• Drive adoption of new systems through training and change management

Vendor Compliance & Contract Adherence

• Ensure adherence to vendor contracts, including pricing, freight, and payment terms
• Monitor invoice accuracy and recover discrepancies
• Partner cross-functionally to resolve recurring compliance issues

Payment Terms & Cash-Flow Optimization

• Develop processes that improve vendor payment terms and working capital
• Collaborate with Finance to track and report financial impact

Distribution Center (DC) Operations Optimization

• Evaluate DC workflows, systems, and cost drivers
• Implement process improvements to increase throughput and accuracy
• Support inventory flow, replenishment strategies, and operational efficiency

 Freight & Supply Chain Compliance

• Enforce freight routing compliance to reduce costs
• Identify and resolve transportation inefficiencies with Supply Chain partners

Inventory Control & Shrink Reduction

• Lead enterprise-wide inventory processes across stores and DCs
• Implement programs to reduce shrink and improve cycle count accuracy
• Partner with Finance and Operations on inventory governance

Store-Level Compliance Execution

• Establish and enforce store-level operational standards
• Conduct audits on receiving, inventory handling, and compliance practices
• Translate policies into clear, actionable store procedures

Reporting & Performance Management

• Develop KPIs and dashboards to track compliance and performance
• Conduct root cause analysis on risks and non-compliance
• Measure effectiveness of operational improvements

Qualifications:

• 5+ years of experience in retail operations, supply chain, DC operations, inventory management, or vendor compliance
• Proven experience designing and implementing operational processes and controls
• Strong understanding of inventory flows, vendor contracts, and retail financial drivers
• Experience working in multi-store retail environments preferred
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills
• Exceptional attention to detail and organizational ability
• Ability to lead cross-functional initiatives without direct authority
• Strong time management and prioritization skills

Important Information:

Work World participates in E-Verify to confirm employment authorization. The E-Verify process is completed alongside the Form I-9 on or before your first day of work. For more details, visit www.uscis.gov and search "E-Verify."