Operations Manager (Full-Time, Non-Exempt)
The Tool Library
Hourly Rate: $25.00
Benefits: The Tool Library provides full health, dental, and vision benefits at no cost to the employee as well as a generous PTO policy.
Organization Description
The Tool Library (TL) is a nonprofit tool-lending library serving Buffalo and all of Western New York. The Tool Library’s mission is to provide communities with the tools they need to create the change they want. We believe that cost shouldn’t be a barrier to fixing up your home, growing your own food, or improving your community. Through a sharing economy model, members can borrow from an inventory of 5,000+ tools. These same tools also support community-based, issue-focused programming like urban reforestation, food access, greenspace development, and commercial corridor revitalization.
The Tool Library creates a work culture that values positivity, ingenuity, and personal development. We question traditional structures and hierarchy, promote equity, foster safer space for all people and are an equal opportunity employer. Black, Indigenous, and other people of color, queer, trans and nonbinary people, and women are strongly encouraged to apply.
Job Details
Operations Manager
The Operations Manager ensures smooth daily operations, including managing tool inventory, storefront activities, and volunteer teams. You’ll lead operations at our storefront on 2626 Main St. in Buffalo, NY and collaborate with the Executive Director, volunteers, and work-study students.
Responsibilities
Storefront Operations
Responsibilities
- Oversee day-to-day tool lending, returns, and member interactions.
- Process new member registrations and renewals.
- Reconcile daily transactions and manage cash deposits.
- Monitor and track key metrics, including tool utilization, memberships, and financial reports.
- Developing new operations policies and protocols as needed
- Keep storefront clean, organized and accessible
Inventory Management
Responsibilities:
- Maintain an accurate tool inventory, ensuring tools are clean, safe, and functional.
- Coordinate tool donations, repairs, replacements, and purchases.
- Organize biannual tool sales and manage event logistics.
Volunteer & Team Management
Responsibilities:
- Recruit, train, and schedule volunteers and work-study students.
- Provide ongoing guidance, mentorship, and performance feedback.
- Develop a positive and collaborative team environment.
- Updating and improving training sessions and materials on an ongoing basis
- Ensure completion of daily, weekly, and monthly tasks
Program/Space Management
Responsibilities:
- Monitor Community Event Tool Reservations form
- Prepare tools for Community Events in advance of pickup
- Create basic tool kits to distribute to community partners
- Management of community reservations of the TL space
Miscellaneous
Responsibilities:
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- Scheduling and facilitating technician/contractor needs at shop as needed
- Acting as a representative of The Tool Library and advocating for its core values: i.e sharing resources, reducing consumption and empower people and communities to create change
- Weekly check-ins with Executive Director
- Identifying and working towards quarterly goals
- Reporting on bi-annual milestones
- Record of tasks completed, in motion or being planned
- Ensuring work plan reflects priorities identified in strategic plan
- Additional tasks as requested
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Qualifications
Qualifications required:
- High School Diploma or GED required.
- High level of organization and attention to detail
- Reliable and self-motivated, able to work independently without onsite supervision
- Proven experience in operations management or a related role.
- Experience leading teams and improving operational processes.
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to lift and carry tools or equipment weighing up to 50 lbs frequently.
- Comfortable standing, walking, bending, and reaching for extended periods during shifts.
- Capable of working in a dynamic environment that may involve moving between indoor and outdoor areas.
- Ability to operate and maintain various types of tools, including manual and power tools.
- Perform repetitive tasks such as sorting, organizing, and cleaning tools.
- Comfortable working in varying temperatures, particularly in a workshop setting.
- Dexterity to use computers, tablets, and standard office equipment for data entry, inventory management, and communication.
- Visual acuity to read small text on screens, labels, and tool markings
Core Skills:
- Leadership and Team Management:
- Strong ability to motivate and lead diverse teams.
- Conflict resolution and team-building skills.
- Strategic Thinking:
- Capability to plan long-term goals and align operations with organizational objectives.
- Problem-Solving:
- Expertise in identifying operational bottlenecks and implementing effective solutions.
- Process Improvement:
- Experience in streamlining workflows to enhance efficiency and productivity.
- Project Management:
- Ability to manage multiple projects, set deadlines, and ensure timely delivery.
- Communication Skills:
- Strong verbal and written communication for interacting with staff, volunteers, and members.
- Ability to convey complex ideas in an understandable manner.
- Technical Proficiency:
- Competence in GMail, Google Docs, Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
- Adaptability:
- Comfort with change and ability to thrive in fast-paced environments.
- Customer Service Orientation:
- Focus on delivering excellent customer service both internally and externally.
- Focus on delivering excellent customer service both internally and externally.
Additional Details
Work Week
The Operations Manager will work on-site at The Tool Library’s storefront during all open hours of operation, which are Wed-Fri from 2-7pm and Sat 10-4 to provide support and direct supervision to volunteers.
Remaining hours are flexible and can be worked onsite or remotely with some obligatory evening meetings.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should apply by emailing a short letter of interest, resume, and contact information for two professional references to interest@thetoollibrary.org with “Operations Manager” in the subject link.
Please include why you think you’re the right fit for the position, what excites you most about the position, and what you can bring to The Tool Library team in your letter.
Applications are being accepted on a rolling basis. Interviews will begin as soon as possible and the position will remain open until filled. No phone calls please.
Expected Hire Date
March 3, 2025