Retail Hardgood Sales Associate

Location: Bend, Oregon

Are you interested in delivering memorable experiences, enhancing people's lives and having fun while doing it? This shared mission of POWDR and Mt. Bachelor creates a fun and inspiring culture that we live every day. We look for employees who are passionate about sharing mountain culture, have a positive attitude, are problem solvers and care about winning as a team. Our vision drives us to deliver exceptional experiences and it's our employees who become the true moment makers here at Mt. Bachelor.

This role comes with amazing perks & benefits because we want our employees to Work Where You Play

• Free employee season pass and free or discounted dependent(s) season pass
• Free and discounted friends & family day passes
• Free transportation to & from Bend, Sunriver, and La Pine
• Discounts across the resort (food & beverage, retail, rentals, lessons & more)
• Employee housing program
• 401k with up to 5% company match & immediate vesting
• Discounted onsite daycare
• Local & national discounts (YETI, Burton, Dell, Subaru, Nokian, Sunriver Golf, Mammut, & more)
• Free reciprocal access for employees to other POWDR resorts & 50% day passes at IKON pass resorts

Position Summary

The Retail Hardgoods Sales Associate at Mt. Bachelor Sports serves as a passionate, personable, and professional gear guru, focused on delivering outstanding sales experiences through deep product knowledge and individualized customer service at the Pro Shop and Demo Center. This position seeks a committed sales professional who cultivates and specializes in extensive knowledge of all our 'hard goods' product lines including but not limited to ski and snowboard equipment, boots, bindings, tuning, and specialty accessories, all while dependably meeting assigned sales objectives through superior customer care and intentional relationship building to maximize sales outcomes and secure customer loyalty through informed merchandise recommendations, seamless transaction completion, and swift handling of any purchasing concerns, establishing strong customer connection that builds trust and drives sustained sales performance.

The Retail Hardgoods Sales Associate role incorporates fundamental retail responsibilities, including demo fleet maintenance, boot fitting proficiency for demos, inventory oversight, safety protocol adherence, and collaborative partnership with team members to foster a dynamic, achievement-focused retail culture. This sales-driven position requires proficiency in point-of-sale systems, cash and credit card processing, product research and knowledge sharing, merchandise check-in procedures, and internal transfer coordination, while also maintaining vigilant inventory control through proactive customer service and proper alarm system response protocols. This position presents retail professionals with the opportunity to channel their passion for mountain sports and exceptional service while enhancing Mt. Bachelor Sports Pro Shop's reputation as the premier provider of premium performance gear, where technical expertise, sales acumen, and customer engagement converge to consistently meet individual and team sales expectations in a vibrant and dynamic mountain retail environment.

Major Responsibilities/ Daily Essential Functions

Store Operations

• Prepare the Pro Shop for daily operations, including opening and closing procedures
• Restock products and ensure adequate inventory levels for optimal sales opportunities
• Maintain store cleanliness standards through proactive cleaning, dusting, and vacuuming
• Complete daily checklists and operational reports as directed

Customer Sales Excellence

• Welcome customers with warmth and professionalism while quickly ascertaining their specific needs through active listening and comprehensive product knowledge
• Present tailored purchase options that align with customer preferences and budget considerations to effectively drive sales conversion
• Build lasting customer relationships through personalized follow-up service and expert recommendations that encourage repeat business
• Execute accurate POS transactions, including special orders, returns, exchanges, and coordination with the inventory management team
• Process all payment methods while applying appropriate discounts and maintaining accurate transaction records and daily sales reporting

Inventory Management

• Receive and process new merchandise shipments with accuracy
• Verify packing slips, record items on receiving worksheets, and attach price labels
• Restock items from warehouse inventory, ensuring accurate labeling and pricing
• Monitor inventory levels for popular items and communicate low stock alerts to management
• Conduct regular inventory counts and assist with annual inventory procedures
• Assist with price changes, markdowns, and promotional setup as directed

Merchandising and Visual Presentation

• Inspect all display fixtures daily to ensure accurate product presentation based on warehouse inventory levels
• Organize and straighten all products throughout operating hours
• Execute merchandising store refresh as directed to feature high-volume inventory and encourage sales
• Update promotional signage and pricing displays as needed

Product Expertise

• Research, develop, and maintain comprehensive knowledge across all product categories with a focus on hardgoods, emphasizing features and benefits to enhance sales effectiveness and elevate overall sales performance
• Maintain a strong understanding of current and historical ski and snowboard equipment, staying current on industry trends, new products, and competitive offerings
• Practice product demonstrations and fitting techniques
• Share product expertise with team members

Demo Equipment Maintenance

• Inspect/Test equipment upon renting and returning
• Tune, Repair & Wax equipment as needed to ensure premium presentation and performance
• Remove damaged equipment from the fleet and report damaged equipment to the Retail Sales Manager or the Warehouse Inventory Manager

Point-of-Sale Operations

• Execute POS transactions with accuracy and efficiency
• Process merchandise returns and exchanges in accordance with established return policies
• Apply discounts, markdowns, and employee discounts appropriately
• Handle cash, credit card, and gift card transactions
• Maintain transaction records and complete daily sales reporting

Professional Development

• Attend daily morning meetings and scheduled staff meetings
• Maintain current and comprehensive knowledge of resort services and programs
• Participate in vendor clinics and training sessions to enhance hard goods and accessories product expertise
• Complete required training modules and certification programs

Store Security and Loss Prevention

• Greet customers upon entry to establish presence and deter theft
• Monitor customer traffic and merchandise movement
• Provide attentive customer service to prevent customer neglect and ensure coverage
• Secure high-value merchandise and maintain visual oversight of the sales floor
• Follow proper procedures for handling suspected theft or security incidents
• Ensure collaborative communication to cover the sales floor with all scheduled team members

Safety and Risk Management

• Practice "See it – Say it" protocol, sharing safety concerns with management immediately
• Follow mountain-wide safety procedures
• Maintain knowledge of emergency contacts and procedures, including Ski Patrol, Resort Dispatch, and Mountain Medical locations
• Participate in weekly/bi-weekly safety huddles and complete safety documentation
• Verify the location of first aid supplies and ensure emergency exits remain clear
• Complete incident reports and maintain safety records according to departmental standards
• Ensure appropriate training and proficiency with approved documentation before using power tools or ASTM equipment

Secondary Function

• Assist with softgood sales and retail operations as directed
• Complete additional tasks as assigned by management or lead staff

Interpersonal Contacts

Resort Guests and Employees

Specific Job Skills/Certifications

• License/Certifications: Must pass the required Binding certifications tests from designated manufacturers.
• Technical: Boot fitting knowledge, knowledge of equipment performance, construction, and selection.
• Physical Capabilities: Must be able to stand for extended periods. Climb, bend, lift, and have full motor function. Willingness and capability to learn to use manual equipment and power tools.

Education/Related Experience

• Minimum education required: High School
• Minimum time in related position: 2+ years ski/snowboard rental experience preferred, and previous snow industry sales experience preferred.

Physical Demands

• The physical demands described here represent those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Such accommodation requires an interactive discussion with the Human Resources Department before such accommodation can be made.

• In addition to the specific conditions below, every position at Mt. Bachelor requires the ability to shovel snow, lift up to 10 pounds, and walk on steep and uneven surfaces.

• While performing the duties of this role, the employee will be required to frequently bend, reach, climb, push, pull, lift over 50 pounds, and stand for prolonged periods of time. Additionally, the position will require frequent visual concentration, rapid reactions to changes, and the utilization of hand/eye coordination.

Current Hiring Rate: $ $17/hr

Minimum Age Requirement: 18+

Come Work Where You Play

Please be aware incomplete applications will not be accepted or reviewed. Mt. Bachelor is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Mt. Bachelor is committed to creating a quality work environment which makes full use of the talents and contributions of all employees without regard to race, color, religion, national origin or citizenship status, sex, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, disability or military status.