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Goodwill Store Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

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Goodwill Store information

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$32

How much do goodwill store jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for goodwill store in Tennessee is $20.76, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.72 and $24.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by employees working at a Goodwill Store, and how can they be addressed?

Employees at a Goodwill Store often face challenges such as managing a high volume of donated items, maintaining organization on the sales floor, and assisting a diverse range of customers. Efficient teamwork and clear communication with supervisors and colleagues are essential in overcoming these challenges. Employees can also benefit from developing strong multitasking and problem-solving skills, as well as embracing the store's mission-driven environment to stay motivated and engaged.

What is a Goodwill Store?

A Goodwill Store is a retail outlet operated by Goodwill Industries, a nonprofit organization. These stores sell donated items such as clothing, furniture, electronics, and household goods at affordable prices. The revenue generated supports community programs, including job training and employment services for people facing barriers to employment. Shopping or donating at Goodwill helps fund these local initiatives and promotes sustainability by giving items a second life.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Goodwill Store Associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Goodwill Store Associate, you need strong customer service skills, basic math proficiency, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems, inventory management software, and cash handling procedures is typically required. Reliability, teamwork, and strong communication skills help associates excel in a fast-paced retail environment. These abilities are essential to deliver excellent service, maintain efficient store operations, and support Goodwill’s mission.

What is the difference between Goodwill Store vs Retail Associate?

AspectGoodwill StoreRetail Associate
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent, basic customer service skillsHigh school diploma or equivalent, customer service experience
Work EnvironmentRetail setting, donation processing, sales floorRetail environment, assisting customers, stocking shelves
Employer & Industry UsageNonprofit thrift stores, retail industryFor-profit retail stores, retail industry
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for entry-level retail roles in nonprofit settingsCommon retail job, but less frequently compared to nonprofit stores

Goodwill Store employees typically focus on donation processing and supporting a nonprofit mission, while Retail Associates work in for-profit retail settings handling sales and customer service. Both roles require similar skills but differ mainly in employer type and work environment.

What are popular job titles related to Goodwill Store jobs in Tennessee? For Goodwill Store jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Goodwill Store jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Goodwill Store jobs in Tennessee are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Goodwill Store jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Goodwill Store job openings:
Infographic showing various Goodwill Store job openings in Tennessee as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Full Time, 96% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $43,179 per year, or $20.8 per hour.
Retail Store Manager

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


Goodwill Industries Of Middle Tennessee rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

352nd of 682 rated non-profit organizations


Job description

Job Location

Columbia II

Job Summary:

Our Retail Store Managers lead teams to maximize the financial output of their stores through the optimization of talent, operational excellence execution, and delivering a rewarding guests and donor experience. Our Retail Store Managers act with urgency and are driven to achieve results. They thrive on building high performance teams that execute with excellence that is in accordance with established business practices as mandated by the agency's policies, procedures and budget with the Mission, Vision, and Core values of Goodwill Industries of Middle Tennessee, Inc.
The Retail Store Manager will promote a positive work environment that celebrates our vision, mission and core values of Teamwork, Respect, Uprightness and Empowerment in every action and interaction with team members, donors, customers, management and persons served.

Job Description

Essential Functions

  • Complies with company's policies and DGR standard operating procedures (SOP's) and the company's safety and security policies and procedures.
  • Responsible for administration of Human Resources policies and procedures consistently, such as employment process (i.e. interviewing, hiring, etc.), corrective action, attendance and employee termination and coordinates with Human Resources as necessary.
  • Prioritizes workload of all employees, validate execution of standard operating procedure.
  • Drives production and sales to exceed financial goals.
  • Creates and maintains a high-performing management and store associate team through consistent selection, training, development, and motivation that fosters Goodwill's mission, vision and core values.
  • Responsible for achieving budgeted revenue income and production goals within their store in order to provide satisfactory financial support to the organization's mission.
  • Identifies work to be done; prioritize and delegate to reach performance goals.
  • Responsible for all employees and guests/donors' well-being and safety
  • Adheres to Goodwill's store operational standards. This includes but is not limited to, opening and closing procedures, cash management, pricing, rotation schedule, processing donations, store outlet and trash returns, record keeping and reporting information accurately.
  • Performs all job functions within the store when needed.
  • Oversees the overall maintenance and general housekeeping of the building; reporting all issues and repair recommendations to maintenance department in a timely manner.
  • Ensures all employees receive the appropriate training based on their job, including spot checking quality of work, coordinating with other departments as appropriate and implementing policies and procedures.
  • Schedules proper coverage of the store, production and donation employees to ensure that sales will be maximized (i.e. days off, lunch breaks, and morning and afternoon rest periods, and arranging vacations) Ensures all employees are scheduled in a manner that ensures floor coverage while not exceeding preset labor hours. Operates store effectively to prevent unnecessary overtime hours while maximizing revenue per labor hour.
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, holidays, overnights and weekends as necessary to meet the needs of the business.
  • Performs store housekeeping duties as needed, including sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, wiping shelves and dusting (including restrooms and dressing rooms.)
  • Perform other duties as assigned by management.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

  • High School and College Degree preferred.

Experience

  • 5+ years of experience supervising teams of 30 or more employees
  • 5+ years or more management experience is preferred; Retail management preferred
  • A strong familiarity with developing budgets and creating plans to exceed financial expectations
  • A focus on maintaining and improving Standard Operating Procedures (SOP's)
  • Experience with hiring and developing staff
  • Proficiency with the MS Office suite
  • Previous experience recruiting, hiring, training and developing staff, conducting performance reviews, and scheduling staff is required

Knowledge and Skills

  • Demonstrated capacity to embrace change.
  • Demonstrated decision making abilities
  • Able to analyze data to identify key issues and trends through the use of Metrics and Key Performance Indicators.
  • Able to understand, communicate, comply with and enforce policies and procedures.
  • Able to use data to set priorities and translates goals into action plans.
  • Able to consistently pushes self and others for results. Manages internal and external communications.
  • Able to learn new processes quickly and possesses strong organizational skills.
  • Able to problem-solve, prioritize and be able to multi-task.
  • Able to work independently with minimal supervision.
  • Able to travel to and work at other locations as needed.
  • Able to do basic math (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division) and manage a budget.
  • Able to read and complete forms.
  • Able to lift, carry, push or pull loads weighing over 50 pounds continuously.
  • Basic computer skills (Basic Excel and E-mail).

Preferred Education / Experience / Knowledge & Skills / Certification & License

  • Bachelor's degree is preferred.
  • Valid driver's license required
  • Experience working in donated goods is preferred.
  • Experience in customer service is preferred.
  • Experience in office management is preferred.