Lerab Ling – ZAM Shop Operations and Development Coordinator

Seasonal role with potential for long-term development

About the role

Lerab Ling is looking for a Shop Operations and Development Coordinator to support the daily running and ongoing development of the Windhorse shop during the main season.

This role combines customer service, shop operations, stock coordination, supplier follow-up, and collaboration with the wider visitor, events, and retail activity. It includes the day-to-day functioning of the physical shop, coordination with the visitor centre shop, and attention to the development of the online shop as part of a more integrated overall retail activity.

The position offers a high level of autonomy in the daily running of the shop during the seasonal period, under the supervision of the ZAM Manager. At the same time, it is part of a broader transition and renewal process. Beyond maintaining smooth daily operations, the role contributes to the gradual strengthening of the Windhorse and ZAM shop activity: developing a more coherent product offering, a more welcoming and beautiful shop environment, a stronger online presence, and more professional systems for stockkeeping, commissioning, and inventory management.

This position is therefore not only a seasonal operational role, but also an opportunity to contribute to a meaningful development process serving students, visitors, and the transmission of Buddha Dharma.

A basic understanding of Buddhism is important for this role, as the shop operates within a spiritual environment and serves students, visitors, and practitioners. Ideally, the candidate would bring a deeper familiarity with Buddhism, and particularly with Vajrayana Buddhism, which would be a strong asset in understanding the context, the community, and the purpose of the shop activity. While such in-depth knowledge is not mandatory, a genuine interest in Buddhism and a willingness to deepen one’s understanding would be highly appreciated.

Following the departure of the current shop manager in early September, the role may evolve into a broader and more long-term responsibility within the shop activity, depending on the candidate’s autonomy, reliability, and commitment.

Key responsibilities

Daily shop operations

• Open and close the main shop according to the agreed schedule
• Help coordinate and communicate opening hours in collaboration with the events team and visitor centre team
• Ensure the shop is welcoming, clean, orderly, and well presented
• Handle the cash register and daily financial transactions with accuracy and care

Customer service

• Welcome, advise, and assist visitors, students, and practitioners in a professional, attentive, and friendly manner
• Offer customer service in line with the spirit and values of the place
• Respond appropriately to questions, requests, and complaints

Stock, suppliers, and merchandise

• Monitor stock levels and carry out regular inventory checks
• Restock shelves and ensure products are correctly labelled and attractively displayed
• Anticipate shortages and place orders with suppliers when needed
• Receive, check, organise, and display incoming merchandise
• Help maintain an orderly and reliable storage system

Coordination across shop activities

• Ensure good coordination between the main shop, the visitor centre shop, and the online shop
• Support seasonal shop relocations when required
• Contribute to the smooth organisation of shop-related activity across physical and online channels
• Ensure that shop operations comply with applicable health and safety regulations

Team support

• Supervise and support an apprentice from April to December

Development context and support

This role is part of a broader effort to renew and strengthen the Windhorse and ZAM shop activity as a meaningful service to students, visitors, and the wider Dharma activity.

The position is supported by a supervision and development team that accompanies the evolution of the shop. This includes support in areas such as:

• defining and sourcing the product portfolio
• improving the interior presentation and atmosphere of the shop
• developing the online presence
• strengthening stockkeeping, commissioning, and inventory systems

This means the role is not conceived as an isolated responsibility, but as part of a supported and progressive development process.

Profile

We are looking for someone who is reliable, organised, service-minded, and comfortable taking responsibility in a dynamic seasonal environment.

Required qualifications and qualities

• At least 1 year of experience in retail sales, customer service, shop operations, or a comparable role
• Ability to work independently and take initiative
• Strong organisational skills, especially in stock and order management
• Good interpersonal and communication skills
• A strong sense of service, responsibility, and practical follow-through
• Fluency in English and French
• Availability to work weekends and during busier seasonal periods

Additional qualities appreciated

• Interest in or familiarity with the spiritual environment of Lerab Ling
• Sensitivity to the values and atmosphere of the place
• Interest in contributing to a longer-term development process
• Motivation to grow into broader responsibility over time

Contract and benefits

• Contract: 6-month fixed-term contract
• Possible development: opportunity for continued collaboration after the season, depending on organisational needs and the candidate’s performance
• Salary: to be discussed according to profile, experience, and scope of responsibility
• Benefits in kind: lunch included
• Health coverage: quality health insurance
• Work environment: a unique natural and community setting
• Community life: participation in relevant events may be possible and encouraged where appropriate

Development opportunity

This role may serve as a first step toward broader responsibility within the shop activity after the summer season. For the right candidate, the position may become part of a longer-term handover and integration process. This will depend on demonstrated autonomy, reliability, consistency, and the ability to take on responsibilities in a steady and committed way over time.