Summary
Are you passionate about culture, the arts, and retail business operations? Do you have a knack for strategic planning and an eye for unique retail products? This museum is a cultural institution that attracts more than one million visitors every year. They have a captivating gift shop and seek a Retail Buying and Business Operations Manager, you will lead our retail product buying and business operations team. You will ensure their retail offerings align with the curatorial initiatives, support the goals, and cater to a diverse audience. You'll curate a unique collection that caters to discerning visitors through strategic research, trend analysis, and attending trade shows. You'll also play a key role in creating an exceptional shopping experience that showcases the institution's excellence and welcomes a diverse range of shoppers. Your choices will ensure their retail space is inclusive, inviting, and appealing to a broad audience. This is a unique setting, and they understand the distinct market they operate in and appreciate candidates who desire a more relaxed pace than the intensity of other retail settings. If you share their enthusiasm for culture, the arts, natural history, and science, please apply. Salary is $88K -104K. This is an on-premise role with great hours and work/life balance. There is very limited travel.
Description
- Research product categories that complement the museums curatorial initiatives and strategic plan.
- Monitor store sales, product margins, and key performance indicators (KPIs) to ensure retail operations meet and exceed budget targets.
- Use tact and diplomacy when dealing with independent and community-based artists and suppliers.
- Successfully negotiated product purchases from online multi-vendor sites, in-person suppliers, independent artists, and community artist collectives.
- Collaborate with other departments to ensure product categories and stories are aligned with cross-departmental initiatives.
- Work with retail team members to ensure product supply meets shopper and seasonal demand, as well as exhibit and gallery merchandise story demand.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Requirements
- University degree in retail business or supply management, with certification in supply chain procurement.
- Minimum of ten years of related management experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Proven experience as a manager in retail business operations or a relevant role.
- Outstanding oral and written communication and customer service skills.
- Excellent organizational and project management skills.
- Demonstrated skills in staff team management.
- Proven ability in effective facilitation and negotiation with suppliers and artists.
- Familiarity with current purchasing and retail business operations best practices.
- Strong experience with market research, data analysis, and forecasting techniques.
- Excellent knowledge of MS Office and working knowledge of purchasing software (e.g., Shopify Plus and purchasing apps).