Retail & Cafe Operations Manager

Responsibilities: Retail Operations & Merchandising Lead the day-to-day operations and overall performance of the Retail Store. Develop and execute retail strategies to increase sales, profitability, and guest engagement. Manage merchandise assortment, product selection, pricing, placement, and visual merchandising. Evaluate product performance and sales trends to identify opportunities, adjust product mix, and improve sell-through. Develop seasonal merchandise strategies and product offerings that align with Discovery Cube's exhibits, programs, events, and guest demographics. Ensure the Retail Store is organized, fully stocked, visually appealing, and guest-ready. Identify new retail concepts, products, and revenue-generating opportunities. Buying, Inventory & Vendor Management Lead merchandise buying, purchasing, replenishment, and inventory planning for Retail operations. Forecast inventory needs based on historical performance, attendance, seasonality, promotions, and anticipated demand. Establish and maintain appropriate inventory levels while minimizing excess inventory, shrink, and out-of-stock merchandise. Analyze sales, inventory turnover, margins, and product performance to inform purchasing decisions. Manage high-volume vendor relationships, including product sourcing, pricing, terms, ordering, delivery, and issue resolution. Negotiate vendor pricing and terms to maximize value and profitability. Conduct regular inventory audits and oversee bi-annual physical inventories. Maintain accurate inventory records and appropriate purchasing and receiving controls. Financial Performance & Revenue Growth Develop and manage departmental sales goals, budgets, forecasts, and operating plans. Monitor sales performance, gross margins, labor costs, inventory levels, and other key financial metrics. Analyze financial and operational reports to identify trends, opportunities, and areas requiring corrective action. Develop action plans to increase revenue, control expenses, and improve profitability. Partner with Marketing to develop seasonal promotions, product campaigns, and event-specific sales opportunities. Caf Operations Oversight Provide operational oversight of the Caf, ensuring efficient daily operations and a consistent guest experience. Monitor Caf sales, labor, food costs, inventory, waste, and overall financial performance. Ensure appropriate staffing levels and operational coverage. Oversee Caf purchasing and inventory controls and work with vendors to maintain appropriate product availability. Ensure compliance with food safety, health department, sanitation, and company standards. Identify opportunities to improve Caf efficiency, product offerings, service, and profitability. Staff Leadership & Development Recruit, train, coach, and develop Retail and Caf team members. Establish clear performance expectations and promote accountability for sales, service, operational, and financial goals. Conduct performance evaluations and provide ongoing coaching and feedback. Develop staff product knowledge and selling skills to improve guest engagement and retail performance. Ensure team members understand promotions, discounts, memberships, and guest engagement opportunities. Foster a collaborative, accountable, and guest-focused team environment. Guest Experience Ensure guests receive friendly, efficient, and knowledgeable service across Retail and Caf operations. Monitor guest feedback and identify opportunities to improve the overall experience. Address guest concerns and resolve issues promptly and professionally. Support Discovery Cube's educational mission by identifying retail merchandise and Caf offerings that complement exhibits, programs, and family engagement. Strategic Planning Develop short- and long-term strategies for Retail growth and Caf operational performance. Research retail, museum store, attraction, and hospitality trends to identify new opportunities. Recommend operational improvements and new revenue-generating initiatives. Support special events, exhibit openings, and fundraising activities through Retail and Caf participation.

Qualifications: Minimum 35 years of retail operations, merchandising, buying, or related management experience. Demonstrated experience with merchandise buying, inventory management, forecasting, and vendor relationships. Experience managing budgets, sales performance, margins, labor costs, and other operational financial metrics. Experience leading and developing teams in a high-volume, guest-facing environment. Food service, caf, hospitality, or attraction experience is preferred but not required. Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret sales and financial data and translate findings into business decisions. Strong negotiation, communication, organizational, and vendor-management skills. Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and experience working with inventory, POS, or retail management systems preferred. Ability to work weekends, evenings, holidays, and special events as needed.

What's In It For You: Medical, dental and vision insurance Optional supplemental insurance coverage 401K with up to 4% match after one year for full-time employees 14 Free general admission tickets per year 4 Bubblefest tickets plus admission 10% of on-site dining and shopping discount Employee discounts through ADPAccrued paid time off for full-time employees 10 paid company holidays

Compensation: $70,304 - $75,000 USDDiscovery Cube provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.