Manager of Retail Operations and Merchandising

Position Summary

The Manager of Retail Operations and Merchandising (MROM) is responsible for leading the Museum’s Retail department and supporting the educational mission through revenue from our gift shops. Responsible for fostering a high-performing team, you will understand the art and the science of retail, combining analytical skills and creativity to help drive the business forward.

Areas of responsibility include: buying merchandise, development of custom products, budget preparation and oversight, retail staff hiring/training. Ensure the operational effectiveness and efficiency of the retail business to drive sales and profitability.

Recommends new, enhanced procedures and systems to identify and match needs, focusing on improved productivity and simplification. Coordinate all major retail projects, and inventory related processes.

We are looking for a leader with superb retail skills, a growth mindset, and a passion for creating a positive and engaging experience for our guests. You excel in creating and implementing a vision. You think about the big picture, break it down into actionable steps and execute the plan. With a proven reputation for success, you possess the energy, vision, and experience to meet or exceed goals.

Major Responsibilities

  • Responsible for the overall operations of the retail department.

  • Develop and execute short-term and long-range plans for increasing revenue.

  • Meet with vendors and sales reps to purchase merchandise. Travel to relevant shows.

  • Analyze operating costs. Assure that cost-effective inventories and product management are maintained.

  • Interview/hire retail staff; give annual performance evaluations for direct reports. Supervise, assign and direct the work of staff in the retail department.

  • Stay current with trends and best practices in the field.

  • KPI’s: Sales and budget performance, margins, inventory management, timely delivery of all projects.

  • Organizational Effectiveness - Lead clear, timely, and concise communication to/from the buying office, shops and stockroom teams.

  • Responsible for ensuring an exceptional and engaging customer experience based on PPM’s philosophy of service.

  • Work with internal colleagues to advance the goals of the Museum’s retail operations

  • Oversee quality of visual displays and condition/appearance of the shops.

  • Oversee all functions of retail operations in line with policies, procedures, ethics, finance, audit and security procedures. Assess and update policies and procedures as needed.

  • Work with colleagues in Marketing to promote PPM shops and retail events.

  • Ensure Retail is aligned consistently with the PPM brand.

This description is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, skills, requirements or working conditions associated with the job. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of key responsibilities of the job as it is at present, management reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or different tasks be performed as assigned. This job description may be reviewed by management at any time either to ensure that it relates to the job currently being performed, or to incorporate changes. Management reserves the right to change a job description; and if/when doing so will discuss with the employee(s) concerned so that any changes are understood by employee(s).

Education, Experience and Skills

  • Bachelor’s Degree preferred. Or equivalent experience.

  • Required: Minimum 3 years of retail experience with buying, merchandising, and budget responsibilities. Minimum 3 years of supervisory experience.

  • Experience in inventory management and assortment planning is essential.

  • Helpful to have some experience in multi-unit or popular/large destination gift shops.

  • Helpful to have good visual merchandising skills.

  • Some experience with e-commerce is useful, but not required.

  • Visionary and at the same time detail-oriented; results driven.

  • Excellent time management skills. Ability to meet deadlines, prioritize effectively, and manage multiple projects is essential in this role.

  • Solid computer skills, including Google Office Suite, Excel, and a retail POS/inventory system.

  • Superb communication skills, both spoken and written.

  • Commitment to excellent customer service. Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to manage a highly collaborative team.

  • Excels at operating in a fast-paced, community environment. Ability to work well under pressure.

  • Being grateful and imperturbable is helpful.

Physical Requirements/Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.

  • Work is generally sedentary in nature, but may require frequent standing and/or walking.

  • Work is generally performed within a climate-controlled office environment, with standard office equipment.

  • Must be able to work up to 8 hours per day and be on your feet for extended amounts of time as needed.

  • There are generally no hazardous or unpleasant conditions caused by noise, dust, etc. However, it is necessary to visit the outdoor living history sites. Various weather conditions including heat, cold, rain and snow will be encountered as well as possible smoke from fires.

  • Able to travel by air as well as drive to attend trade shows and pow-wows. Valid driver’s license required.

Additional Requirements

The Museum is open 7 days a week April through the end of November. You must be available to work some holidays as needed, including Thanksgiving Day. Some weekends, holidays, evenings are required from time to time. Flexible schedule with ability to travel several times a year. This position is generally 9am-5pm, Monday through Friday.

Core Commitments

Whether part-time or full-time, year-round or seasonal, all staff and volunteers at Plimoth Patuxet Museums advance the Museum’s educational mission and strategic goals. They uphold the Museum’s core values and principles in their work and in all of their interactions with the public and with coworkers. This commitment helps to ensure that PPM’s reputation for excellence is maintained and that, as stewards of the Museum, we are helping to create a relevant and sustainable future for PPM. The core principles that guide us in our work are:

  • Safety and Comfort

  • Compassionate Customer Engagement

  • Professional Excellence

  • Personal Accountability

  • Advance a Culture of Philanthropy

  • Teamwork

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply by submitting a PDF file of your resume, and cover letter to apply@plimoth.org, or by submitting them by US mail to the following address:

Plimoth Patuxet Museums
Attn: Human Resources
137 Warren Avenue
Plymouth, MA 02360