Merchandising and Retail Operations Manager

Merchandising and Retail Operations Manager Location Saint Augustine, FL : SUMMARY The Merchandising and Retail Operations Manager will play a pivotal role in driving the growth and success of SJC Cultural Events, Inc.?s (SJCCE?s) brick-and-mortar and online retail store operations. The ideal candidate possesses a blend of traditional retail management and modern e-commerce skills. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ?Develop a store experience that is an extension of the greater live music experience, where customers are empowered to share their passion for live music and the arts through a unique line of retail merchandise. ?Work closely with the Chief Marketing and Public Relations Officer to develop and implement a strategic plan for venue and event branded merchandise, ensuring product alignment with the organization?s vision and objectives. ?Collaborate with SJCCE strategic partners, including destination tourism partners and sustainability partners, to craft specialty and/or cobranded merchandise to be featured in both SJCCE stores and partner store locations. ?Work with Chief Operations Officer to craft esthetically appealing stores that enhance sales, the patron experience, and promotes the mission of SJC Cultural Events, Inc. ?Work with the SJCCE Box Office team to promote event ticket sales through bundled merchandise packages. ?Regularly refresh store displays in alignment with new events, promotions, or seasonal changes. ?Manage and oversee both e-commerce and brick-and-mortar operations. ?Manage order fulfillment using internal or 3rd party methods. ?Establish objectives for store layout and design, enhancing the customer shopping experience. ?Establish policies and procedures to facilitate efficient online and brick-and-mortar store operations. ?Working with 3rd party partners, develop e-commerce platform and fulfillment system. ?Prioritize the use of local artists and locally sourced goods when possible. ?Conduct focus groups to evaluate new and seasonal merchandise items. ?Monitor and respond to online customer reviews; establish program for regular consumer and employee feedback. ?Oversee inventory management, using point of sale systems to track stock levels, sales trends, and reorder points. ?Attend retail conferences to scout for new products and to cultivate relationships with manufacturers. ?Handle daily financial transactions, using advanced point of sale systems. ?Ensure the integrity of cash controls and manage end-of-day reconciliations. ?Analyze sales data to inform buying decisions, optimize stock levels, and drive sales growth. ?Ensure compliance with accounting and record keeping requirements. ?Other duties may be assigned SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITIES ?This position will be partially responsible for the supervision of the Box Office Coordinators and Cashiers ?Responsible for performance reviews, interviewing, coaching/discipline and daily management of duties QUALIFICATIONS To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions: ?Bachelor's degree required. A degree(s) in related fields, such as Business or Retail Management are a plus. ?A minimum of five (5) years of retail management experience, with some experience in e-commerce required. Shopify experience is a plus. ?Experience in venue, artist, and/or public attraction retail is a strong plus. ?An understanding of wholesale markets and manufacturers/distributors of relevant products. ?Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Able to effectively communicate with all levels of personnel and customers ?A track-record of attending relevant retail conferences is a plus. ?An understanding of the local and regional artisanal market is a plus. ?Proven record of creating and executing strategic retail plans. ?Extensive experience with point of sale systems, particularly inventory software and cash control protocols. ?Strong procurement and sourcing skills, with an emphasis on identifying unique, high-quality items. ?Demonstrated ability in store layout and design optimization. ?Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills. EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE Bachelor?s degree or equivalent and five to seven years of related experience required. A degree(s) in related fields, such as Business or Retail Management are a plus. LANGUAGE SKILLS Ability to read, write, speak and understand English. PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions: ?Regular sitting, standing and walking throughout the day to accomplish tasks ?Manual and finger dexterity used regularly with some repetitive finger motions, and required usage of both hands as needed ?Lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds ?Specific vision abilities include close and distance vision; able to identify colors, small letters and numbers; hand/eye coordination, depth perception and able to adjust focus ?Other conditions may include frequent reaching, stretching, pushing, pulling, pinching, grasping, gripping, and crouching or stooping Work has exposure to environmental changes (e.g., outdoor weather and/or field conditions, warehouses, garages, etc.) or irate customers, extreme noises, odors, heights and/or dust. ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY SJCCE is dedicated to identifying and reducing the environmental impact of its operations, activities, and products. It is our commitment to comply with all applicable laws and other regulatory requirements concerning the environment. We are committed to preventing pollution and continually improving our environmental performance in all of our operations. This will be achieved through a comprehensive Environmental Management System that provides the framework for setting and reviewing environmental objectives and targets of SJCCE. TRAVEL ?Up to 20% of travel between St. Augustine and Ponte Vedra; travel may be sporadic. ?Annual or semi-annual travel to retail conferences and trade shows.