- Professional
- Ufficio in Utica
JOB SUMMARY:
The Retail Operations Manager leads Munson’s retail enterprises, including the Museum Shop and Campus Store, driving sales growth, operational excellence, and an outstanding customer experience. Reporting to the Director of Performing Arts and Special Programs, this position oversees all aspects of retail performance—from product selection and visual presentation to staffing, budgeting, and financial oversight. The manager will also be a key participant in the eventual consolidation of the separate Museum Shop and Campus Store into one new, unified retail location within the existing Museum of Art building, helping to guide its concept, layout, and business strategy.
The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker and results-oriented manager with strong commercial retail experience, exceptional business acumen, and a passion for connecting people with distinctive products and experiences that reflect Munson’s mission and brand.
OUR CULTURE:
Munson is committed to community engagement and belonging. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of background, and welcome the unique perspectives and experiences they bring. If your skills and qualifications align with this opportunity, we invite you to apply to join our team. This position will model the values and culture of the organization to colleagues and the public by being welcoming, inclusive, and respectful and will value collaboration across the organization.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Provides leadership and strategic direction for both retail locations, ensuring annual revenue, margin, and profitability goals are met. This position analyzes sales performance, identifies trends, and adjusts inventory and product mix to meet customer demand and institutional priorities. Develops and implements strategies to grow sales through in-store, online, and event-based channels while maintaining a seamless and engaging shopping experience that supports Munson’s identity and mission.
Sources, evaluates, and purchases products that align with Munson’s brand and the interests of its audiences, including materials related to the School of Art and Museum of Art exhibitions. Responsible for negotiating vendor and consignor contracts, establishing pricing strategies to maximize margins, and developing custom or exclusive merchandise that extends Munson’s creative reach.
Oversee and Manage Retail Operations Budget
Prepares and manages the annual retail budget, including sales forecasts, cost of goods, and operating expenses, and regularly monitors key performance metrics such as sales trends, inventory turnover, gross margin, and profitability. The position is responsible for regular inventory analysis and annual reconciliations, as well as preparing and executing quarterly consignment payment reports and New York State sales tax reports for the Finance Office.
Supervisory Responsibilities
Recruits, trains, and supervises retail staff, fostering a customer-focused, high-performance culture. Provide consistent coaching, feedback, and performance evaluations, developing staffing plans that balance service excellence with operational efficiency.
Marketing
In collaboration with Munson’s Marketing and Communications team, the Retail Operations Manager develops promotional campaigns, social media features, and seasonal sales initiatives that strengthen Munson’s retail presence. The manager also creates engaging visual merchandising displays that highlight featured products and enhance the overall shopping experience. Additionally, they coordinate retail tie-ins with special exhibitions and institutional events, ensuring that both shops reflect and enrich the broader visitor experience.
Customer Relations
Promote excellence in customer experience across both retail locations. Develop and maintain productive working relationships with customers, vendors, partners, and Munson staff.
Initiate Product Development for retail locations
Engage with staff from the Museum and School divisions to coordinate ideas, design, materials, quantities, and ethical considerations in the development of merchandise derived from the collection. Collaborate with School of Art faculty and staff to plan and produce student art kits for the start of each school year, ensuring appropriate materials, pricing, and vendor partnerships.
Additional Responsibilities
Maintains a high standard of customer service in both physical and digital environments, building and sustaining productive relationships with customers, suppliers, artisans, and institutional partners. Ensures compliance with all financial, audit, and security procedures; oversees the point-of-sale system, reporting, and recordkeeping; and continually assesses policies, procedures, and technologies to improve efficiency, profitability, and the overall retail operation.
Organizational Service
Serve on Munson interdivisional committees as required. Perform other duties as assigned.
REQUIREMENTS:
This position requires a minimum formal education of Bachelor’s degree and 3 to 5 years job-related experience in progressive retail management, ideally in specialty retail or a relevant combination of education and experience.
Must be available to work a regular Monday through Friday schedule with evening, weekend, and holiday hours as needed for programming requirements.
The successful candidate will demonstrate proven success in meeting or exceeding sales and profitability goals, along with strong financial management, inventory control, and vendor negotiation skills.
Demonstrated leadership, communication, and organizational abilities are essential.
Experience with point-of-sale systems, e-commerce platforms, and Microsoft or Google business tools is required.
Knowledge of art supplies and materials is especially helpful.
A background in art or museum retail is preferred.
COMPUTER & EQUIPMENT SKILLS:
Advanced personal computer skills that include the ability to send/receive e-mail messages, post information to a database or spreadsheet, and perform advanced word processing, bookkeeping, and/or data entry. Knowledge/use of computer, printer, photocopier, phone system, fax machine, and scanner. This position requires proficiency with point-of-sale and inventory management software, Excel-based reporting, Google Workspace, and online retail systems.
MENTAL AND VISUAL DEMANDS:
Close mental and visual attention required to perform work dealing primarily with preparing and analyzing data and figures, using general office and computer equipment and/or extensive reading.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND DEMANDS:
The Retail Operations Manager often stands and walks throughout their day and lifts and carries 25 lbs. regularly. This position includes reaching and bending while merchandising and handling stock. The Retail Operation Manager communicates both verbally and in writing with customers. staff and management.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:
Work is performed in an internal environment. Occasional seasonal events may require work in an outdoor setting.
REQUIRED TRAININGS:
Complete required initial, annual, and as needed trainings, including but not limited to: Safety Trainings, NYS Sexual Harassment Prevention Training, and other trainings as assigned.
The final candidate will be required to complete a post-offer, pre-employment background check.
Munson is an equal opportunity employer.
