Supervisor: Deputy Director
Expected Salary: $42K-47K/year
Anticipated Start Date: ASAP
Craft Alliance is a nonprofit organization dedicated to cultivating and inspiring creativity through contemporary craft. As one of the country’s premier craft organizations, we are uniquely positioned in the region to offer classes in craft techniques, community programs, exhibitions, and a shop. Our facilities include studios for ceramics, metals, fibers, glass, wood, print and papermaking, and artists-in-residence. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Position Summary: The Manager of Retail Operations and Visitor Services is a full-time position that oversees all aspects of the front of house for Craft Alliance, from the operation of the Craft Alliance Shop to the staff in our Visitor Services position. This position collaborates with the Deputy Director to develop a retail strategy for the store that supports Craft Alliance and its mission. The position also oversees the day-to-day functions of the Shop: hiring and managing the retail staff, inventory, and sales in the Shop and the Exhibition Gallery.
Finally, the Manager of Retail Operations and Visitor Services will help ensure that all visitors to the Craft Alliance experience a welcoming and engaging atmosphere. This position is highly collaborative, and a successful manager must have strong communication and management skills.
This position reports to the Deputy Director and will have one full-time and a team of part-time direct reports.
Responsibilities:
Team Management
- Train front-of-house staff on policies and procedures to ensure consistency.
- Supervise a team of front-of-house staff to ensure excellent visitor experience.
- Oversee scheduling and shift coverage for the Shop and Front Desk.
- Ensure compliance with all retail and customer service policies, procedures, and standards, including care and treatment of inventory, cash handling, and safety protocols.
Craft Alliance Shop
- Implement the buying process, including both purchased inventory and consignment goods.
- Develop relationships with local and national craft artists.
- Travel to market gift shows as required, typically one or two trips per year.
- Liaise with the Deputy Director in monitoring sales performance, market trends, and customer targets. Help develop and implement strategies to increase revenue and profitability of Craft Alliance’s retail operations, both in-store and online.
- Collaborate with Craft Alliance’s marketing team to develop promotions and campaigns to drive sales.
- Develop visual merchandising strategies based on exhibitions, seasons, current promotions, and inventory in stock.
- Maintain inventory control and management.
Visitor Services:
- Work with Education to ·ensure Front of House staff are aware of class and studio schedules and space availability.
- Ensure registrations and membership purchases made by Front of House staff are properly entered into the CRM.
- Maintain clean, safe, and welcoming common areas.
Strong Candidates Will Have:
- A minimum of three years of experience in a retail management role is required. Previous experience in a museum store or a similar cultural institution is highly desirable. Experience in visual merchandising, inventory control, and sales analysis is essential.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills are required. The candidate should be able to effectively communicate with team members, museum staff, and customers. Strong interpersonal skills are also necessary for building relationships with vendors, artists, and other external stakeholders.
- Strong leadership skills are highly preferred. Should possess the ability to communicate and motivate a team, delegate tasks effectively, and provide guidance and support.
- Ability to problem solve required. The ideal candidate should be a proactive problem solver capable of identifying and resolving issues that arise in a public-facing environment.
- Expertise in sales and merchandising is highly preferred. Demonstrated experience in driving sales and achieving revenue targets. The candidate should have a strong understanding of visual merchandising principles and possess the ability to create captivating displays.
- Efficient computer skills with experience in POS software required
- Experience in inventory management systems and practices is required. The candidate should have experience in stock control, purchasing, and conducting regular inventory audits.
- Business acumen is highly desired. The candidate should be adept at analyzing sales data, monitoring key performance indicators, and making data-driven decisions to optimize the Shop’s performance. Experience with budgeting, forecasting, and profit maximization is highly desirable.
- Must pass a background check
Relationships:
- The Manager of Retail Operations reports directly to the Deputy Director. This position will work closely with the Advancement Team, as well as assist in sales for the Education Team.
Benefits:
- Paid Time Off days (includes sick leave and vacation time)
- Employer pays a percentage of individual health insurance
- Discounts on purchases in the gallery and shop
- Tuition Waivers and Discounts
- 401k retirement plan and employer match
Status:
This is a full-time, exempt position. Must be able to work flexible hours, including some evenings, holidays, and weekends.
To Apply:
Please email your Resume, Cover Letter, and Professional references (3) to [email protected] with the subject line: “Application for Manager of Retail Operations and Visitor Services.”
We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. If you do not meet 100% of the requirements listed above or have a non-traditional background, we encourage you to apply if you share our passion for craft and believe you could be an asset to our team. If you would like to discuss the requirements for this role or need accommodations to support your application, please get in touch with us at [email protected].
For more information about Craft Alliance, visit our website at www.craftalliance.org. Craft Alliance is located at 5080 Delmar Blvd in St. Louis, MO.
Craft Alliance 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.