Director of Retail & Merchandising

Job Summary

The Director of Retail & Merchandising is responsible for overseeing buying, merchandising, staffing strategy, and retail performance for the DAC Pro Shop and all Athletic Retail Outlets. This role provides strategic leadership and operational oversight while empowering the Assistant Manager to execute daily Pro Shop operations.

Essential Responsibilities:

Retail Strategy & Leadership

• Set and lead the retail vision and strategy for the DAC Pro Shop and all Athletic Retail Outlets
• Establish service standards, merchandising direction, and performance expectations
• Ensure consistency in brand presentation, pricing strategy, and member experience
• Serve as the primary retail leader and decision-maker for Athletics retail operations

Buying & Merchandising (Primary Owner)

• Act as lead buyer for all athletic retail merchandise:
  • Apparel, footwear, accessories, specialty items, and DAC-branded goods
• Research trends, meet with vendors, and curate assortments aligned with:
  • Athletic programs
  • Clubs-Within-the-Club
  • Tournaments and seasonal initiatives
  • Online store
• Manage pricing strategy, margins, inventory turns, and open-to-buy
• Oversee exclusive merchandise, special orders, and event-based retail
• Collaborate with Leadership/Outlets for uniform purchases

Inventory & Financial Oversight

• Own inventory strategy across all outlets, ensuring proper levels and flow
• Review sales performance, slow movers, and reorder opportunities
• Manage budgets, profitability, and retail KPIs
• Partner with Finance and Athletics leadership on forecasting and reporting

Staffing Strategy & Leadership

• Lead staffing structure, hiring standards, and development pathways
• Directly manage the Assistant Pro Shop Manager and Hourly Employees
• Set expectations for scheduling, coverage models, and service execution
• Provide coaching, feedback, and performance evaluation

Cross-Department Collaboration

• Collaborate with Athletics, Wellness, Events, and Marketing teams
• Support tournaments, leagues, clinics, and member events through retail
• Partner on staff uniform programs and e-commerce initiatives
• Serve as a visible ambassador of the DAC brand and culture

Required Skills & Abilities

• Strong member service and interpersonal communication skills.
• Detailed knowledge of retail operations, merchandising, and inventory management.
• Proficiency with POS and retail management systems.
• Strong organizational and multitasking abilities.
• Professional appearance and demeanor consistent with DAC standards.
• Team-oriented, dependable, and service-driven attitude.

Qualifications

• 5 years of retail leadership experience (athletic, specialty, luxury, or private club preferred)
• Proven experience in buying, merchandising, and inventory planning
• Experience leading teams and managing managers
• Strong business and financial acumen
• Excellent relationship-building and communication skills
• Passion for athletics, performance brands, and premium service

Key Performance Metrics

• Accuracy of inventory and merchandising execution.
• Quality and consistency of member service.
• Contribution to revenue and profitability goals.
• Operational efficiency and support of directives.
• Staff teamwork, reliability, and professionalism