Director of Retail Operations

The Director of Retail Operations steers the Old Sturbridge Village (OSV) and Coggeshall Farm Museum Stores towards success through a blend of strategic planning, leadership, and operational oversight. This role encompasses the responsibility of ensuring that the department meets its financial targets and also delivers an experience that aligns with Old Sturbridge Village’s standards and core values. By overseeing various aspects--from sales to customer service, buying to inventory management, and strategic planning--the Director of Retail Operations ensures the smooth running of the Stores, fostering an environment that motivates staff and satisfies customers. The Director of Retail Operations is expected to have strong understanding of market trends, strategic planning skills, and the ability to adapt to changing consumer needs to position the Division for growth and sustainability in a competitive landscape.

Old Sturbridge Village, the largest outdoor history museum in the Northeast, depicts a rural New England town of the 1830s. Step inside more than 40 original buildings, and explore homes, meetinghouses, a district school, country store, bank, working farm, three water-powered mills, and trade shops – all situated on more than 200 scenic acres. Talk with authentically costumed historians and see heritage breed farm animals. Discover the endless ways to immerse yourself in the Village. Old Sturbridge Village, a museum and learning resource of New England life, invites each visitor to find meaning, pleasure, relevance, and inspiration through the exploration of history.

Old Sturbridge Village is committed to promoting diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility. We are passionate about developing and maintaining an inclusive, equitable and accessible working and learning environment for all visitors, staff and OSV community members. We believe every member on our team enriches our diversity by exposing us to different ways of understanding and engaging the world around us.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities including, but not limited to, the following. Additional duties may be assigned as needed.

• Member of Senior Leadership Team: Active participation in decision making that develops a stronger institution including campus wide processes/procedures and input for yearly calendar planning.
• Demonstrating GRIT: Through actions, support and foster the Village’s core values to all staff
• Overseeing daily operations: Ensuring that all processes run smoothly and efficiently.
• Budgeting: Developing, preparing, and controlling the store’s budget, aiming for efficiency and revenue growth. Review to readjust to meet or surpass Net Surplus projections.
• Developing and implementing strategies: To drive sales growth and increase profitability.
• Managing and motivating staff: Communicating Village priorities, direction and focus to department. Guide and support Assistant Director of Retail to ensure teams are motivated and operate at highest performance levels.
• Ensuring customer satisfaction: By maintaining high standards of service and resolving any issues or complaints effectively.
• Monitoring inventory levels: Ensuring that products are available during peak periods and minimizing excess inventory during slow seasons.
• Sales Forecasting: Accurate projections of sales, staffing, and inventory needs
• Analyzing sales data: To identify opportunities for business improvement or expansion.
• Maintaining compliance: With all legal and regulatory requirements relevant to the retail environment.
• Coordinating with marketing: To develop promotional activities and events to attract new customers and retain existing ones for stores, and online.
• Product Selection: Choose a range of products that meet customer needs and preferences, considering factors like price, quality, relationship to OSV as well as market trends.
• Product Development: Create products that are exclusive to OSV reflecting seasonal events, themes and market trends.
• Vendor Negotiation: Negotiate with suppliers to secure the best terms, prices, and delivery schedules while maintaining positive vendor relationships.
• Inventory Management: Monitor and maintain optimal inventory levels to avoid overstocking or understocking, ensuring products are available when needed.
• Market Analysis: Stay updated on market trends, competitor offerings, and consumer behavior to make informed buying decisions.
• Pricing Strategy: Determine pricing strategies, including markdowns, promotions, and discounts, to maximize sales and profitability.
• Seasonal Planning: Plan for seasonal fluctuations by stocking relevant products and managing clearance of seasonal items efficiently.
• Assortment Planning: Create a well-balanced product assortment that appeals to different customer segments, considering factors like size, color, and style variations.

Key skills include:

• Strong leadership skills to lead, grow, and support team
• Customer Service skills- lead by example
• Collaborate across functions to gain alignment that leads to solid execution.
• Strong business acumen with hands-on experience managing P&Ls, budgets, and KPIs.
• Agile and results-oriented leader with ability to be flexible based on changing directions
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and conflict resolution skills.
• Passion for inclusive hospitality, team development, and operational excellence.
• Self-starter with entrepreneurial spirit and growth mindset
• Ability to successfully work with competing priorities
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 applications (Outlook, Word and Excel) and knowledge of Counterpoint, and Shopify are beneficial.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Qualifications:

• Candidates with a bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience in a related field with at least 6 years of managerial retail industry experience. Museum retail experience is a plus.
• Able to work a flexible schedule based on department and company needs (including weekends and evenings at times).
• Must be able to work in-person at least 4 days/week

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, stand for long periods of time; walk; use hands/fingers to touch, handle or feel. Occasionally required to move around the workplace and reach with hands and arms. Requires close vision.

Reasonable Accommodation Statement:

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you require an accommodation to perform the essential functions of this position, we encourage you to contact Human Resources at HR@osv.org during the application process.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $66,000.00 - $69,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $66,000 - $69,000