​Retail Manager — Denali National Park Operations

Retail Manager — Denali National Park Operations

Location: Denali National Park, Alaska

Employment Type: Full-Time, Year-Round

Reports To: Managing Director

Direct/Indirect Reports: Up to 15 seasonal associates

Compensation & Benefits

• Base Salary: $78,000–$85,000/year, DOE
• Annual Bonus: Up to 10% of base salary, tied to performance and operational targets
• Housing: Free on-site housing provided during the operating season
• Meals: Three meals per day provided while working on-site in Denali National Park
• Additional benefits: Health insurance, PTO, 401k, etc.

Position Summary

The Retail Manager is a full-time, year-round leadership position responsible for the strategic and day-to-day management of all retail and food service operations within the company's Denali National Park portfolio. This role oversees multiple business units — Grocery and Liquor, Gift Shop, a Food Truck, and two small gift shops located within the Grande Denali Lodge and the Denali Bluffs Hotel — along with a team of up to 20 seasonal associates.

All on-site retail and food service operations run seasonally from May 1 through September 20 . During the off-season, the Retail Manager is responsible for planning, hiring, procurement, budgeting, and readiness activities to ensure a successful and timely season launch each spring.

This is a hands-on leadership role suited to someone who thrives in a remote, physically demanding environment and enjoys building and running a small, high-performing multi-unit retail operation.

Key Responsibilities

Season Operations (May 1–September 20)

• Oversee daily operations across all retail locations, ensuring consistent quality, guest service, and brand standards
• Manage staffing, scheduling, and performance of up to 20 seasonal associates, including cashiers, stockers, an assistant manager, line cooks, and gift shop attendants
• Ensure proper inventory management, ordering, and merchandising across grocery, liquor, and gifts
• Maintain compliance with Alaska liquor licensing and food service health/safety regulations
• Monitor sales performance, labor costs, and shrinkage across all units; adjust operations to meet financial targets
• Serve as the primary on-site point of contact for issues involving the two hotel-affiliated gift shop locations, coordinating with Grande Denali Lodge and Denali Bluffs Hotel management as needed
• Handle escalated guest service issues and ensure a high standard of visitor experience across all touchpoints

Team Leadership

• Recruit, hire, train, and onboard seasonal staff ahead of each season
• Directly supervise the assistant manager and provide leadership development
• Set clear expectations, conduct performance evaluations, and manage disciplinary issues as needed
• Foster a positive, safety-conscious team culture in a remote, communal-living work environment

Off-Season Responsibilities (September 21–April 30)

• Conduct end-of-season inventory, financial close-out, and performance review of the prior season
• Lead hiring and recruitment efforts for the upcoming season's seasonal workforce
• Manage vendor relationships, negotiate supplier contracts, and place pre-season inventory orders
• Develop the seasonal operating budget and staffing plan in coordination with senior leadership
• Coordinate facility maintenance, repairs, and readiness for all locations

Qualifications

• 5+ years of retail management experience, including staff supervision
• Experience managing multiple locations or business units preferred
• Strong financial acumen: budgeting, inventory control, P&L management
• Experience with liquor retail and/or food service compliance a plus
• Demonstrated ability to recruit, train, and lead seasonal or transient workforces
• Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills; comfortable operating with a high degree of autonomy
• Willingness to live and work on-site in a remote national park setting for the duration of the season
• Valid driver's license required

Working Conditions

• This position is based on-site in Denali National Park during the operating season (May 1–September 20) and may require a hybrid or remote work arrangement during the off-season, depending on company needs
• Remote, rural work environment with limited access to standard amenities
• Physical requirements include standing for extended periods, lifting up-to 50 lbs, and working in a small-format retail/food service setting
• Schedule includes evenings, weekends, and holidays during the operating season, consistent with peak tourism demand
• Communal on-site housing is shared with other seasonal staff