Museum Store Manager

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process. Museum Store Manager Full Time – Columbus, OH, US Salary Range: $53,000- $55,000 Department: Retail Operations Reports To: Senior Director of Museum Projects FLSA Status: Exempt (full-time) Work schedule: Monday – Friday, 9:00AM – 5:00PM, plus additional hours as needed including some weekends and holidays. Job Summary: The Museum Store Manager leads the daily operations and long-term scaling of the CMA Museum Stores—both onsite and online. This role oversees merchandising, product development, brand alignment, and financial performance, ensuring the stores enhance the visitor experience and support the museum’s mission. The Manager collaborates closely with several colleagues across curatorial, publications, marketing, finance, and other museum departments to create a retail program that reflects the museum’s vision, values, audiences, and strategic goals. Strategic Leadership & Collaboration Support the vision, strategy, and creative direction for the Museum Stores, ensuring alignment with institutional goals and brand identity at each location. Partner with cross departmental teams on exhibitions, programming, marketing initiatives, and visitor experience initiatives among others. Drive new retail initiatives that expand audience engagement, support museum storytelling, and strengthen the museum’s market position. Oversee and coordinate product development, including artist collaborations, custom merchandise, and exhibition related items. Curate merchandise selection that reflects the museum’s mission, diverse audiences, and community values. Ensure compelling visual merchandising through strategic placement, signage, rotating displays, and instore campaigns. Retail Operations & ECommerce Manage inventory planning, purchasing, vendor relationships, and contract negotiations to maintain strong margins. Oversee and scale the online store, ensuring a seamless digital shopping experience and consistent brand presentation. Implement systems and processes that improve operational efficiency, inventory accuracy, and customer service at both locations: CMA Museum Store and Bookshop at The Pizzuti. Develop and manage annual operating budgets, revenue forecasts, and long-range financial plans. Monitor performance metrics (e.g., sales, margins, inventory turns, ecommerce KPIs) and adjust strategies accordingly. Ensure the stores contribute to institutional revenue goals and overall financial sustainability. Recruit, train, and mentor a diverse, customer focused retail team. Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and creative work environment. Establish clear performance expectations and provide ongoing coaching and evaluation to meet store and ecommerce goals. Requirements and Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in a related field or 4–6 years of progressive experience in retail management, museum retail, or specialty merchandising and product development. Demonstrated success in retail operations, merchandising, and team leadership. Strong communication, administrative, and organizational skills. Experience with ecommerce platforms, POS systems, and retail analytics. Ability to work collaboratively across departments and engage with diverse audiences. Knowledge of budgeting, financial planning, and vendor negotiation. Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion. Valid driver’s license and reliable personal vehicle for weekly travel between sites. Performance Expectations and Evaluation Achieve or exceed annual revenue and profitability targets. Maintain high standards for product quality, merchandising, and customer experience. Deliver store produced products on time and to professional standards. Contribute to a welcoming, mission aligned visitor experience. Demonstrate professionalism, creativity, and commitment to continuous improvement. Physical Requirements Must be able to stand, walk, sit, and use hands to touch, handle, or feel. Must be able to reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, or crouch. Must be able to talk and hear. Must be able to lift, push or pull up to 50lbs. Reasonable accommodation can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Work Environment Environment is generally quiet with occasional moderate noise. #J-18808-Ljbffr