Director of Retail- Golf and Racquet Sports Shops

Director of Retail – Golf & Racquet Sports Shops

Reports To: Director of Golf Operations Supervises: Merchandise Assistant
FLSA Status: Exempt

Position Summary

Ridglea Country Club is seeking a dynamic and strategic Director of Retail – Golf & Racquet Sports Shops to lead and oversee all retail operations across the Club's three retail locations, including the North Golf Shop, South Golf Shop, and Racquet Sports Shop.

This leadership position is responsible for the overall retail vision, merchandising strategy, inventory management, retail programming, financial performance, and member shopping experience across all locations. The Director will develop and execute innovative retail initiatives that enhance member engagement, drive revenue growth, and position Ridglea's retail operations as a premier club retail experience.

Working collaboratively with Golf, Racquet Sports, and Club leadership, the Director will ensure consistency in merchandising standards, inventory controls, service excellence, and brand presentation while creating unique retail experiences that exceed member expectations.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Retail Strategy & Program Leadership

• Develop and execute an annual strategic retail plan for all three retail locations.
• Establish retail sales, profitability, inventory turnover, and growth objectives.
• Create and manage comprehensive retail programming, including seasonal merchandise launches, member shopping events, trunk shows, holiday promotions, major tournament merchandising, and special retail experiences.
• Identify emerging industry trends and implement innovative retail concepts that align with member interests and Club objectives.
• Collaborate with Golf Professionals, Racquet Professionals, and Club leadership to create integrated retail experiences that support Club events and programming.
• Evaluate member purchasing patterns and make recommendations that enhance product offerings and profitability.

Merchandising & Buying

• Direct all purchasing efforts for apparel, equipment, gifts, accessories, and specialty merchandise across the North Golf Shop, South Golf Shop, and Racquet Sports Shop.
• Develop merchandise assortments tailored to each facility's membership demographic and activity participation.
• Establish seasonal buying plans and inventory forecasts.
• Negotiate pricing, terms, and partnerships with vendors to maximize profitability and product selection.
• Attend industry trade shows, buying markets, and vendor presentations to identify new merchandise opportunities.
• Maintain consistent visual merchandising standards across all retail locations.

Inventory Management & Controls

• Oversee inventory management for all three shops and ensure accurate inventory levels are maintained.
• Develop and implement inventory control procedures and loss prevention measures.
• Monitor inventory turnover, aged inventory, and purchasing trends.
• Coordinate physical inventory counts and cycle count programs.
• Analyze inventory performance and develop action plans to improve profitability and reduce excess stock.
• Utilize retail technology and reporting tools to improve inventory accuracy and operational efficiency.

Member Experience & Sales Growth

• Create an exceptional and consistent retail experience throughout all Club retail locations.
• Develop service standards focused on personalized member engagement and product expertise.
• Establish sales initiatives designed to increase participation, spending, and member satisfaction.
• Ensure merchandise displays, shop presentation, and product placement reflect a first-class private club environment.
• Gather member feedback and continuously improve retail offerings and service delivery.
• Promote a welcoming and consultative shopping experience that strengthens member relationships.

Financial Management

• Prepare and manage annual retail operating budgets.
• Monitor sales performance, margins, labor costs, inventory investments, and profitability.
• Analyze key retail performance indicators and provide regular reporting to Club leadership.
• Develop strategies to meet or exceed revenue and profitability goals.
• Identify opportunities for operational efficiencies and cost management.

• Ability to create and manage annual operating budgets, forecast retail sales and inventory needs, and develop data-driven financial projections to support business growth and profitability

Leadership & Team Development

• Directly supervise and develop the Merchandise Assistant.
• Provide guidance, coaching, and professional development opportunities to retail personnel.
• Establish performance expectations and accountability standards.
• Foster a collaborative, service-oriented culture focused on member satisfaction and operational excellence.
• Partner with Human Resources on recruitment, onboarding, training, and performance management initiatives when applicable.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Retail Management, Marketing, Hospitality Management, or related field preferred.
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressive retail management experience.
• Previous leadership experience overseeing multi-location retail operations was strongly preferred.
• Experience within private clubs, golf facilities, luxury retail, hospitality, or specialty retail environments preferred.
• Demonstrated success in merchandising, inventory management, purchasing, and retail financial management.
• Strong business acumen and analytical skills.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and relationship-building abilities.
• Proficiency with retail point-of-sale systems and inventory management platforms.

Core Competencies

• Strategic Thinking
• Retail Merchandising
• Inventory Management
• Financial Acumen
• Vendor Relations
• Team Leadership
• Customer Service Excellence
• Event & Retail Programming
• Business Development
• Project Management

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to lift and move merchandise up to 40 pounds.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and Club events as necessary.
• Ability to perform tasks in a fast-paced retail environment.

Success Measures

The Director of Retail – Golf & Racquet Sports will be evaluated on:

• Achievement of retail sales and profitability goals.
• Inventory turnover and inventory accuracy.
• Execution and success of retail programming and special events.
• Member satisfaction and engagement with retail services.
• Growth of merchandise sales across all three retail locations.
• Visual merchandising and shop presentation standards.
• Development and performance of the Merchandise Assistant.
• Operational efficiency and financial stewardship.