Manager, Retail

ABOUT THE LUCAS MUSEUM OF NARRATIVE ART

Opening in September 2026, the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art is dedicated to illustrated storytelling. Founded by George Lucas and Mellody Hobson, the museum’s collection features works by artists including Norman Rockwell, Kadir Nelson, Jessie Willcox Smith, N. C. Wyeth, Beatrix Potter, Judith F. Baca, Frida Kahlo, and Maxfield Parrish; as well as comic art legends such as Winsor Mcay, Jack Kirby, Frank Frazetta, Alison Bechdel, Chris Ware, and R. Crumb; and photographers Gordon Parks, Henri Cartier‑Bresson, and Dorothea Lange. The Museum also houses the Lucas Archives, containing models, props, concept art, and costumes from Lucas’s filmmaking career. Designed by Ma Yansong of MAD with a landscape by Mia Lehrer of Studio‑MLA, the Museum is in Exposition Park, Los Angeles, on an 11‑acre campus that includes new green space and a 300,000‑square‑foot building with galleries, two theaters, a library, restaurant, café, retail store, and community spaces.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Lucas Museum seeks a results‑driven Retail Manager on our Revenue & Engagement team to support the opening and ongoing retail strategy & merchandising operations of the Museum’s retail store. Reporting to the Director of Retail & Licensing Strategy and in partnership with Revenue & Engagement leadership, this role will manage front‑of‑house inventory and merchandise to ensure availability of products that enhance the visitor experience. They will lead a team of retail associates, providing coaching and development to foster a positive and dynamic work environment.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Partner with Revenue & Engagement team on opening procedures for the Retail Store including retail & licensing strategy, standard operating procedures, vendor negotiations, and staff resourcing. Support the Director, Retail & Licensing Strategy with developing and implementing new initiatives in line with the department and the Museum’s objectives. Partner with the People & Culture team to recruit and onboard frontline retail staff. Oversee day‑to‑day operations of the Lucas Museum’s Retail store and licensing initiatives by working closely with colleagues and vendors across the Revenue & Engagement portfolio. In partnership with Revenue & Engagement, and Security leadership, develop and update retail operational procedures, financial controls, and security standards for the retail store. Set sales goals, implement innovative sales techniques, drive performance to maximize profits, establish clear KPI’s, and ensure high‑quality customer experience. Lead training of Retail Associates in partnership with the Retail leadership team. Supervise, mentor, and provide coaching to frontline retail staff including driving sales performance, monitoring work, providing feedback, and ensuring high customer satisfaction. Serve as escalation point for customer feedback, complaints or other issues. Ensure the Retail store adheres to local safety protocols and policies and ensure compliance with local, state, and federal employment laws. Oversee inventory audits and RFID tracking processes. Actively champion the Museum’s commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Belonging in hiring, in sourcing and in interactions with visitors. Maintain relationships with vendors and suppliers aligned with the Museum’s brand and values. Support strategic planning, product launches, promotions, and campaigns. Serve as escalation point for vendors to ensure timely ordering, delivery, and issue resolution.

QUALIFICATIONS

10+ years of experience in a Retail Management role, preferably for an arts & cultural institution or prominent consumer brand. 7+ years of management experience hiring, training, and coaching frontline staff. Experience in licensing, business development, consumer products, and supplier negotiations. Knowledge of intellectual property principles related to retail inventory management. Proficiency in POS systems required; experience with Shopify, Square, or similar platforms. Experience working with RFID systems strongly preferred. Knowledge of health and safety standards and maintaining OSHA compliant operations in California. Excellent communication and negotiation skills. Excellent team management skills.

CORE COMPETENCIES

Analytical Rigor: Simplifies complex problems by using critical thinking to evaluate problems, gathering information, incorporating multiple perspectives, understanding causes, and identifying best‑possible solutions. Courageous Communication: Intentionally works well with others both on the team and cross‑functionally to achieve individual, team, department, or organizational goals. Collaborative Excellence: Displays courage when handling difficult conversations and genuinely and intentionally communicates. Adaptive Resilience: Thrives and grows in a rapidly changing and complex environment. Inclusive Interaction: Actively contributes to an environment in which all employees feel a sense of belonging, valued for their differences, and empowered to participate and contribute freely. Accountable Ownership: Takes ownership of outcomes, positive or negative, without blaming others within the team or cross‑functionally. Strategic Alignment & Execution: Contributes to the organization by understanding and aligning actions with the organization’s goals, core functions, needs, and values. $93,100 - $109,400 a year

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND OUR COMMITMENT TO DEAIB

The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art embraces diversity and equal opportunity. We are committed to building a team that represents and supports a variety of backgrounds and perspectives. The Lucas Museum fosters a work environment that is free of discrimination and harassment, whether based on race, national origin, gender, gender expression, religion, ethnic background, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other criterion prohibited by applicable federal, state, or local laws. We believe that diversity and inclusion among our team is critical to our success, and we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the best qualified people from a diverse candidate pool. Applications from traditionally underrepresented communities are encouraged. The statements in this description represent typical elements, criteria, and general work performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required for the job. #J-18808-Ljbffr Medium