Chief of Retail Operations

The NC Aquarium Society is seeking dynamic applicants for the expanded position of Chief of Retail Operations following the retirement of a long-serving Director of Retail Operations.

This is an exciting time to join the NC Aquarium Society in Raleigh as we grow the team to nimbly respond to the needs of the NC Aquariums and our shared mission to inspire appreciation and conservation of our aquatic environments. In 2026, the NC Aquariums will celebrate 50 years of service to our state with plans to open new exhibits at the NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores and the NC Aquarium on Roanoke Island while major renovations take place at the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher including the remodeling of the 1970 square foot Gift Shop on the first floor.

The NC Aquarium Society is the nonprofit support arm for the state-owned NC Aquariums. Based in Raleigh, the 501(c)3 nonprofit Society supports the NC Aquariums by generating funds for conservation, education and research through membership, retail sales, advocacy, and philanthropic engagement.

The Chief of Retail Operations plays a key leadership role for the organization, overseeing net sales of $5.3 million annually ($9 million gross) through four gifts shops (Manteo, Nags Head, Pine Knoll Shores, and Wilmington), an online storefront and future pop-up operations. The Chief of Retail Operations joins an executive team that includes the President/CEO, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Philanthropy Officer who oversee a team of 35 employees and an annual budget of $7.8 M.

The Society works in partnership with the NC Aquariums and does not provide administrative or programmatic oversight for the four locations that cover the coast of North Carolina. Employees of the NC Aquarium Society are not state employees.

Position Description:

The Chief of Retail Operations is responsible for the continued growth and success of the retail efforts of the NC Aquarium Society, including gift shops and concessions at four locations (NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher, NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores, NC Aquarium on Roanoke Island and Jennette’s Pier). The Chief of Retail Operations creates strategies to maximize sales for a group of specialty concept stores and concessions including vending machines and onsite food service. This position leads staffing, inventory, and merchandise sales to reach annual goals. This position will help grow the effectiveness and efficiency of the gift shops and concessions by seeking opportunities to innovate operations while delighting the 1.4 million visitors to NC Aquariums annually. The Chief of Retail Operations reports to the President/CEO and leads a team of four Gift Shop Managers and a Gift Shop Buyer.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities

· Leads strategy for increased sales of current businesses and development of sales opportunities to increase growth and profits.

· Analyzes growth opportunities and develops annual sales goals and budget that reflect an effective and efficient retail operation.

·Directs and coordinates retail environment of gift shops including renovations of spaces.

· Develops and promotes an online gift shop, including the management of an inventory warehouse for distribution.

· Develops operational standards for the gift shops and concessions relating to sales, profit/loss, payroll productivity, inventory/shrink, visual merchandising, cash handling, and hours of operation.

· Works closely with Human Resources to develop job descriptions, employee performance metrics, and classification of employees.

· Establishes and promotes respectful, cooperative, and productive working relationships inside and outside of our organization.

· Communicates regularly with retail store managers to address performance metrics, personnel issues, and other concerns.

· Partners and builds relationships with directors of retail operations in the industry.

· Works with aquarium leadership to build membership focus at all three locations.

· Encourages and promotes aquarium conservation messaging through inventory choice and collection of conservation funds.

·Travels to gift shop locations on a regular basis to assess visual displays and provide support to retail store managers.

· Produces monthly retail sales reports and sales forecasts. Provides analysis of gift shop and concession metrics and reviews against benchmarks.

·Budget administration for the retail department. Ability to develop, manage and critique budgetary results and outcomes.

· Oversees buying department and meets regularly for updates on selections and budget.

· Maintains positive relations with aquarium leadership to maintain a successful business partnership.

·Oversight of vendor operations such as Penny machines and Hurricane machines.

· Acts as a direct liaison to on-site vendors and development staff.

· Reports to Board of Directors meeting with quarterly gift shop revenue/operations.

·Maintains Payment Card Industry (PCI) compliance and ensures tasks are in compliance with all policies and procedures regarding employment and safety.

Required Education, Qualification/Experience:

· Bachelor’s Degree from a four-year college or university in business management, retail management, or merchandising; or six to eight years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

· Prior experience in retail management with a specialty or department store retailer.

· Minimum five years of supervisory/management experience.

· Must be able to multi-task and have strong attention to detail.

· Must be able to build effective working relationships with vendors and colleagues.

·Demonstrated initiative and ability to perform duties with minimal supervision.

·Strong math skills: ability to analyze sales and product statistics to support effective merchandising decisions.

· Must be articulate, assertive, and have excellent communication skills.

·Strong computer skills; Excel and Word experience desired.

·Must possess a valid driver's license and be able to travel from Raleigh to Gift Shop locations in Manteo, Nags Head, Pine Knoll Shores, and Wilmington.

·Pass a criminal background check.

Preferred Experience:

·Retail experience in a non-profit or cultural institution setting.

· Experience with warehousing merchandise to support onsite and online retail operation

· Experience in running a “pop up” or short-term shop.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $75,650.00 - $102,350.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Evenings as needed
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Work Location: In person

Salary : $75,650 - $102,350