Retail Operations Director

As the Director of Retail Operations at Music & Arts, you will lead the vision and direction for over 250 retail locations, ensuring each store delivers an outstanding customer experience while driving operational efficiency and growth. This role is key in shaping the company’s retail strategy, collaborating across departments to align operational goals with the broader business vision, and fostering a culture of excellence at every level.

Key Responsibilities:

• Shape and execute innovative strategies that align with organizational goals, propelling growth and operational improvements across the entire retail network.
  
• Guide a high-performing Retail & Lessons Operations team, nurturing talent and fostering an environment that continually enhances standards and performance across all locations.
  
• Steer the financial health of our stores, from comprehensive budget planning to resource allocation, ensuring we meet both operational goals and profitability targets.
  
• Oversee the lifecycle of retail locations, including openings, relocations, and renovations, ensuring each is strategically planned to support expansion and optimization.
  
• Collaborate cross-functionally with supply chain, logistics, and IT to create seamless operations, reducing friction in both the customer and employee experience.
  
• Drive a customer-centric culture, leveraging customer feedback and performance data to refine strategies, improve experiences, and exceed expectations.
  
• Lead the development and implementation of training programs that empower associates with the skills and knowledge needed to deliver superior sales and service.
  
• Own the accountability for store performance, translating insights from data into actionable strategies that inform leadership decisions and optimize overall results.
  
  

About Music & Arts

Music & Arts embodies the world of creativity and music by encouraging our teammates to find their own individual sound. We strive to create lifelong musicians and make a difference in the world by enabling musicians and non-musicians alike to experience the almost indescribable happiness that comes from playing an instrument. We believe in putting our customers first, engaging with respect and integrity and fulfilling our mission with passion.

The first Music & Arts was located in a small house in Bethesda, MD and run by founder Benjamin O'Brien. When Music & Arts opened its doors in 1952, we offered printed music, music lessons, dance lessons, and art supplies. Ben decided shortly after opening his business that he wanted to focus on music to better serve his customers -- a decision that remains intact to this day.

Since the 1990's, Music & Arts has expanded nationwide through organic growth and a series of acquisitions and mergers with other music dealers. In 2005, Music & Arts joined forces with American Music to become the largest band and orchestra instrument retailer in the United States. Based in Frederick, MD, Music & Arts is now part of the Guitar Center enterprise and comprises 225 retail stores, 200 educational representatives, and 250 affiliate locations

To join our band, you'll need the following experience:

• A deep passion for music and music education, with an understanding of school band or orchestra a plus.
  
• A Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Retail Management, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
  
• 8 years of proven experience in retail operations, with 5 years in a leadership role driving growth across multiple locations.
  
• A track record of success in managing complex retail operations and driving both top-line and bottom-line growth.
  
• Exceptional financial acumen with experience managing large budgets and utilizing data to drive profitability.
  
• Expertise in analyzing and interpreting complex data, with advanced proficiency in Excel and familiarity with BI tools like PowerBI or Tableau.
  
• A natural leader who excels at building strong, motivated teams and fostering a culture of collaboration and accountability.
  
• A detail-oriented, organized approach that ensures deadlines are met and goals are consistently achieved.
  
• In-depth knowledge of retail operations, customer service best practices, and emerging technologies that improve the customer experience.
  
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills that allow you to influence, collaborate, and drive results across diverse teams.
  
  

Why Guitar Center? Here's just some of the rewards:

For our employees who are musicians we offer the unique opportunity of gig leave--take time off to share your music with the world and return to your job after your tour! Guitar Center offers robust benefits and perks, including Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K plus company match, mental health support, paid sick/holiday/vacation time, employee discount program, and tuition reimbursement options.

Pay Rate: $145,000 - $185,000/yr depending on background and experience.

This position is eligible to participate in the Music & Arts Company bonus program based on Company performance.

The job posting is not necessarily reflective of actual compensation that may be earned, nor a promise of any specific pay for any specific employee, which is always dependent on actual experience, education, and other factors. The pay range(s) listed are provided in compliance with state specific laws. Pay ranges may be different in other locations.

With a career at Guitar Center, you become part of the world's largest multichannel musical instrument retailer. Whether at our Stores, Contact Centers, Distribution Centers, or Support Center, Guitar Center employees have a common goal: to help people find their sound and fill the world with more music.

Love this gig and want to apply?

Guitar Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides fair and equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or any other protected status prohibited under Federal, State, or local laws. All employment decisions are based on valid job‐related requirements.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran and are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our website, you may request a reasonable accommodation to express interest in a specific opening. You can request reasonable accommodation by sending an email to recruiting@guitarcenter.com