Gift Shop Manager

Job Title: Gift Shop Manager/Buyer
Location: Nauticus, Norfolk, VA
Department: Gift Shop
Reports To: CEO / Executive Director

About Nauticus:
Nauticus is located on the downtown Norfolk waterfront and home to a newly redesigned, interactive maritime discovery center; the Battleship Wisconsin; Virginia’s only cruise ship terminal; the Schooner Virginia; and a youth sailing program. Our mission is to benefit our community through education, impactful experiences, and by sharing access to maritime resources.

Position Summary:
Nauticus seeks an entrepreneurial and innovative Gift Shop Manager to lead the operations of its retail store. The Gift Shop Manager/Buyer will play a vital role in curating a unique shopping experience that reflects Nauticus’ mission, driving revenue while ensuring exceptional guest satisfaction. This position requires a creative thinker with a business mindset and a keen understanding of retail practices and trends.

Key Responsibilities:

Retail Operations Management

• Oversee daily operations of the Nauticus gift shop, ensuring a clean, organized, and visually appealing environment.
• Implement efficient inventory management practices, including stock control, procurement, and vendor relations.
• Develop and execute strategies to optimize sales and profitability, including pricing, promotions, product placement, and online shop presence

Product Curation and Merchandising

• Select and source merchandise that aligns with Nauticus’ mission, exhibits, programming, and themes
• Design creative and engaging displays that enhance the guest shopping experience.
• Collaborate with internal teams to create exclusive Nauticus-branded merchandise.

Guest Experience

• Foster a welcoming and informative environment for all guests.
• Train and supervise staff to provide exceptional customer service
• Address guest inquiries and resolve issues promptly and professionally.

Team Leadership

• Recruit, train, and manage a diverse team of retail associates.
• Set clear performance goals and provide regular feedback to staff.
• Foster a positive, collaborative workplace culture that aligns with Nauticus’ values.

Financial Performance

• Develop and manage the gift shop budget, including sales forecasting and expense control.
• Analyze sales data to identify trends and opportunities for growth.
• Report on key performance metrics to senior leadership.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, retail management, marketing, or a related field, or equivalent experience
• Minimum of 3-5 years of retail management experience, preferably in a museum, cultural institution, or specialty retail setting
• Demonstrated entrepreneurial spirit with a track record of driving sales growth and operational excellence
• Strong understanding of buying, merchandising, inventory management, and retail marketing
• Excellent leadership and team-building skills
• Familiarity and proficiency with general accounting practices
• Passion for Nauticus’ mission
• Exceptional communication, organizational, and problem-solving abilities
• Proficiency with point-of-sale systems and retail analytics tools; preferably with Clover, Thrive, Shopventory and Shopify

Working Environment
This is a retail position with physical requirements for inventory, store curation, events, etc. (Must have ability to lift 25lbs). Occasional nights, weekends and holiday work will be required.

Why Join Nauticus?
At Nauticus, you’ll be part of a team dedicated to making a meaningful impact through education and impactful experiences. You’ll have the opportunity to shape the retail experience in a way that supports our mission and inspires our guests. If you’re a visionary leader with a passion for retail, we’d love to hear from you.

Salary range is $49,000 – $59,000 and based on experience. Benefits include vision, medical, dental, IRA, paid time off, holiday.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $49,000.00 - $59,000.00 per year

Shift:

• Day shift

Work Location: In person

Salary : $49,000 - $59,000