What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Director of Retail Operations position at Toledo Zoo?
Assistant Director of Retail Operations (full-time)
Toledo Zoo & Aquarium
April 17, 2025
The Toledo Zoo & Aquarium is currently seeking a Full-Time Assistant Director of Retail Operations to join our retail and merchandise team to help advance the mission and provide an excellent experience for guests. The Assistant Director of Retail Operations will be responsible for all retail operations including the management of staff and merchandise inventory, along with meeting store performance goals.
This position will facilitate and supervise daily operations of all store locations, including prioritization, delegation, and completion of daily tasks to ensure adequate inventory and supply levels. This role also involves the creation and execution of a visual merchandise strategy and brand recognition while contributing to store upkeep, maintaining safety protocols, and promoting excellence in guest relations and a positive environment for all team members.
Reporting to the Director of Retail Operations, this position is exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act and requires time worked in excess of forty hours per week.
Essential Job Functions
- Directs and supervises the day-to-day operations, performance, and growth of the retail operation, utilizing a small team of managers and outside vendors at multiple locations across the Zoo.
- Responsible for the hiring, termination, corrective action, and evaluations of full and part-time staff in conjunction with the Vice President of Food Services and Merchandise and Human Resources.
- Train new staff and ensure all staff attend guest experience training. Oversee weekly scheduling, attendance and coaching forms for all staff.
- Ensure the Zoo’s mission and culture are upheld throughout retail store operations by ensuring a positive customer experience through the development of retail staff.
- Create and ensure execution of visually appealing and optimal product placement utilizing creative merchandising techniques.
- Oversee signage placement as needed for sales promotions and wayfinding within all store locations.
- Accurate product pricing and stocking to maximize sales and inventory efforts. Assists with set-up and performance of inventory process. Monitors location inventory and the check-in and stocking of merchandise.
- Oversee collections of contract accounts, calculates remittance amounts and submits for approval and payment.
- Enforce all Zoo policies and procedures, including payment handling procedures and loss prevention guidelines to deter theft. Resolve customer service issues.
- Manage internal departmental orders for all sales to zoo personnel and departments.
- Assist with e-commerce store needs as required.
- Performs as manager on duty to ensure all visitor service areas are operating functionally.
Minimum Training and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Retail Management or other related business field with three to five years of retail management and visual merchandising experience, or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required skills, knowledge, and abilities to be successful in this role.
- Knowledge of accounting functions, inventory control, and Point-of-Sale software.
- Effective communication skills to work with vendors and internal/external customers.
- The Toledo Zoo is a drug-free workplace, including marijuana.
- Must have a valid drivers’ license and be insurable by the fleet insurance carrier.
The Toledo Zoo is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, creed, genetic information, sex, age, national origin, disability, military status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by law.
