Director of Retail Operations - Gift Shops

Location: Sioux Falls, SD

Salary Range: $90,000 - $100,000 annually, depending on experience

Bonus Eligibility: Performance-based incentive opportunity

Position Summary

We are seeking a strategic, customer-focused, and results-driven Director of Retail Operations - Gift Shops to lead the overall performance, growth, and operational excellence of our retail gift shop locations. Based in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, this leadership role is responsible for developing retail strategies, maximizing profitability, enhancing the customer experience, and ensuring efficient day-to-day operations across all gift shop locations.

The ideal candidate will have strong retail management experience, proven leadership skills, and a passion for delivering exceptional guest experiences while driving sales and operational success.

Essential Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee multi-location gift shop operations, ensuring alignment with organizational goals, brand standards, and operational excellence.
• Develop and implement strategies to drive sales growth, profitability, and customer satisfaction.
• Monitor key performance metrics including revenue, labor, margins, and inventory, and take action to improve performance.
• Oversee merchandise planning, purchasing, inventory management, and product assortment to maximize sales and minimize excess inventory.
• Build and maintain strong vendor relationships, including negotiating pricing, contracts, and purchasing agreements.
• Recruit, train, coach, and develop retail managers and team members while fostering a culture of accountability and high performance.
• Ensure exceptional customer experiences by maintaining service standards, addressing customer concerns, and implementing improvements based on feedback.
• Maintain attractive, engaging, and brand-consistent merchandising and visual presentation across all locations.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, safety standards, labor regulations, and retail operating procedures, including loss prevention and inventory control programs.
• Travel regularly, including extended overnight stays, to support store operations, staff development, audits, new initiatives, and business growth opportunities.

Qualifications

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Retail Management, Marketing, or related field preferred.

Equivalent combination of education and retail leadership experience may be considered.

Experience

5+ years of progressive retail management experience.

3+ years leading multiple retail locations, departments, or store teams.

Experience managing budgets, inventories, and operational performance.

Proven success in achieving sales growth and profitability goals.

Multi-location retail management experience.

Gift shop, specialty retail, hospitality, healthcare retail, museum retail, or tourism-related experience.

Experience with merchandising strategy and product sourcing.

Experience with POS systems and retail analytics platforms.

Proficiency with retail management systems and Microsoft Office applications.

What We Offer

Competitive salary

Performance bonus opportunity

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Aflac Supplemental Insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off and holidays

Employee discounts

Professional development opportunities

Collaborative and mission-driven workplace culture