Museum Shop Manager
The Shop Manager is responsible for overseeing shop operations both physical and online, in a way that is consistent with MOA’s strategic plan and the philosophy of the Museum and its constituencies, including First Nations and other cultural communities, collectors, Museum and gallery professionals, university members and the public. It requires specialized knowledge of the arts of peoples of the Northwest Coast and other cultural backgrounds as well as Fair Trade and Ethically Acquired practices and a sound understanding of retail and business practices.
Work Performed
Is responsible for ensuring that the Museum Shop continues to be a vibrant and financially successful part of the Museum.
Develops 3 to 5 year business plans for the shop, consistent with the goals of the Museum’s overall strategic plans.
Develops annual budgets for the shop to ensure that goals are achieved with respect to business growth and profits.
Develops and maintains an effective and unique product mix and range of merchandise, both for the Museum’s physical shop and its online store, that meet MOA’s mandate for merchandise authenticity, fair trade and ethically acquired standards.
Oversees Shop display and merchandizing both for the physical shop and for its online store, including determining what is selected and featured.
Ensures appropriate accountability procedures with respect to purchases, inventory, and sales.
Develops and maintains contact with First Nations and other artists, and negotiates with artists to purchase artworks that meet the standards of the Museum Shop.
Supervises, schedules and organizes the work of shop staff.
Works with Manager, Administration and Public Service Manager to hire, train and supervise a pool of student assistants working at admissions, shop, rentals and events.
Provides consultation to and deals directly with customers with special requests and handles the more complex inquiries from the public.
Develops and implements special shop initiatives as required.
Works with MOA Communications staff to develop and implement marketing plans for the Shop, including an effective online presence for the Shop.
Monitors the results of operations to ensure that goals are achieved with respect to business growth and profits.
Represents the Museum Shop to outside agencies, Museum Store Association, etc. at conferences, meetings, and trade shows.
Performs other related duties as required
Skills
College diploma in marketing or retail management, visual arts courses preferred. Five years of related supervisory retail management experience with a proven track record for leading and managing a sales team to achieve targets. Candidate must possess experience with retail and merchandising practices including buying, pricing, inventory management, online shipping & receiving procedures, social media and engagement, sales promotion and retail accounting. Excellent leadership, supervisory, organizational and communication skills are essential. Ability to use computers with specific knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel, Point of Sales system, and online shopping platforms such as Shopify. Ability to communicate effectively and graciously both verbally and in writing is essential. Ability to deal effectively with a diversity of people. Ability to provide quality service to customers in a courteous, patient manner. Ability to effectively generate business opportunities.
