Retail Store Manager
San Diego, CA
Full Time, On Site
Compensation: $70,000 to $72,000 annually
Benefits
Medical Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
University Retirement Contribution
Paid Time Off
Access to On-Campus Fitness Centers
Professional Development Opportunities
University Employee Benefits
About the Opportunity
We are seeking an energetic and motivated Retail Store Manager to lead the daily operations of a high-profile campus retail environment serving students, faculty, staff, alumni, and visitors.
This role is best suited for a strong business leader who knows how to develop people, drive sales, manage financial performance, and create an exceptional customer experience. While apparel and merchandise buying experience is helpful, it is no longer the primary requirement. We are prepared to train the right leader on the buying side of the business.
The ideal candidate is a hands-on operator with strong leadership presence, business acumen, and the ability to build an accountable, engaged, and customer-focused team.
Position Overview
The Retail Store Manager oversees all aspects of store performance, including team leadership, daily operations, sales, customer service, inventory, merchandising, purchasing, financial results, and promotional planning.
This leader will work closely with vendors, internal departments, and senior leadership to ensure the store remains profitable, fully staffed, well organized, visually appealing, and responsive to the needs of the campus community.
The successful candidate does not need to be an expert apparel buyer on day one. More important is the ability to lead a business, coach a team, interpret performance results, make sound decisions, and learn the merchandise planning and buying functions.
Key ResponsibilitiesBusiness Leadership
Take ownership of the overall performance and daily operation of the retail store
Translate organizational goals into clear priorities for the team
Use sound judgment to make operational, staffing, and customer service decisions
Identify opportunities to improve sales, productivity, service, and profitability
Partner with leadership on strategic planning and long-term store development
Team Leadership and Development
Recruit, onboard, train, coach, and develop retail team members
Create employee schedules and maintain appropriate staffing levels
Set clear expectations and hold team members accountable for performance
Build a culture of teamwork, communication, professionalism, and exceptional service
Provide consistent feedback, recognition, and development opportunities
Lead by example and remain willing to support all areas of the operation
Sales and Financial Performance
Monitor sales, margins, expenses, labor, and inventory performance
Analyze business reports and identify trends or opportunities
Manage controllable costs while protecting the customer experience
Support gross margin objectives, inventory turns, and purchasing budgets
Develop action plans to improve store performance and achieve financial goals
Customer Experience
Create a welcoming, organized, and engaging shopping environment
Maintain high customer service standards throughout the store
Resolve customer concerns professionally and efficiently
Ensure the store meets the needs of students, faculty, staff, alumni, and visitors
Build customer loyalty through consistent service and strong team execution
Store Operations
Oversee daily opening, closing, cash handling, and operational procedures
Maintain accurate inventory records and operational reporting
Ensure the sales floor and back-stock areas remain organized, clean, and fully stocked
Coordinate promotions, special events, and peak campus shopping periods
Maintain accurate POS data, pricing, and product information
Support e-commerce product updates and online store accuracy
Merchandising and Buying
Work with leadership and vendors to develop merchandise assortments
Learn and apply apparel, gift, and specialty merchandise buying practices
Support forecasting, purchasing, pricing, markdowns, and inventory planning
Monitor product performance and adjust assortments based on sales trends
Stay informed about retail, apparel, and campus merchandise trends
Create attractive and effective product displays that support sales
Develop strong relationships with vendors and internal partners
Ideal Candidate Profile
Strong retail, hospitality, restaurant, specialty store, or service-based business leadership experience
Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop teams
Experience managing sales, labor, expenses, budgets, or financial performance
Strong customer service and business decision-making skills
Hands-on leadership style with a high level of accountability
Ability to analyze reports, identify trends, and take corrective action
Experience with inventory, merchandising, purchasing, or retail systems preferred
Apparel or specialty merchandise buying experience is helpful but not required
Willingness and ability to learn merchandise planning and buying functions
Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree preferred
Equivalent business leadership or retail management experience may be considered
Minimum five years of retail, hospitality, restaurant, or service operations experience preferred
Previous management experience leading a team required
Experience with inventory management, POS systems, and business reporting preferred
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Workspace
Ability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events as business needs require
Why This Opportunity Stands Out
This is an excellent opportunity for a strong business leader who wants to take ownership of a visible and established retail operation within a vibrant campus community.
The organization is focused on finding the right leader, not simply the most experienced apparel buyer. The successful candidate will receive support and training in merchandise buying while bringing immediate value through leadership, team development, operational discipline, customer service, and business performance.
Pay: $70,000.00 - $72,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Relocation assistance
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
