About This Role
This Department Manager position involves overseeing the performance and daily operations of one or more store departments or designated functions. The role combines category expertise, team leadership, merchandising, inventory management, and Manager-on-Duty responsibilities, supporting the retail experience for the Harvard and MIT communities.
Responsibilities
- Maintain an actionable plan for assigned categories, including sales, inventory, replenishment, merchandising, promotions, markdowns, and seasonal transitions
- Use knowledge of the assigned Harvard or MIT store community to recommend relevant products, services, and local opportunities
- Partner with centralized merchants and category partners while communicating store-level demand, performance, and customer feedback
- Maintain an organized, well-stocked, accurately priced, and visually compelling department
- Provide informed product guidance and ensure the team can serve customers confidently
- Support campus events, academic milestones, product launches, and high-volume periods related to the assigned category
- Direct daily work, coach team members, and follow up on execution
- Act as Manager-on-Duty as assigned and maintain working knowledge across store departments
- Support transactions, cash controls, receiving, inventory counts, loss prevention, safety, and opening or closing routines
Requirements
- 2+ years of retail, buying, merchandising, or related experience preferred
- Previous leadership or keyholder experience preferred
- Strong customer service, organization, merchandising, analytical, and communication skills
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a deadline-driven environment
- Flexible availability, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and peak academic periods
- Ability to remain standing and move throughout the store for extended periods
- Ability to frequently communicate with customers, team members, and business partners
- Ability to operate point-of-sale, inventory, and other retail technology systems
- Ability to occasionally lift and move merchandise and supplies up to 50 pounds and use ladders safely
About the Company
Lids Sports Group brings sports, fashion, culture, and collegiate pride together through licensed products and retail experiences. LidsU extends this expertise into campus and university retail, serving communities like Harvard and MIT.
