Store Manager, Retail & Store Manager

About This Role

This Store Manager position involves overseeing the daily performance of an assigned campus store, including sales, customer experience, people leadership, operations, merchandising, inventory, and local campus relationships. The role ensures the store adheres to LidsU operating standards while meeting the specific needs of the community it serves, including students, faculty, staff, alumni, members, visitors, and fans of Harvard and MIT.

Responsibilities

• Recruit, onboard, schedule, coach, and develop a customer-focused store team
• Set clear sales, service, task, and operational expectations and follow up consistently
• Plan staffing around the academic calendar, campus events, tourism, promotions, and seasonal peaks
• Address employee needs promptly and partner with Human Resources when additional support is required
• Deliver an inclusive experience for all community members
• Build awareness of campus rhythms, events, traditions, and customer needs to inform service and execution
• Resolve customer concerns promptly and professionally
• Support The COOP membership experience and any Harvard-, MIT-, or store-specific programs, discounts, tenders, and service expectations
• Achieve sales and profitability goals through effective selling, staffing, merchandising, and inventory management
• Oversee emblematic merchandise, trade books, supplies, technology, convenience, gifting, and other assigned categories
• Maintain compelling displays, accurate pricing, strong in-stocks, organized back-of-house areas, and timely product flow
• Partner with centralized merchants and category partners while providing local feedback on assortment and demand
• Manage opening and closing, cash controls, payroll, scheduling, facilities, safety, loss prevention, and store technology
• Maintain accurate inventory through receiving, transfers, markdowns, counts, damages, returns, and audit preparation
• Coordinate readiness for commencement, orientation, reunions, campus events, and other high-volume periods

Requirements

• 5+ years of retail experience with progressive leadership responsibility preferred
• Experience in collegiate, bookstore, specialty, high-volume, or multi-category retail is strongly preferred
• Demonstrated ability to lead people, drive sales, manage inventory, and maintain operating standards
• Strong interpersonal skills and comfort working with campus and community stakeholders
• 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