Director of Retail (Full-Time)

Description

Why Cheekwood?

Working at Cheekwood Estate & Gardens offers you the opportunity to work for one of the most beautiful places in Nashville. Formerly the home of Mabel and Leslie Cheek, Cheekwood now serves the public as a botanical garden, arboretum, and museum with period rooms and art galleries. At Cheekwood, you will have the opportunity to explore a wide range of roles tailored to your skills and interests. Whether you are passionate about horticulture, art curation, historical preservation, or one of our many other career opportunities, you would have the chance to thrive and make a meaningful impact here. Working in such a place that cherishes its rich history, vibrant art scene, and serene gardens offers a unique blend of fulfillment and inspiration. You will find yourself in a supportive environment where every day brings new opportunities for personal and professional growth, amidst the backdrop of picturesque setting.

What does the Cheekwood Retail Team do and why join? 

At Cheekwood, the retail team oversees the operations of three gift shops on the property. The Garden Shop sells gardening tools, décor, and children's items. The Museum Shop is located inside the Historic Mansion & Museum, selling jewelry, books, and gift items. The Holiday Shop, open during Holiday Lights, is a high-volume shop selling holiday merchandise and s’mores kits for use outside at the nearby firepits. 

What will you be doing?

The Director of Retail is responsible for overseeing the sales and operations of all gift shops, as well as the strategic direction and execution of merchandising and product development for Cheekwood. This role involves ensuring that the product assortment aligns with customer demands and market trends while also working closely with the marketing team to design campaigns that drive sales and enhance brand awareness. This role must regularly analyze sales data, customer feedback, and market conditions to refine product offerings and pricing strategies. Additionally, they collaborate with suppliers and vendors to ensure the timely delivery of high-quality products. Leadership and communication are also key aspects of the Director of Retail's role. This includes providing training and development opportunities to the retail staff to enhance performance and customer service. The Director fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration empowering their team to achieve operational excellence and stay ahead of industry trends. The focus of this role is maximizing profitability, elevating the customer experience, and driving overall business growth.

Merchandising, Marketing & Product Development

• Maintain high merchandising values which reflect the image of Cheekwood. 
• Work in conjunction with the marketing department to develop an advertising or promotional plan which will maximize retail sales including displays, exterior signage, interior signage and visitor and member materials and communications.
• Develop a merchandising plan for each shop/season which enhances product presentation and makes the stores easy and desirable places to shop.
• Research and recommend new products to the Chief Operating Officer.
• Purchase the following wholesale product categories: Apparel, Gift, Accessories, Home Décor, Garden and Logo Merchandise.
• Design and source Cheekwood logo merchandise as well as exhibit/event custom merchandise.
• Identify and cater to key/core constituents.
• Manage stock levels and make key decisions about stock control.
• Work with program staff to develop and/or select specialized merchandise that ties to exhibits.
• Organize special promotions, displays and events. 
• Maintain store premises and grounds in such a manner that they represent a positive image of Cheekwood to the public.
• Maintain online product inventory by creating product descriptions and imagery for online merchandise. 
• Manage all aspects of online website and order fulfillment. 

 Customer Service 

•  Instill in your employees the meaning and importance of customer service.
• Promote and monitor quality of service among staff through training and acting as a positive role model.
• Be personally available to all customers to identify their needs and address their questions or concerns. 
• Ensure standards for quality, customer service and health and safety are defined and met consistently.
• Respond to customer complaints and comments.
• Tour the shops regularly, talking to staff and customers and identifying or resolving urgent issues.
• Educate team on Cheekwood history, events, and general informa