Sr. Manager, Retail

How You’ll Contribute

The Sr. Manager, Retail reports to the Sr. Director, Hospitality & Retail as part of the Operations team within the Campus & Experiences Division. The Sr. Manager, Retail plans, organizes, and executes activities to optimize operational processes, analyze business performance, drive sales and enhance the Museum of Exploration Shop experience to meet the objectives of the Society's overall retail strategy.

The National Geographic Society headquarters, based in Washington, D.C., is undergoing a significant renovation project on its campus (called Base Camp). In 2026, we are opening the Museum of Exploration, featuring a state-of-the-art pavilion entrance, auditorium, iconic photo gallery, exhibition space, immersive walk-through attraction, retail, food and beverage, education center, archives, tours, and exciting new event space. The capstone of the renovation is a one-of-a-kind nighttime experience in the courtyard.

Your Impact

Responsibilities Include:

Consumer Products and Visual Merchandise Planning (20%) 

• Execution of visual merchandising strategy in coordination with Shop Manager to ensure timely placement of products and in-store signage to align with marketing calendar and maximize revenue

• Lead internal department purchasing process including sourcing, procurement, and invoice tracking

• Assist Sr. Director of Retail in consumer product development, vendor relationship management, and purchase order submittals 

Museum Shop Visitor Experience and Execution (20%) 

• Set the in-shop visitor experience strategy and performance standards in accordance with the Museum of Exploration Service Principles

• Manage inventory levels and assess item sales pace to make recommendations for sales promotions and closeout strategy

• Track KPIs and sales targets through daily, weekly, and monthly reporting to meet departmental revenue goals

• Set daily operations procedures for the store team to maintain safe clean environment for team execution and optimal visitor experience

​Receiving, Quality Control, and Replenishment (20%) 

•  Oversee the merchandise receiving process to ensure POS accuracy, audit accountability, and inventory management

• Maintain inventory, receiving, and operational reports monthly – submitting to the finance by defined end of month date

• Assess the quality of products received to ensure NGS artwork, sampling, and brand standards are being executed as specified

• Monitor in-stock levels for both the Shop and Retail Warehouse to generate re-orders and internal product transfers

• Establish and manage appropriate control procedures to protect NG assets

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National Geographic Live, Traveling Exhibitions, and Off-Campus Events (20%)

• Lead the buildout, staffing, and execution of NG Live and Off-Campus Events

• Generate B2B sales for traveling exhibition product lines, working with host venues to execute contract, assist with merchandise fulfillment and re-orders

• Select merchandise, create visual plans, and coordinate logistics for National Geographic Live and Off Campus Events/Pop-Up Shops

• Partner with NG Live Tour Manager to connect with venues to execute contract terms for merchandise sales including generating inventory sheets, invoices, and sales tracking

Team Leader (20%)

• Model and ensure a culture of exceptional service, proactive planning, and enthusiastic collaboration across Retail operations.

• Recruit, hire, and train Retail  management and supervisor team members

• Maintain a culture of learning and staff development, facilitating opportunities to further education and participation in the Society’s development programs.

• Coordinate monthly schedules  retail management and supervisors and approve time off requests in accordance with the Society’s Annual Leave Policy

• Appraise staff performance and lead goal setting process for Retail management and supervisors 

Educational Background

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Minimum Years and Type of Experience

7+ years of work experience and 3+ years of management experience preferably in a museum or visitor attraction retail setting

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