Sr. Manager, Retail Operations

How You’ll Contribute

The National Geographic Society headquarters, based in Washington, D.C., is undergoing a significant renovation project on its campus (called Base Camp), which will be completed in 2026. Components of the new guest experience will include 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.

The Sr. Manager, Retail Operations reports to the Sr. Director, Retail and Food & Beverage as part of the Strategy & Revenue department within the Campus & Experiences Division. The Sr. Manager, Retail Operations 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.

Your Impact

Your Impact

Responsibilities Include:

Consumer Products and Visual Merchandise Planning (30%)

• 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 

Receiving, Quality Control, and Replenishment (30%)

• Lead the product receiving process including receipt of inventory in the Retail POS system, preparing merchandise for store placement, and matching merchandise receivers to purchase orders and invoices in preparation for payment

• 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

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 sale tracking

Team Leader(20%)

• Recruit, hire, and train Retail Warehouse Supervisor(s) and 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 of warehouse staff and approve time off requests in accordance with the Society’s Annual Leave Policy

• Appraise staff performance and lead goal setting process for Retail Warehouse Supervisor and team members

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

Necessary Knowledge and Skills

• Experience in a visitor attraction or museum retail shop or warehouse

• Ability to work nights and weekends as needed

• Understanding of current retail trends

• Ability to analyze sales data with strong business acumen

• Strong written and oral communication skills

• Collaborative mindset and ability to work in a team or group to accomplish a task

• Management and development of people

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suit