Director, Retail and Product Licensing

Lucas Museum of Narrative Art•Los Angeles, CA

31d•$150,000 - $180,000

About The Position

The Lucas Museum is sharply focused on creating a superior and inclusive experience for all our visitors. The Retail and Product Licensing Director has a key leadership role in achieving this objective. The LMNA retail and licensing team are responsible for product development, sales, e-commerce, external retailer relationships and creating an exceptional service led retail offer within the museum. The Director will lead them to maximize growth and revenue in support of the goals and objectives of the museum. The Director will additionally work with a range of external partners to secure licensing deals that reflect the excellence of the Museum, and in maximizing revenue for the Museum. Leading the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art retail and licensing departments, the Director will assume responsibility for the retail stores and licensing initiatives in all forms. The Director is tasked with formulating strategies, overseeing merchandising programs, and directing daily programs to bolster retail sales. An experienced professional with initiative and entrepreneurial skills, the Director will ensure that the retail environment and product offer activates the customer’s desire to buy, and to gain and increase customer loyalty. The Director will be responsible for maximizing revenue by selling merchandise through other retail outlets, raising revenues for and extending the brand of the Museum. The Director is fully responsible for all retail and licensing operations, operating within the mission of the Museum. The Retail and Product Licensing Director will lead the strategic development and implementation of the Museum’s long-term retail and licensing vision and short-term objectives, ensuring alignment with the Museum’s broader mission and strategic plan. The Director will set and meet retail and licensing revenue goals and profitability. The Director will be responsible for monitoring customer preferences and in determining the focus of sales strategies, including price schedules and discounts. The Director will use data to manage actively the SKU’s to maximize revenue for the Museum. The Director will lead both the retail and licensing teams in recruitment, coaching, innovation, and continuous learning. The shops are a major touch-point for the visitor, and the Director will create an environment that is inviting and accessible for visitors and will train staff and model the behaviors that will result in the highest level of customer engagement and satisfaction.

Requirements

5+ years of experience in a leadership role in a retail environment
Demonstrable experience in licensing, brand management and product development
Financial and strategic operational planning ability
Experience in managing and motivating staff of both senior and entry levels
Demonstrated commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility and Belonging in hiring, staffing, management, training and leaderships practices
Strong commitment to and demonstrated ability to use data and experimentation to drive net profits and improve visitor experience
Ability to influence and engage direct reports and peers
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Demonstrated ability to collaborate with colleagues across the Museum
Strong organizational and problem-solving skills
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Innovative thinker, with a track record for translating strategic thinking into action plans and output
Solid strategic planning, organizational, and project management skills
Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines

Nice To Haves

Experience in running an international licensing program is a plus

Responsibilities

Oversee the daily operations of the retail and licensing departments
Develop and implement new initiatives in line with department and Museum objectives
Work closely with other departments within the museum to ensure that the Museum's overall mission and goals are met
Use data, experimentation, and visitor feedback continuously to improve the retail experience, manage SKU’s and drive net profits. This is an essential element of the position and the ultimate success of the Museum
Actively manage and monitor the Museum’s retail and licensing budgets: revenue and expenses
Ensure profitability through effective pricing strategies, cost controls and sales promotions, and experimentation
Develop and implement strategies for marketing to promote the retail and licensing operations and drive sales
Ensure that the LMNA stores offer the highest standard of customer service and engagement, from product selection to placement, visual merchandising, to post-purchase support
Establish rapport with licensing partners and ensuring that licensing deals are appropriate and meet the Museum’s mission as well as ensuring revenue, and the broader promotion of the Museum
Use sales data, customer feedback and market trends to inform the overall buying plan and product strategies
Actively manage SKU’s, using data to continually shift the mix of product and drive net profits
Oversee the Museum’s e-commerce management, ensuring a seamless online shopping experience from selection to check out
As part of the Museum’s e-commerce management, actively use data to dynamically change the offering and experiment with new product lines
Develop and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, artists, and artisans, negotiating favorable terms and ensuring the timely delivery of quality products
Post-opening, continuously refine the practices, hiring, retention and training. The sales staff needs deeply to understand that they are the ambassadors for the Museum. All visitors should feel welcome
Actively champion the Museum’s commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility and Belonging in hiring, in sourcing and in connection with visitors