GIFT SHOP SUPERVISOR/EXPERT

State of Arkansas•Little Rock, AR

9d•$47,397 - $70,148•Onsite

About The Position

As manager of the Historic Arkansas Museum Store, this position furthers the mission of the museum through product selection and development. The manager will purchase Arkansas-made merchandise for the store, identifying potential business partners and creating relationships with Arkansas's creative community. In addition to maintaining the store's legacy of Arkansas Made, the manager will select additional products that enhance the museum experience by tying in with exhibits and educational programming. The position works within the Community Engagement department to determine priorities, strategies and best practices. The role includes maintaining the store's online presence, scheduling special store events and performing other promotional and marketing duties. The manager supervises, schedules and trains staff, ensuring the store makes the best possible impression on museum visitors. The Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism has three major divisions: Arkansas State Parks, Arkansas Heritage and Arkansas Tourism. Arkansas State Parks manages 52 state parks and promotes Arkansas as a tourist destination for people around the country. Arkansas Heritage preserves and promotes Arkansas’s natural and cultural history and heritage through four historic museums and four cultural preservation agencies. Arkansas Tourism improves the state’s economy by generating travel and enhancing the image of the state.

Requirements

At least two years of experience in retail management, merchandising, hospitality, or a related field, including 6 months in a leadership capacity.
Strong understanding of retail sales, merchandising, and inventory management.
Experience in cash handling, financial reconciliation, and point-of-sale systems.
Ability to develop pricing strategies, promotions, and product placement techniques.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills for interacting with visitors, staff, and vendors.
Strong problem-solving skills to handle customer inquiries, disputes, and complaints professionally.
Experience in supervising, training, and mentoring employees.
Ability to delegate tasks and set clear expectations.
Strong time management and organizational skills to handle multiple responsibilities effectively.
Ability to assess sales data, inventory reports, and customer trends to improve operations.
Strong decision-making skills in retail operations, staffing, and financial management.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of Arkansas tourism, heritage, and cultural products is a plus.

Responsibilities

Oversee daily gift shop operations, ensuring a smooth and efficient shopping experience.
Develop and implement sales strategies to maximize revenue and visitor engagement.
Monitor sales trends and make data-driven decisions to improve product offerings and pricing.
Maintain accurate financial records, process transactions, and prepare sales reports in accordance with state policies.
Manage inventory levels, ordering, and product selection to ensure a well-stocked and diverse gift shop.
Conduct regular stock audits, loss prevention measures, and quality control checks.
Train and supervise staff in customer service best practices, point-of-sale operations, and conflict resolution.
Address customer inquiries, concerns, and feedback in a professional and timely manner.
Develop and promote seasonal or event-based sales, promotions, and product launches to attract customers.
Recruit, train, and oversee gift shop employees and volunteers.
Create work schedules, assign duties, and monitor employee performance and productivity.
Ensure compliance with state policies, workplace safety, and ethical retail practices.
Manage daily cash handling, deposits, and reconciliation following state financial guidelines.
Track sales data, prepare reports, and analyze performance metrics to inform business decisions.
Maintain compliance with state procurement, retail policies, and auditing procedures.
Develop and implement standard operating procedures to improve efficiency and accountability.