Store Operations Director @ Georgia Aquarium

Event Network•Atlanta, GA

10d

About The Position

The Store Operations Director partners with the General Manager to lead daily operations at the Georgia Aquarium Gift Shops, drive financial performance, develop talent, and deliver exceptional guest experiences. This highly visible, hands-on, guest-facing leadership role requires an active presence on the sales floor. The Director monitors daily operations, directs and coaches team members in real time, ensures guest service, and maintains consistent sales, merchandising, and operational standards. In partnership with the General Manager, the Director works toward sales, per-capita spending, EBITDA, payroll, inventory, and expense goals while building and retaining a high-performing team. The ideal candidate has managed high-volume retail operations generating $10 million–$15 million or more in annual sales and has multi-unit retail leadership experience.

Requirements

At least five years of retail management experience, with demonstrated responsibility for store operations, team leadership, and financial performance.
Proven experience managing high-volume retail operations generating $10 million–$15 million or more in annual sales.
Multi-unit retail leadership experience and the ability to drive results, develop leaders, and maintain operational consistency across multiple locations or business units.
Strong understanding of retail financial performance, including sales, EBITDA, payroll, operating expenses, inventory, and shrink.
Demonstrated success in merchandising, sales growth, labor management, and operational execution.
Proven ability to recruit, coach, motivate, and retain high-performing teams.
Strong guest service and sales leadership skills, including the ability to maintain a visible sales-floor presence, monitor daily execution, and coach team members in real time.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, and Outlook.
Ability to analyze sales reports, track budgets and performance metrics, prepare business documents, and communicate effectively.
Experience with point-of-sale systems, retail reporting tools, inventory management systems, and workforce scheduling platforms.
Strong analytical, interpersonal, communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, high-traffic retail environment while managing competing priorities.
Open availability to meet business needs, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and peak attendance periods.
A growth mindset and commitment to continuous improvement, adaptability, and developing personal and team capabilities.
Ability to challenge the status quo, embrace change, learn from setbacks, and turn new ideas into strategies that strengthen business results and elevate the guest experience.

Responsibilities

Maintain an active, visible presence on the sales floor and lead daily execution to keep the store guest-ready throughout operating hours.
Monitor team performance, guest engagement, staffing coverage, merchandising, cleanliness, and overall store conditions in real time.
Direct, coach, and support Assistant Directors, Sales Leads, and team members to meet service expectations, sales goals, and operational standards.
Engage with guests, model exceptional service, and promptly and professionally resolve escalated concerns.
Adjust team deployment and priorities based on guest traffic, business volume, and operational needs.
Conduct floor walks and communicate priorities, performance expectations, and follow-up actions.
Partner with the General Manager to achieve sales, per-capita, EBITDA, payroll, inventory, and expense targets.
Monitor daily sales results and key performance indicators, identifying ways to improve conversion, average transaction value, and sales productivity.
Use hands-on coaching to develop selling behaviors, product knowledge, suggestive selling, and effective merchandising.
Manage staffing and labor deployment in line with guest traffic and business needs while maintaining service standards.
Review performance trends and implement strategies to improve profitability and operational efficiency.
Recruit, train, coach, and develop Assistant Directors, Sales Leads, and team members.
Set clear expectations, give real-time feedback, recognize strong performance, and address performance gaps promptly.
Position team members to support guest needs, sales opportunities, and daily operational priorities.
Foster an inclusive environment focused on teamwork, accountability, and continuous development.
Partner with the General Manager and HR on employee relations and performance matters.
Maintain merchandise presentation, replenishment, promotional execution, and store recovery standards.
Monitor inventory availability, stockroom support, cash-handling procedures, and loss prevention practices.
Support register operations, including returns, price overrides, and other authorized transactions, as needed.
Identify and resolve operational issues quickly to minimize disruption to guest experience and business performance.
Partner with the General Manager, Georgia Aquarium representatives, and internal support teams to execute business priorities and improve results.
Communicate daily performance, operational concerns, staffing needs, and business opportunities to Store Leadership.
Maintain strong working relationships and ensure timely follow-up on operational and team-related matters.