Retail & Cafe Operations Manager

Come join the fun and make a difference with Discovery Cube! For over 25 years, we've been inspiring kids and educators alike with our hands‑on science education initiatives and interactive exhibits. Our four core initiatives - STEM proficiency, early childhood education, healthy living, and environmental stewardship - are future-forward in promoting life‑long‑learning. Plus, with our immersive campuses in Orange County and Los Angeles, as well as our educational outreach programs, there are endless opportunities for learning exploration.

As a prominent advocate for modern science education, we believe in empowering our learners with real‑world applications and spotlighting science as a solution and force for good. Don't miss out on the excitement and join our important mission today!

The Retail & Café Operations Manager is responsible for leading the strategy, operations, and financial performance of Discovery Cube’s Retail Store, with additional oversight of Café operations. This position drives retail sales and profitability through effective merchandising, buying, inventory management, budgeting, forecasting, and vendor management while identifying opportunities to strengthen the guest experience and grow revenue.

The Manager oversees product assortment, pricing, purchasing, inventory controls, visual merchandising, and vendor relationships while using sales and financial data to guide business decisions. This position also provides operational oversight of the Café, including staffing, inventory, cost controls, service standards, and food safety compliance.

The Retail & Café Operations Manager reports to the Director of Operations and works collaboratively with Operations, Finance, Marketing, Programming, and Development teams.

• Lead the day-to-day operations and overall performance of the Retail Store.
• Develop and execute retail strategies to increase sales, profitability, and guest engagement.
• Manage merchandise assortment, product selection, pricing, placement, and visual merchandising.
• Evaluate product performance and sales trends to identify opportunities, adjust product mix, and improve sell-through.
• Develop seasonal merchandise strategies and product offerings that align with Discovery Cube’s exhibits, programs, events, and guest demographics.
• Ensure the Retail Store is organized, fully stocked, visually appealing, and guest‑ready.
• Identify new retail concepts, products, and revenue‑generating opportunities.
• Lead merchandise buying, purchasing, replenishment, and inventory planning for Retail operations.
• Forecast inventory needs based on historical performance, attendance, seasonality, promotions, and anticipated demand.
• Establish and maintain appropriate inventory levels while minimizing excess inventory, shrink, and out‑of‑stock merchandise.
• Analyze sales, inventory turnover, margins, and product performance to inform purchasing decisions.
• Manage high‑volume vendor relationships, including product sourcing, pricing, terms, ordering, delivery, and issue resolution.
• Negotiate vendor pricing and terms to maximize value and profitability.
• Conduct regular inventory audits and oversee bi‑annual physical inventories.
• Maintain accurate inventory records and appropriate purchasing and receiving controls.

• Develop and manage departmental sales goals, budgets, forecasts, and operating plans.
• Monitor sales performance, gross margins, labor costs, inventory levels, and other key financial metrics.
• Analyze financial and operational reports to identify trends, opportunities, and areas requiring corrective action.
• Develop action plans to increase revenue, control expenses, and improve profitability.
• Partner with Marketing to develop seasonal…