Director, Retail NYBG Shop

Director, Retail NYBG Shop

Reports to:

Vice President of Retail + Brand Licensing

The Director, Retail NYBG Shop leads the day-to-day and mid-term strategic management of the NYBG Shop, ensuring it operates as a productive, customer-centered, and financially sound retail business. Reporting to the VP of Retail, E-Commerce & Brand Licensing, the Director translates senior leadership's vision into operational plans, drives performance across the team, and takes ownership of the Shop's commercial results. This role balances strategic thinking with hands-on leadership — overseeing staff, managing budgets, and continuously improving the customer experience while contributing meaningfully to the broader retail growth agenda.

• Develop and execute seasonal and annual operational plans for the NYBG Shop in alignment with the VP's strategic direction and NYBG's institutional goals
• Own the Shop's financial performance, including budget management, expense tracking, sales reporting, and contribution to revenue targets
• Lead markdown strategy, inventory turn, open-to-buy planning, and promotional programming to drive sell-through and margin
• Identify opportunities to grow sales and improve the customer experience, bringing forward recommendations to the VP on product mix, events, and in-store initiatives
• Track and report on key retail metrics, presenting performance insights and action plans to senior leadership on a regular cadence

• Oversee all aspects of shop operations including opening and closing procedures, stockroom and delivery workflows, POS system management, and inventory accuracy
• Ensure all shop spaces are maintained to NYBG's standards — clean, organized, visually compelling, and on-brand at all times — and work to optimize shop zones and product displays (and related Visitor throughput) based on seasons and exhibitions
• Submit and monitor work orders, facilities requests, and vendor coordination to keep operations running smoothly
• Maintain working knowledge of all horticultural and non-horticultural products and ensure that knowledge is reflected across the team
• Manage and develop a team of retail staff and supervisors, including scheduling, performance management, coaching, and professional development
• Address staffing concerns and elevate employee relations matters appropriately in partnership with HR
• Build a team culture grounded in accountability, customer service excellence, and NYBG's values
• Train staff on new systems, products, procedures, and opportunities as the business evolves

• 10+ years of retail experience, with at least 3–4 years in a management role with direct team and budget responsibility
• Proven ability to manage retail operations and contribute to commercial growth goals
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills with experience developing staff at multiple levels
• Comfort working with retail financials — budgets, sales reports, margin, and inventory metrics
• Proficiency in Shopify POS and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Outlook, Word)
• Horticulture knowledge or enthusiasm for garden/botanical retail is a plus
• Flexibility to work rotating weekly schedule, with occasional evenings and holidays per NYBG's programming schedule

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is required to, at minimum, work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions, climb ladders, unload truck deliveries, and lift or move up to 30 pounds.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

35 hours a week;
Monday - Friday, 9-5 and/or 11-7; occasional evenings and/or holidays required based on NYBG’s evening/events schedules.

Commensurate with experience within the range of $93,000-$103,000.

• 20 Vacation Days
• 13 Paid Holidays
• 12 Sick Days
• Health and Dental Insurance Coverage
• 401K
• Pension Plan

EOE