Retail Operations Manager

Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium, 730 W. Sunshine, Springfield, Missouri, United States of America

Posted Tuesday, July 14, 2026 at 4:00 AM

SSA Group at Wonders of Wildlife is looking for a talented Retail Operations Manager to join our team!

Retail Operations Manager

Who are we :

For more than 50 years, SSA has partnered with cultural attractions to design the hospitality experience journey, freeing our partners to remain mission-focused.

We bring together admissions, culinary, and retail with innovation and human connection to shape a seamless guest journey.

Our focus is on people, innovation, and operational intelligence as a means to create special moments with lasting impact. We call it 452 Hospitality, the foundation of how we serve our partners and their communities.

Position Title: Retail Operations Manager

Reports to: General Manager

• Show dynamic leadership ability and motivate staff to exceed expectations of the customer and our client.
• Ensure your department’s team is set with the operation in mind: hire & recruit for new talent, integrate new team members, supervise assigned personnel, evaluate performance, develop, coach, issue documentation, and manage employee exits.
• Builds & develops department’s leadership team, pushing for innovative performance, leadership through positive coaching and challenging.
• Develop training programs to train, motivate, and mentor employees.
• Remain knowledgeable of and manages in accordance with applicable local, state and federal laws.
• Maintain a clean, safe and organized work environment.
• Uphold and demonstrate a complete understanding of company policies and procedures
• Maintain a strong positive relationship with the client.
• Maintain communication with the buyer and vendors.
• Perform the steps of SSA EXTRA Guest Service to ensure a memorable experience for every guest and client. Set expectations for department under EXTRA Guest Service.
• Ensure all cash handling procedures are in effect at all times. Troubleshoot and maintain POS functionality for daily operation or as necessary.
• Manage POS and back-end data system.
• Oversee proper logistics of product distribution among all shop(s) and/or carts.
• Oversee cleanliness of all shop(s) and displays.
• Ensure all cash handling procedures are in effect at all times.
• Ensure all company merchandise presentation standards are met to maximize sales. Merchandise product to maximize sales.
• Ensure sales are maximized through having the right product and communicating inventory opportunities to the Retail Operations Manager and Buyer.
• Oversee stock and display product in shops. Oversee completion of daily "Shop List" as necessary.
• Facilitate the maintenance and repair of the retail facility and equipment as necessary.
• Develop warehousing plan to assure easy access and accountability of merchandise.
• Ensure deliveries of merchandise are received and processed.
• Oversee inventory of product and place orders as needed in conjunction with your buyer.
• Manage all operational functions of the Retail Department; inclusive of inventory process as set by business standard.
• Process invoices so that all vendors are paid within terms.
• Merchandise product to maximize sales.
• Report daily, weekly, and monthly sales through an internal Ledger.
• Increase sales by promotion items or suggestive selling and instill this within all staff members.
• Prepare operational reports and analyses setting forth progress, trends and make appropriate recommendations.
• Analyze sales and inventory to maximize opportunities.
• Manage payroll and controllable profit within established guidelines. Meet payroll budget percent expectations by being strategic with coverage, on-call shifts, etc.
• Schedule appropriate staff levels in accordance with budget and business forecast.
• Set precedent to achieve Sales, Per Cap & Controllable Budget.
• Supports unit in being an example for Company & Client guidelines with regard to Sustainability/Conservation efforts. Displays knowledge of efforts in business application as well as giving adequate opportunity for teaching to unit staff as necessary.
• Supports SSA / Unit in driving community effort through hiring efforts, engagement activities, and focus on opportunities of giving back.
• Perform other tasks as deemed necessary.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to articulate to our client, General Manager, Buyer and HQ