Unit Head of Retail, F&B and Events

Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi; Abu Dhabi Emirate; On-site; AED 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player seeks a dynamic Unit Head for its Shops, F&B, and Events Unit. This role is pivotal in ensuring high-quality visitor-centered services that align with the museum’s mission. You'll oversee retail and F&B operations, manage event planning, and enhance visitor engagement. With a strong focus on collaboration, innovation, and operational excellence, this position offers the opportunity to create memorable experiences while driving revenue growth. If you possess leadership skills and a passion for visitor engagement, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in managing retail, F&B, or events.
• Proven track record of delivering exceptional visitor experiences.

Responsibilities

• Oversee retail, F&B, and events operations ensuring high-quality services.
• Collaborate with vendors to enhance visitor experiences and sales performance.
• Manage logistics and execution of events with a focus on visitor satisfaction.

Skills

Leadership

Project Management

Analytical Skills

Budget Management

Team Management

Customer Service

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration

Master’s degree in a related field

Job description

The Shops, F&B, and Events Unit Head oversees the retail, food and beverage (F&B), and events operations at the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi (NHMAD). This role ensures that these areas deliver high-quality, visitor-centered services that align with the museum’s mission and generate revenue to support its operations. The Unit Head collaborates with internal departments and external vendors to create engaging, innovative, and memorable experiences for visitors, ensuring smooth integration of these services into the overall visitor journey.

Key Responsibilities :

Retail Operations Management :

• Oversee the management of museum shops, ensuring product offerings align with the museum’s themes, collections, and visitor interests.
• Collaborate with vendors to source unique, high-quality merchandise, including custom items inspired by exhibitions and collections.
• Drive and monitor sales performance, inventory levels, and merchandising standards, identifying opportunities to optimize revenue and enhance the visitor experience.
• Manage F&B services, ensuring offerings are high-quality, visitor-focused, and aligned with the museum’s brand and sustainability goals.
• Collaborate with F&B vendors to curate exclusive menu options that enhance the visitor experience and reflect the museum’s mission.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and food handling standards across all F&B outlets.
• Work with F&B vendors to drive and monitor sales performance identifying opportunities to optimize revenue.

Event Planning & Execution :

• Oversee the planning and delivery of events, including corporate functions, special programs, and private bookings, ensuring high-quality execution and visitor satisfaction.
• Collaborate with the Public Engagement and Marketing teams to integrate events into the museum’s programming and promotional strategies.
• Manage logistics for events, including vendor coordination, scheduling, and on-site support.
• Drive and monitor sales performance identifying opportunities to optimize revenue and enhance the visitor experience.

Visitor Engagement & Experience :

• Ensure retail, F&B, and event services are seamlessly integrated into the visitor journey, contributing to an exceptional overall experience.
• Use visitor feedback to continuously improve retail, F&B, and event offerings, ensuring they meet the needs and expectations of diverse audiences.
• Lead and mentor the retail, F&B, and events teams, fostering a culture of excellence and innovation.
• Provide training and professional development opportunities for team members to enhance their skills and knowledge.
• Build and maintain relationships with external vendors, ensuring consistent delivery of high-quality services and products.
• Develop and manage budgets for shops, F&B, and events, ensuring cost-effective operations and revenue growth.
• Monitor financial performance, providing regular reports and recommendations for optimisation to senior management.
• Identify new revenue opportunities across retail, F&B, and events, ensuring alignment with the museum’s strategic goals.

Operational Excellence & Compliance :

• Ensure retail, F&B, and event operations comply with local regulations and museum policies.
• Implement and maintain operational standards and procedures to ensure efficiency, consistency, and quality.
• Promote sustainability practices across retail, F&B, and event operations.

Experience & Qualifications :

Education :

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Hospitality Management, Retail Management, or a related field. Master’s degree preferred.

Experience :

• 7+ years of experience in managing retail, F&B, or events, preferably within a museum, cultural institution, or hospitality setting.
• Proven track record of delivering exceptional visitor experiences and managing multidisciplinary teams.

Skills :

• Strong leadership and team management abilities, with a focus on collaboration and innovation.
• Excellent project management and organisational skills, with the ability to oversee multiple priorities.
• Strong analytical skills, with experience in budget management and financial reporting.
• Proficiency in English is required; knowledge of Arabic or additional languages is an advantage.

Seniority level

• Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Sales and Other
• Museums, Historical Sites, and Zoos and Museums