Retail Manager - HOTA Gallery

HOTA, Home of the Arts; Gold Coast City; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Exclusive discounts

Empowerment time

Paid parental leave

Wellbeing support

Professional development

Job summary

HOTA, Home of the Arts, is seeking a Retail Manager for the Gallery Shop to lead a small team and oversee daily operations, buying, and product development. You will ensure a high‑quality visitor experience, drive sales, and maintain stock control with a strong branded offer.

The role requires a hands‑on leader with experience in retail budgets, KPI targets, and collaboration with exhibitions and artists. Flexibility for weekends and evenings is expected to support a 7‑day operation.

Qualifications

• At least 3–4 years of experience in senior retail management or buying roles.
• Proven ability to drive sales and store performance through data‑driven decisions.
• Experience leading a small retail team and managing budgets/P&L.
• Strong knowledge of inventory, stock control and visual merchandising.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily store operations to meet KPI targets and ensure smooth workflows.
• Develop shop processes: ordering, pricing, stock control, cash handling and visuals.
• Lead and develop the Retail team to deliver excellent customer service.
• Forecast sales and manage budgets to maximise profitability.
• Source, merchandise and develop products aligned with exhibitions and artist collaborations.

Skills

Senior retail management

Buying experience

Vend POS

Inventory systems

Data-driven decisions

Team leadership

Tools

Vend POS

Inventory systems

Job description

HOTA, Home of the Arts – Surfers Paradise QLD

Experience Gold Coast (EGC) is a single, unified organisation that brings together HOTA (Home of the Arts), Destination Gold Coast, Study Gold Coast and Major Events Gold Coast. Formed in 2023, EGC plays a central role in driving the growth of the city’s visitor economy. EGC plays a pivotal role in supercharging outcomes across tourism, events, arts & culture and education, with a clear objective of positioning the Gold Coast as the lifestyle capital of Australia.

HOTA, Home of the Arts Precinct

This role will be based at HOTA, Home of the Arts. HOTA is an iconic Gold Coast destination where art, entertainment, culture and lifestyle meet. A place that locals love and visitors must-see. HOTA offers a diverse suite of venues and facilities, including a gallery, outdoor stage, indoor theatres and cinemas, function and events rooms, as well as a range of food and beverage venues including the HOTA Café, the rooftop Exhibitionist Bar and three hat Palette Restaurant.

At the heart of HOTA’s identity is a rich and diverse program: live music, theatre, dance, comedy, film, visual art exhibitions, children’s shows, community workshops, and festivals - all taking place across the array of venues.

About the Role

Reporting to the General Manager, HOTA Gallery, the Retail Manager - HOTA Gallery will lead and manage the retail team to meet HOTA’s objectives and sales targets while ensuring the HOTA Shop environment and experience is high quality, innovative and consistently producing excellent results.

The position is responsible for the development, implementation and management of all retail merchandising and budgeting, shop processes and procedures, buying of core and exhibition ranges, overseeing the design, and development and production of bespoke products including a strong HOTA branded retail offer.

As the Manager, HOTA Gallery Shop, you have responsibility for the daily operation of the store to ensure it runs efficiently and smoothly. You will ensure that a visit to the HOTA Shop compliments and contributes to the Gallery visitor experience. You will provide exceptional customer service training to your team.

Availability

The HOTA Gallery is a 7-day operation and you may be required to work some weekends, public holidays and evenings in this role.

Key Responsibilities

Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Manage the daily operation of the store to ensure efficiency, smooth workflows, and achievement of retail KPI targets.
• Develop and implement all shop processes including ordering, pricing, stock control, cash handling, opening/closing, customer service, and visual presentation.
• Lead, roster, recruit, train, and develop a small team of Retail Assistants and a Retail Supervisor to ensure the delivery of excellent customer service and coverage across opening hours.
• Effectively manage store budgets, P&L, costs, and profitability, including sales forecasting for core and exhibition ranges.
• Source, develop, and merchandise products aligned with exhibition programs, collections, and visitor profiles to deliver a strong HOTA-branded retail offer.
• Develop and manage license and consignment agreements for artists and suppliers.
• Create buy plans and range presentations for internal and external stakeholders as required.
• Analyse sales and merchandising performance through reporting and data, making informed decisions on reorders, markdowns, and discontinuations.
• Maintain inventory systems, processing orders, deliveries, returns, and purchases, and conduct biannual stocktakes.
• Contribute to initiatives supporting EGC and HOTA’s commitment to access, inclusion, and diversity.
• Delivering a store experience that is aligned to EGC and HOTA’s mission, vision and visitor experience.
• Undertake other duties consistent with the level of the role, and as requested by the General Manager, HOTA Gallery or Precinct General Manager, HOTA.

What We're Looking For

The ideal candidate is likely to demonstrate all or most of the following:

• At least 3-4 years’ experience in senior retail management or buying roles, with a strong passion and demonstrable knowledge of arts and/or design.
• Proven ability to drive sales and operations to achieve targets, supported by strong commercial acumen and data-driven decision making.
• Demonstrated experience developing products and building effective relationships with suppliers and trade partners.
• Experience leading and managing a small retail team.
• Proficient in Vend POS or similar inventory systems, with strong working knowledge of IT, sales, stock control systems, and accurate management of product data and physical inventory.
• Highly organised with the ability to plan, prioritise, and perform effectively under pressure.
• Collaborative team player with excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Flexible availability to work shifts, including some weekends and public holidays in this role.

Join us in creating unforgettable experiences at Experience Gold Coast!

• Here’s what makes working with us special:
• Be Part of the Action: Work at the heart of the Gold Coast’s thriving arts and culture scene, where creativity and community come together.
• Exclusive Discounts: Enjoy discounts at all Food and Beverage outlets across the HOTA precinct, plus discounted tickets to cinema screenings, events, and activities.
• Empowerment Time: Take four paid days per year dedicated to personal growth and wellbeing.
• Paid Parental Leave: We support our team members with paid leave during this important life stage.
• Wellbeing Support: Access Sonder, our comprehensive team member care and wellbeing service.
• Professional Development: Unlock learning opportunities through our Learning Lab, offering up to 1,000 courses to help you grow and thrive.

Experience Gold Coast values diversity and inclusion. We are dedicated to providing equitable employment opportunities and welcome applications from individuals of all cultures, genders, ages, Australia’s First Nations Peoples, LGBTIQ+ communities, and people with disabilities.