Assistant Retail Operations Manager

SSA Group USA; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading company as an Assistant Retail Operations Manager at Chicago's Field Museum. This role blends leadership and logistics, focusing on enhancing guest experiences. You'll manage multiple retail locations, oversee staff, and drive sales while promoting sustainability and community engagement.

Benefits

Health, dental, and vision coverage

401(k) with 15% company match

Paid time off & paid sick leave

On-demand pay access

Tuition discounts

Employee meal plans

Qualifications

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Two to three years retail management experience preferred.
• Visual merchandise experience necessary.

Responsibilities

• Motivate staff to exceed customer expectations.
• Develop training programs for employees.
• Analyze sales and inventory to maximize opportunities.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem Solving

Financial Management

Organizational Skills

Education

High School Diploma

Job description

The Field Museum, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America

Job Description

Posted Monday, April 28, 2025 at 6:00 AM

Calling All Retail Rockstars! Run the Show Behind the Scenes at Chicago's Iconic Field Museum
Join SSA Group as our next Assistant Retail Operations Manager and help shape the guest experience at one of Chicago’s most beloved institutions. Enjoy a role that blends leadership, logistics, and legacy — all in one!

Health, dental, and vision coverage

401(k) with 15% company match

Paid time off & paid sick leave

On-demand pay access

Tuition discounts, employee meal plans, and more!

Oversight includes multiple Gift Shop and Gift Kiosk/Carts locations.

Who are we:

SSA Group works with zoos, aquariums, museums, and other cultural attractions on integrating dining, retail, admissions and more. We increase revenue opportunities for partners across the United States. With 50 years in the business, SSA has refined the basics while pioneering better ways forward. With pillars of focus like sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation, SSA is transforming the cultural attraction industry.

SSA was built by families, for families, with a family’s sense of love and de dication. We don’t just rely on the best practices in our industry, we customize best practices for each partner to set the bar higher and higher, always. We do all we can to further the mission of our partners because their guests and the communities they serve, de serve it.

Reports to: Retail Operations Manager

Responsibilities

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.

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

Perform the steps of SSA EXTRA Guest Service to ensure a memorable experience for every guest and client.

Support store leadership in management of all inventory control programs as necessary.

Ensure all company merchandise presentation standards are met to maximize sales.

Complete daily department functions in reporting daily, weekly and monthly sales through an internal Ledger.

Ensure sales are maximized through having the right product and communicating inventory opportunities to the Retail Operations Manager and Buyer.

Ensure all cash handling procedures are in effect at all times. Troubleshoot and maintain POS functionality for daily operation or as necessary.

Oversee cleanliness of all shops and displays.

Issue One-Minute Meeting to team on daily basis.

Forecast daily/weekly sales, complete and maintain sales analysis with respect to controllable costs for department and unit management. Support management of payroll and controllable profit within established budget. Meet & manage department payroll budget expectations by being strategic with scheduling coverage, on-call shifts, etc.

Analyze sales and inventory to maximize opportunities. Identify new ways to generate sales and achieve goals.

Set precedent to achieve Sales, Promo, Per Cap & Controllable Budget.

Promote an inclusive & supportive approach at the Unit.

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.

IDEA + Belonging

Promote an inclusive & supportive approach within the Brand team, with networking continuing at all units.

Focuses on removing barriers and empowering growth and opportunity for team members at all levels.

Leads by example through Sustainability/Conservation efforts; displays knowledge of efforts in business application as well as giving adequate opportunity for teaching to unit staff as necessary.

Engages with SSA/Unit in driving community effort through engagement activities and focus. On opportunities of giving back.

Job Requirements

Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to articulate to our client, Management team, Buyer and HQ personnel.

Proven leadership skills with an understanding of the importance of team building/development, while fostering partnerships.

Exceptional problem solving/decision making skills combined with the ability to be organized.

Demonstrates financial management, merchandising, analytical, and planning skills.

Demonstrates the ability to remain flexible in a fast-paced environment.

Computer knowledge and skill level for basic office functions.

Physical ability to stand for extended periods and to move and handle boxes (35lbs) as necessary to operation, which entails lifting, and perform all functions as set forth above.

Ability to work varied hours/days, including nights, weekends and holidays, as needed.

Previous Experience

Two to Three years Retail Management experience preferred.

Visual Merchandise experience necessary.

All education backgrounds eligible, must be 18 or older.

This is by no means an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts or working conditions associated with this job description. SSA Group reserves the right to revise the job description or to require that other or different tasks are performed when circumstances change (i.e. emergencies, changes in personnel, workload, rush jobs or technological developments)

Compensation and Benefits

• Full-Time, non-exempt.
• Eligible for overtime pay.
• Vacation or Time Away From Work (TAFW) plan: up to 144 hours based on tenure.
• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance and other voluntary benefits for you and your family; employee
• premiums applicable.
• Participation in a 401(k) program with a 15% company match (eligible after one year of employment).
• Up to 120 hours of Paid Leave for qualifying reasons including Parental Leave and yours or your families
• medical conditions.
• Up to 40 hours Paid Bereavement.
• Tuition Discount through Partnership College
• On-Demand Pay Program.
• Meal Plan & Employee Discounts
• Accrued paid sick leave provided in accordance with state law, state/location confirmed in job posting

SSA Group, LLC and its family of companies — including SSA Holdings, A&F Souvenir, and Behavioral Essentials — are equal opportunity employers. Employment for each position is offered through the specific affiliated entity that aligns with the business operation and location of the role. We are committed to diversity and inclusion in all hiring practices and welcome applicants from all backgrounds, recognizing that a diverse team strengthens our impact.

All California Residents: By submitting your job application, you agree you have reviewed the SSA Group California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) Candidate and Employee Privacy Notice ("Notice").

San Francisco Residents: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Please see the "Fair Chance Ordinance - Know Your Rights" documentfor more information. By submitting your job application, you agree you have reviewed the "Fair Chance Ordinance - Know Your Rights" document.

Apply for the Assistant Retail Operations Manager position by 5/12/2025 at thessagroup.com. Applications received after this date may be reviewed based on availability.

The Field Museum, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America