Campus Retail Leader for The COOP (Harvard/MIT)

Lids; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

The COOP stores within Harvard and MIT communities are seeking an executive to lead LidsU’s retail portfolio, driving performance, continuity, and growth across the Harvard and MIT campuses.

You will oversee financial results, store operations, merchandising execution, and partner relationships while guiding talent and culture to deliver a consistent, locally relevant experience that honors LidsU’s heritage.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of progressive multi-unit, high-volume, or complex retail leadership experience preferred.
• Demonstrated ownership of financial performance, talent, operations, merchandising, and customer experience.
• Experience managing institutional, landlord, campus, or strategic partner relationships preferred.
• Strong judgment, communication, analytical, and change-leadership skills.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule and travel among The COOP locations as business needs require.

Responsibilities

• Lead the overall performance, continuity, and long-term growth of The COOP retail portfolio.
• Serve as the senior day-to-day operating leader and establish clear priorities across stores and functional teams.
• Build productive relationships while maintaining clear accountability for LidsU retail execution.
• Translate partnership commitments, institutional expectations, and LidsU strategies into actionable operating plans.
• Protect the heritage, reputation, and member-centered identity while advancing a modern retail experience.
• Own sales, profitability, labor, inventory productivity, controllable expenses, and operating standards across the portfolio.
• Coordinate cross-functional support across technology, finance, merchandising, supply chain, marketing, facilities, and category partners.
• Ensure leadership readiness and operational continuity during academic peaks, major events, and high-volume periods.
• Lead, coach, and develop store and functional leaders; establish clear expectations, ownership, and succession plans.

Skills

Retail leadership

Financial performance

Communication

Analytical thinking

Change leadership

Travel flexibility

Tools

POS systems

Inventory software

Job description

The COOP stores within Harvard and MIT communities are seeking an executive to lead LidsU’s retail portfolio, driving performance, continuity, and growth across the Harvard and MIT campuses.

You will oversee financial results, store operations, merchandising execution, and partner relationships while guiding talent and culture to deliver a consistent, locally relevant experience that honors LidsU’s heritage.