Director of Operations

Princeton University Retail; Princeton (NJ); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Princeton University Retail is looking for a dedicated Director of Operations in Princeton, New Jersey, to ensure day-to-day operational consistency and create a foundation for growth. The successful candidate will establish comprehensive operating standards and manage a wide range of operational responsibilities in a dynamic retail environment.

This role requires 5 to 7+ years of experience in retail or business operations, alongside a robust understanding of omnichannel retail management. The position offers a hands-on leadership opportunity to drive operational success across physical and ecommerce platforms.

Qualifications

• 5 to 7+ years of experience in retail operations, store operations, or business operations.
• Experience in multi-unit or multi-location retail environments.
• Strong systems and digital fluency.

Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain clear operating standards across all retail channels.
• Lead store organization for operational accountability.
• Support store teams to improve workflows and documentation.

Skills

Retail operations management

Omnichannel operations

Process improvement

Problem-solving

Team coordination

Tools

ERP systems

POS systems

Operational tools

Job description

Princeton University Store is an independent retail business serving students, alumni, families, faculty, staff, and visitors through physical stores, pop‑up retail, and ecommerce. We are seeking a hands‑on Director of Operations to develop day‑to‑day operational consistency across the business and help build a reliable foundation for growth.

Reporting to the Chief Financial and Operating Officer, this role is responsible for establishing operating standards, process discipline, and follow‑through across stores, ecommerce, fulfillment, customer service, pop‑up readiness, and the administrative infrastructure that supports the business. Direct reports are the General Manager, Stores, who is responsible for day‑to‑day store execution, Ecommerce Fulfillment, and Support.

This is a practical, highly involved leadership role for someone who is organized, accountable, systems‑oriented, and comfortable managing a wide range of operational responsibilities in a lean environment. Success in this role requires strong blocking and tackling, disciplined follow‑through, and the ability to bring greater structure, ownership, and consistency to the everyday operational work of the business.

Key Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain clear operating standards across stores, ecommerce, fulfillment, customer service, returns, and pop‑up retail.
• Lead the store organization through the General Manager, Stores to support consistent execution, service expectations, and operational accountability.
• Direct ecommerce, fulfillment, and customer service, ensuring strong coordination across all commerce channels.
• Support store teams to improve workflows, documentation, process discipline, and operational follow‑through, such as receiving, stock room organization, cycle counting, and annual inventory.
• Support company‑wide adoption of efficient systems, tools, and practical automation where appropriate.
• Coordinate administrative and operational needs, including onboarding logistics, equipment and fixture issues, vendor coordination, operational technology issues, and related follow‑up.
• Serve as an operational liaison with university contacts, landlords, service providers, and outside partners as needed.
• Ensure operational issues such as equipment needs, vendor in‑store requirements, employee access requests, and store support needs are clearly owned and resolved.

Qualifications

• 5 to 7+ years of experience in retail operations, store operations, or business operations.
• Experience in multi‑unit or multi‑location retail environments.
• Experience supporting omnichannel operations, including ecommerce fulfillment, customer service, returns, and post‑purchase processes.
• Strong process, follow‑through, and problem‑solving skills.
• Strong systems and digital fluency, including comfort with ERP, POS, shipping, and related operational tools.
• Ability to coordinate across teams, vendors, and service providers in a fast‑moving environment.