Lead, Retail Operations

RISD - Rhode Island School of Design; United States; On-site; USD 42,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

Rhode Island School of Design is seeking a Retail Lead to support daily operations of its campus stores. You'll lead shift teams, manage cashiering, stocking, and product presentation while ensuring service excellence and safety compliance.

The role emphasizes collaboration with leadership, problem solving, and clear communication to maintain an engaging customer experience.

Qualifications

• 3+ years retail experience with at least 1 year in leadership.
• Strong customer service, product knowledge, and visual presentation skills.
• Ability to operate POS and inventory systems.
• English proficiency; multilingual preferred.
• Experience with art supplies preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support the store shift team, including opening/closing procedures.
• Hands-on cashiering, stocking, cleaning and problem solving during shifts.
• Ensure product availability, labeling and store presentation.
• Manage end-of-shift reports and address pricing or scanning issues.
• Train new staff on POS and PCI safety standards.
• Support eCommerce inquiries, order fulfillment and replenishments.

Skills

Retail leadership

Cashier operations

POS systems

Inventory management

Customer service

Team coordination

Education

High School Diploma

Tools

POS systems

Job description

Job Summary The Retail Lead role is instrumental in supporting the daily operations and overall success of RISD`s independent retail stores. This position ensures shift preparedness, product availability, presentation, and customer service meet established standards. The ideal candidate will be knowledgeable about the needs of an arts and design community and foster a cohesive and effective shift through clear communication, problem-solving, and regular check-ins with team members and leadership.

Essential Functions/Duties: Is an active member of the store's shift team. Responsible for hands‑on cashiering, stocking, cleaning and problem solving associated with shifts. Executes opening and/or closing procedures, documents any related information for reference. Performs physical walk‑throughs to ensure that the venues and team are ready to welcome guests and maintain continuity of experience throughout the shift. In the absence of Assistant Manager, delegates work assignments, conducts pre‑shift meetings prior to service, problem‑solves, and communicates relevant shifts happening via established communication channels. Ensures proper operational supplies are available, instructs staff on POS, ensures cashier stands are set up and hardware is working, assists with end‑of‑shift reports, and reports any scanning or pricing issues. Ensures standardized procedures and checklists are used consistently & correctly. Supports the eCommerce inquiries, order fulfillment and distribution. Submits buyer‑approved order replenishments to vendors via established systems, by phone and/or email, adhering to appropriate procedures. Assists with taking inventory counts, maintaining and ordering of supplies as needed and as directed. Assists with receiving and maintaining storage areas. Proficient in utilizing all features associated with POS technology, addresses issues promptly following established recovery procedures. Participates in the training of new staff on POS to ensure consistent outcomes. Complies with PCI standards for system usage. Assist the buyers as assigned. Ensures orders are processed and fulfilled through various customer ordering platforms throughout its shift, as needed. Monitors waste and supply usage, and makes recommendations to streamline and standardize practices. Monitors to ensure best practices in theft control and product security. Ensures all merchandise on the sales floor and stockroom are accurately labeled, in their designated locations and well stocked.

Shift Support: Monitors daily performance and productivity of staff and ensures compliance with established break and meal times. As assigned, assists with orientation and onboarding training of new employees in a timely and efficient manner. Provides constructive feedback. Provides clear direction to staff working in stores to ensure the highest level of service. Assists in supporting day‑to‑day marketing activities. Maintains visual merchandising and product presentation. Assists students and guests with special requests and special needs. Monitors that policies and procedures are being followed. Promptly brings inquiries, concerns, and issues to the supervisor. Prepares for and assists with the preparation and execution of events, including setup, coordination, and on‑site support. Provides coverage assistance to support scheduling anomalies. Participates in the POS ongoing training to ensure consistent outcomes. Provides exceptional customer service by addressing customer inquiries and resolving issues promptly and effectively. Models a professional demeanor at all times, ensuring a welcoming environment for customers. Handles customer complaints with empathy and efficiency, ensuring customer satisfaction and retention. Seeks feedback from customers and staff to continuously improve service delivery and enhance the overall customer experience. Collaborates with team members to ensure seamless service using best practices for customer interactions. Ensures a safe work environment by addressing safety concerns to eliminate safety hazards; investigates and reports incidents; enforces safety work rules and procedure. Maintains cleaning standards for retail. Performs housekeeping tasks including cleaning jewelry, shelving, countertops, back‑stock area, tidying work area, vacuuming floor, etc. Knows, understands and communicates emergency procedures for assigned areas. Ensures staff have and are using all required protective safety items.

Supports through actions and words a work environment where all perspectives and circumstances are met with respect, fairness and dignity. Identifies and provides input to and/or revise programs, services, policies and practices to create inclusive campus environments. Participates in training focusing on developing skills to build working relationships with people of all group identities, perspectives, and circumstances. Influences retail programs by staying current in industry standards, trends and customer preferences. Provides coverage as needed across various retail operations. Performs other duties as directed.

Education/Experience Requirements: High School Diploma or equivalent work experience. A minimum of 3 years retail experience, with a minimum of 1 year of leadership experience. Experience with art supplies preferred. Strong background in retail service: product knowledge, presentation, and service. Ability to read and write in English. Multilingual preferred. Practicing artists with practical knowledge of materials application preferred. Experience working with POS systems and inventory management systems. Experience with receiving, purchasing & inventory management systems preferred. Valid driver's license preferred. Required to take RISD PCI compliance class.

Job Qualifications/Specifications: Leads by example, demonstrating knowledge, teamwork, strong communication, and collaboration skills. Ability to plan, assign, and direct others in work activities. Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, to collaborate with team members and provide feedback. Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment, handle multiple tasks, and prioritize responsibilities. Strong organizational and problem‑solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to meet firm deadlines. Serves as a collaborative team member, and establishes productive working relationships. The ability to work independently in alignment with established standards, a high level of accountability and a sense of urgency.

Union No Work Schedule Nights and weekend shifts may be required. Specific schedules will be discussed with candidates at time of interview.

Employment Status 12-month; Full-Time; Exempt Grade 815NE

RISD recognizes inclusion and belonging as fundamental to its learning and working community and integral to an art and design education. We welcome candidates whose experience has prepared them to contribute to this community and to our commitment to excellence.

RISD is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, or any other protected characteristic as established by law.

For internal use only - Job Family:Sales

Rhode Island School of Design is a nonprofit college and museum founded in 1877 in Providence, RI — one of the first art and design schools in the US. Our students engage in rigorous, studio‑based learning and liberal arts studies. By cultivating expansive and elastic thinking, RISD equips artists, designers and scholars to generate and challenge the ideas that shape our world.

Find out much more about RISD at risd.edu/about.