Manager - Cafe' & Store Experiences

Sanrio, Inc.; Torrance (CA); Hybrid; USD 95,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance (100% paid)

Employee assistance program

Flexible spending account

Life insurance

Paid time off

Parental leave

Vision insurance

Job summary

Sanrio, Inc. is seeking a Manager, Cafés & Store Experiences in Torrance, CA. The role oversees café and store operations across locations, builds partnerships with operators, vendors, and internal teams, and drives growth through new openings and campaigns.

The ideal candidate brings 5+ years in food/retail/hospitality, strong analytics, and excellent communication. This hybrid role requires in-office collaboration in Torrance and travel up to 30%.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Hospitality, Food Service, Culinary Arts, or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of experience in food, consumer products, retail, hospitality, or related industries.
• Experience managing projects, budgets, timelines, and resources.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to travel up to 30% annually, including weekends and overnight trips.

Responsibilities

• Own and oversee café and store operations support across multiple locations.
• Build and nurture relationships with café operators, store owners, vendors, and external partners.
• Analyze business performance, sales trends, KPIs, and forecasting opportunities.
• Lead new location openings, launches, events, and activations from concept to execution.
• Develop creative programs that increase brand awareness and drive business growth.
• Partner with Creative and Marketing teams on campaigns and store assets.

Skills

Relationship building

Strategic thinking

Analytical

Communication

Organization

Project management

Negotiation

Team collaboration

Adaptability

Travel readiness

Vendor management

Education

Bachelor's degree (Business, Marketing, Hospitality, Food Service, Culinary Arts, or equivalent)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Airtable

Adobe Suite

Job description

Sanrio is the global lifestyle brand best known for pop icon Hello Kitty. We’re also home to an endearing cast of characters, including the #1 fan favorite (2 years running!) Pompompurin, alongside Cinnamoroll, Pochacco, Kuromi, and many more. Since 1960, our “small gift, big smile” philosophy has inspired a World of delight, where even the tiniest token can spark happiness and an enduring connection.

Do you love creating magical guest experiences, building strong partnerships, and bringing brands to life? Are you equal parts strategic thinker, relationship builder, project manager, and brand champion?

If so, we may have the sweetest opportunity for you!

We're looking for a Manager, Cafés & Store Experiences to help lead and grow our Café and Retail business, working closely with licensed partners, store owners, and internal teams to create unforgettable customer experiences inspired by the world of Sanrio!

What You'll Do

As a key member of our Events & Experiences team, you'll:

• Own and oversee café and store operations support across multiple locations.
• Build and nurture relationships with café operators, store owners, vendors, and external partners.
• Analyze business performance, sales trends, KPIs, and forecasting opportunities.
• Lead new location openings, launches, events, and special activations from concept to execution.
• Develop creative programs that increase brand awareness and drive business growth.
• Partner with Creative and Marketing teams on campaigns, store assets, seasonal updates, and unique location experiences.
• Coordinate menu launches, tastings, merchandise approvals, and product development initiatives.
• Mentor and support team members while fostering collaboration and growth.
• Serve as a liaison with Japan HQ and cross-functional internal teams.
• Ensure every café and store reflects the magic, quality, and standards of the Sanrio brand.

What Makes You a Great Fit

We're looking for someone who is:

• Outgoing, enthusiastic, and relationship driven.
• Ambitious, resourceful, and excited to grow a business.
• Strategic and analytical with strong problem-solving skills.
• Highly organized and comfortable managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• An excellent communicator who can confidently collaborate, negotiate, and navigate challenging conversations.
• Comfortable working independently while thriving as part of a team.
• Flexible and adaptable in a fast-paced environment.
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Hospitality, Food Service, Culinary Arts, or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of experience in food, consumer products, retail, hospitality, or related industries.
• Experience managing projects, budgets, timelines, and resources.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Experience working with vendors, suppliers, contracts, and external partners.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Airtable, Adobe Suite, and related business tools.
• Ability to travel up to 30% annually, including occasional weekends and overnight trips.
• Comfortable with hands-on physical work when needed.
• A love for Sanrio characters and the Sanrio brand.
• Knowledge of pop culture and consumer trends.

Why You'll Love This Role

You’ll have the opportunity to help shape memorable experiences for fans around the world while collaborating with passionate teams, beloved partners, and one of the most iconic lifestyle brands on the planet.

If you’re ready to combine business strategy, creativity, hospitality, retail, and a little bit of kawaii magic, we’d love to hear from you!

Please note that this is a hybrid position - not remote. You MUST have your own transportation and be able to come into our Torrance office at least twice per week to collaborate with the team.

Salary: $95k-$100k per year

Health Insurance (100% paid)

Employee assistance program

Flexible spending account

Life insurance

Paid time off

Parental leave

Vision insurance