Retail Operations Manager

Founders Connect; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Founders Connect is seeking a hands-on Retail Operations & Office Manager for our first fully owned US store in Columbus, OH. You will oversee daily store operations, manage the adjacent office, handle online and in-store customer inquiries, and support company leadership during US visits.

You will move between customer-facing tasks, store logistics, admin duties, and problem solving, with occasional travel. This role is onsite full-time in Columbus.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of relevant retail/customer-facing experience.
• Willing to work onsite in Columbus full-time with occasional travel.
• Ability to own and manage a physical retail space and related operations.
• Comfortable with cash handling and basic security routines.
• Strong communication with US and international teams.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operation, appearance, and customer experience of the Columbus store.
• Manage office operations and coordinating with vendors/building management.
• Handle customer inquiries via phone/email for orders and availability.
• Support leadership during US visits and travel with executives.

Skills

Retail experience

Customer service

Office management

Executive support

Cash handling

Communication

Tools

POS system

Job description

Our client is a family-owned workwear, safety footwear, and protective equipment manufacturer with a heritage spanning over 70 years. The company is the leading workwear brand in Europe and operates across 29 countries. It is now establishing and growing its presence in the United States, with an expanding retail footprint and a newly opened US headquarters in Columbus, Ohio.

THE OPPORTUNITY

This is a newly created role—the first of its kind for the company in the US. You will manage the company's first fully owned US retail location, integrated into the brand new Columbus headquarters. Your responsibilities span the retail floor, day-to-day office operations, customer service for online and in-store orders, and support for company leadership during US visits. Each week brings different priorities and challenges, making this a dynamic and varied position.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

RETAIL OPERATIONS

• Own the day-to-day operation, appearance, and customer experience of the Columbus retail store. Welcome customers, build product knowledge, and help them find the right gear for their work.
• Process purchases, returns, and exchanges, and maintain merchandising, signage, and stockroom organization. Handle opening and closing procedures, including cash handling and basic security routines.
• Represent the company at select trade shows using the same point-of-sale setup as the store.

OFFICE & ONSITE OPERATIONS

• Keep the adjoining Columbus office running smoothly: manage supplies, ensure meeting rooms are ready, and coordinate with vendors and building management.
• Serve as the onsite point of contact for employees, visitors, vendors, and deliveries.

CUSTOMER SERVICE

• Answer customer phone and email inquiries about orders, products, and availability.
• Manage returns, exchanges, and related tickets through the company's e-commerce systems.

LEADERSHIP & VISIT SUPPORT

• Serve as the primary onsite support person when the CEO or other senior leaders are in the US. Coordinate schedules, transportation, reservations, and meeting logistics, including on short notice.
• Travel with leadership when needed, sometimes for several days at a time.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

• You bring experience in retail, hospitality, or customer-facing roles; office management, customer service, or executive support experience is a plus.
• Around three or more years of relevant experience is preferred.
• You are energized by working directly with customers and take real ownership of a physical space, rather than waiting to be told what to do.
• You are comfortable moving between customer-facing work, store operations, administrative tasks, and hands‑on problem solving in the same day.
• You are organized, detail-oriented, and trustworthy with cash, company property, and sensitive information. You communicate clearly and work well with colleagues and leadership across the US and international offices.
• You are willing to work onsite in Columbus full-time, with occasional travel, including on short notice.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

WORK POLICY

Columbus, Ohio (Arena District). On-site, five days a week