Senior Retail Manager

Colgate University; New York (NY); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Colgate University’s Colgate Bookstore in Hamilton seeks a Senior Retail Manager to lead purchasing, budgeting, and staff oversight. You will manage merchandising, vendor relations, and collaborations across departments to drive sales and campus engagement.

In this role you will ensure inventory alignment with goals, supervise personnel, and uphold Colgate’s standards for service and inclusivity in a dynamic retail environment on-site.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to deliver high standards of customer service with enthusiasm.
• Three years buying experience in retail apparel and gifts.
• Understanding of retail accounting, inventory management and information systems.
• Weekend rotation availability and some evenings.
• Demonstrated team leadership and strong communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Procure Insignia and non-insignia general merchandise effectively.
• Meet annual budgets for revenue, inventory, cash flow, and profitability.
• Maintain optimal inventory levels aligned to sales goals.
• Collaborate with Alumni Relations and Athletics on events and new revenue.
• Develop vendor relationships and attend industry shows to stay current.
• Maintain excellent visual merchandising on the selling floor.
• Supervise staff, hire, develop, and assess performance fairly.

Skills

Customer service

Staff leadership

Vendor relations

Budgeting

Retail merchandising

Education

Associates Degree

Retail experience

Bachelor's degree preferred

Job description

Department Statement

The Colgate Bookstore is Central New York's largest independent bookstore, located in a historic three-story building in the heart of Hamilton. We are owned and operated by Colgate University and are committed to upholding the University's standard of excellence in fostering and inviting and inclusive atmosphere and providing exceptional, personalized service to all.

Colgate University

Senior Retail Manager

Requisition Number: 2026S060Posting

Full Time/Part Time: Full Time

Division: Finance and Administration

Department: Colgate Bookstore

Wage/Salary Range

The Colgate Bookstore is Central New York's largest independent bookstore, located in a historic three-story building in the heart of Hamilton. We are owned and operated by Colgate University and are committed to upholding the University's standard of excellence in fostering and inviting and inclusive atmosphere and providing exceptional, personalized service to all.

Accountabilities

Accountable for the effective procurement of Insignia and Non-Insignia general merchandise. Accountable for meeting annual budgets for revenue inventory, cash flow and ultimately the profitability of general merchandise products. Ensures inventory levels are in alignment with annual sales goals. Responsible for collaborating with multiple departments, including Alumni Relations and Athletics on special orders, events and new revenue opportunities. Responsible for developing and maintaining strong vendor relationships. Attending industry trade shows and educational sessions to stay up to date on trends for insignia and non-insignia products. Maintain excellent visual merchandise standards on the selling floor. Assist other departments within the store as needed.

Responsible for the effective supervision of staff as assigned. Ensures selection and hiring of high quality employees; ensures appropriate distribution of work assignments and high quality of employee work product; ensures fair and accurate performance assessments and feedback to include identifying areas for professional development and documenting and conducting disciplinary measures, as needed. Responsible for ensuring fair and accurate decisions regarding employment status (hire, promotion, salary increases, termination); ensures the creation of effective opportunities and programs for employee mentoring, development and sustained performance.

Professional Experience/Qualifications

• Proven ability and strong desire to provide a high standard of customer service with enthusiasm and energy.
• Three years buying experience in retail apparel and gifts required.
• Deep understanding of retail accounting, inventory management, retail related information systems and retail purchasing and marketing required.
• Ability to work on weekends in a rotation and some evenings.
• Proven success with team leadership with strong communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with insignia products preferred.
• Experience working in a higher education or similar setting is preferred.

Education

Associates Degree And Retail Experience Required.

Bachelor's degree or a combination of education and experience through which comparable skills are obtained are highly preferred.

Other Information

Work visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Work Schedule

Weekdays during regular business hours.

Job Open Date

08/27/2026

Job Close Date

Open Until Filled Yes

The University recognizes that equal employment opportunity can only be achieved through demonstrated leadership. It is the Policy of the University to recruit, employ, retain, promote, and train employees on the basis of skills and experience, capacity to do the job, and valid job qualifications without regard to any characteristics protected by applicable local, state or federal laws.

The Department of Campus Safety will provide upon request a copy of Colgate's Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. This report includes statistics as reported to the United States Department of Education for the previous three years concerning reported: 1. crimes that occurred on-campus; in certain off-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by Colgate University; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus and 2. fires that occurred in student housing facilities. The report also includes institutional policies concerning campus security and fire safety, such as policies concerning sexual assault, life safety systems, and other related matters. You may access the report from the Clery Compliance web page at: https://www.colgate.edu/about/offices-centers-institutes/dean-college/campus-safety-staff/clery-compliance. Printed copies of this report may be obtained upon request from the Department of Campus Safety via e-mail at [e-mail].