The Art Institute of Chicago shares its singular collections with our city and the world. We collect, care for, and interpret works of art across time, cultures, geographies, and identities, centering the vision of artists and makers. We recognize that all art is made in a particular context, demanding continual, dynamic reconsideration in the present. We are a place of gathering; we foster the exchange of ideas and inspire an expansive, inclusive understanding of human creativity.

ABOUT THE POSITION

Leads the onsite merchandise and operations in the Museum Shops. Responsible for all necessary daily functions that relate to maximizing the sales and profitability of the selling floor, including maintaining proper stock levels and presentation standards. Key communicator to merchant group on product feedback and strategic opportunities, as well as, work directly with onsite team to maximize sales and profitability through product knowledge and inventory management to ensure a positive and engaging guest experience throughout the visit and beyond.

• Drive sales and profit results by leading and developing strategies and appropriately

• Analyze merchandising reports to review business results and develop appropriate strategies to capitalize on business strengths and impact deficiencies.

• Manages and monitors daily operations of receiving of goods from main warehouse and distribution of goods to retail sales floors and stockrooms. Manage stock flow with

• Responsible for adhering to and monitoring all AIC and Museum Shop internal controls,

• Partners with accounting department to perform weekly cycle counts and annual physical inventory. Reconciles negative inventories regularly, researches

• Develops and oversees implementation of stockroom floor plans for best utilization of

• Builds effective working relationships with main warehouse management and partners to resolve shipment discrepancies and create efficiencies.
• Hires, trains and develops direct and indirect reports, fostering a sense of teamwork and a culture to meet or exceed performance and behavioral

• Provides sales floor supervision.
• Responsible for managing interdepartmental requests.
• Educate onsite team on presentation standards and reinforce daily stock keeping discip

• Responsible for assigning and directing the work of the associates listed below based on judgment relating to work priorities, work streams and skills needed.

• Assistant Manager, Operations
• RDAs

• Uses discretion to organize and monitor work processes, resolves operational issues,

• Supervises associates listed below, including the responsibility for day to day

• Assistant Manager, Operations
• RDAs

• Evaluates performance to ensure direct report(s) are equipped to perform their roles

• Communicates updated job expectations and policies to associates listed below and

• Assistant Manager, Operations
• RDAs

• Requires regular lifting of objects weighing up to 25 pounds

• Requires standing up to 5 hours at a time

• Minimum 5 years of experience in retail or other direct customer service role.
• Driven individual who is capable of training and motivating sales staff to drive revenue contributions to the museum.
• Excellent communication skills with a collaborative, solution -oriented approach.
• Strong analytical skills in terms of budgeting and staffing levels, to maximize the sales and profitability on the retail floor.
• Ability to hire outgoing, friendly individuals who best represents the museum and enhances the visitor experience.
• Ability to manage competing priorities within a complex organizational structure and see projects through completion.
• Ability to work with all departments of the museum.
• Must have open availability for a flexible work schedule that meets the needs of the business, including evenings, holidays and weekends.
• BS/BA degreepreferred
• Proficient in MS Office and familiar with Point of Sale systems

We offer a competitive, comprehensive benefits package:

• Generous paid time off
• Paid holidays (up to 14 days)
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Generous parental, caregiver, and medical leave benefits
• Competitive retirement plan (up to 9% matching contribution)
• Tuition remission and Tuition Exchange Program
• Great employee discounts
• Complimentary general admission to participating cultural institutions

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The Art Institute of Chicago requires all applicants to complete an online application to be considered for employment. 60 minutes are allotted for applicants to complete the employment application. The application will automatically time out after 60 minutes. If you are unable to submit the completed application at this time, please choose the "Save for Later" option to avoid losing the information you have entered so far.

Vaccination Expectation

Becoming vaccinated against COVID-19 is the most important contribution we as individuals can make to ensure our own safety and the safety of our museum and school community. All employees must complete an attestation and provide proof of their vaccination status, or request a medical or religious exemption within the first week of employment.

The Art Institute of Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits, hires and promotes qualified individuals without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, veteran status or citizenship. The Institute complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the Department of Human Resources at apply_help@artic.edu.