Retail & Cafe Manager

Come join the fun and make a difference with Discovery Cube! For over 25 years, we've been inspiring kids and educators alike with our hands-on science education initiatives and interactive exhibits. Our four core initiatives - STEM proficiency, early childhood education, healthy living, and environmental stewardship - are future-forward in promoting life-long-learning. Plus, with our immersive campuses in Orange County and Los Angeles, as well as our educational outreach programs, there are endless opportunities for learning exploration. As a prominent advocate for modern science education, we believe in empowering our learners with real-world applications and spotlighting science as a solution and force for good. Don't miss out on the excitement and join our important mission today!

Position:

The Retail & Café Manager is responsible for the overall operation, financial performance, inventory management, purchasing, and strategic growth of both the Retail Store and Café operations. This position develops sales strategies, manages inventory and vendor relationships, ensures exceptional guest service, and leads teams to achieve revenue goals while supporting Discovery Cube's mission and guest experience.

The Retail & Café Manager reports to the Director of Operations and works collaboratively with Operations, Finance, Marketing, Programming, and Development teams.

Responsibilities:

Retail & Café Operations

• Manage the daily operations of the Retail Store and Café.
• Ensure departments are clean, organized, fully stocked, and guest-ready.
• Develop and implement strategies to increase sales, profitability, and guest satisfaction.
• Monitor guest feedback and adjust operations as needed to improve the guest experience.
• Ensure compliance with all food safety, health department, and company standards.

Purchasing & Inventory Management

• Source, select, and purchase merchandise and café products that align with Discovery Cube's mission and guest demographics.
• Monitor inventory levels and maintain appropriate stock levels for both departments.
• Conduct regular inventory audits and oversee bi-annual physical inventories.
• Analyze sales trends and adjust purchasing decisions accordingly.
• Negotiate pricing and terms with vendors to maximize value and profitability.
• Ensure timely ordering and delivery of products.

Financial Performance & Revenue Growth

• Develop and execute monthly sales goals for Retail and Café operations.
• Analyze sales reports, labor costs, food costs, and inventory performance.
• Create action plans to increase revenue and improve profitability.
• Identify new product offerings, promotions, and sales opportunities.
• Partner with Marketing and Operations to develop seasonal promotions and event-specific offerings.

Staff Leadership & Development

• Recruit, train, coach, and develop Retail and Café team members.
• Ensure staff understand promotions, discounts, memberships, and guest engagement opportunities.
• Conduct performance evaluations and provide ongoing coaching.
• Develop staff product knowledge to improve sales and guest interactions.
• Create a culture of accountability, teamwork, and exceptional guest service.

Guest Experience

• Ensure all guests receive friendly, efficient, and knowledgeable service.
• Develop programs and promotions that enhance the guest experience.
• Address guest concerns and resolve issues promptly and professionally.
• Support Discovery Cube's commitment to education and family engagement through retail and café offerings.

Strategic Planning

• Develop short- and long-term plans for Retail and Café growth.
• Research industry trends and identify new opportunities.
• Attend trade shows, fairs, exhibitions, and vendor presentations when appropriate.
• Recommend operational improvements and revenue-generating initiatives.
• Support special events, exhibit openings, and fundraising activities through retail and café participation.

Qualifications:

• Minimum 3 years of retail, food service, hospitality, or operations management experience.
• Experience managing inventory, purchasing, and vendor relationships.
• Strong leadership, coaching, and team development skills.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Microsoft Excel – 1 year (preferred)
• Strong financial and analytical abilities.
• Ability to work weekends, evenings, holidays, and special events as needed.

What’s In It For You:

• Medical, dental and vision insurance
• Optional supplemental insurance coverage
• 401K with up to 4% match after one year for full-time employees
• 14 Free general admission tickets per year
• 4 Bubblefest tickets plus admission
• 10% of on-site dining and shopping discount
• Employee discounts through ADP
• Accrued paid time off for full-time employees
• 10 paid company holidays

Discovery Cube provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.