Retail Manager

About Us

Kripalu Center is the largest yoga and wellness retreat center in the US. Kripalu is a nonprofit educational organization dedicated to serving people and communities in realizing their full potential through the transformative wisdom and practice of Yoga. Rooted in yoga, mindfulness and holistic wellness, Kripalu creates pathways for personal and collective transformation through experiential learning. Kripalu's campus is in the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts

Kripalu offers a wide range of experiences for guests, ranging from day passes to multi-day programs and including signature programming and training developed by Kripalu, online programs, multi-day group events, and programming delivered by visiting talent (thought leaders, presenters, and luminaries).

Kripalu is committed to being an employer and community that prioritizes creating a sense of belonging for all employees, presenters, and guests. We seek employees eager to join us as we evolve as a team that embodies timeless yogic principles and present-day practices of leadership and accountability.

The Kripalu Shop is the retail center onsite with some online sales. The Shop serves Kripalu guests by providing an accessible place for purchasing items that support the guests' stay and what they are learning and experiencing in educational programs, as well as snacks and sundries. The Shop with adjoining Café is an active and well-loved part of the guest experience at Kripalu.

Position Summary:

The Kripalu Retail Manager leads all retail operations for the Kripalu Shop, both onsite and online, as well as the Kripalu Café, supporting the transformational experience of guests by offering products and resources that enhance their time on campus and extend that experience into their daily lives. This role ensures seamless day-to-day operations while partnering with Senior Management to drive revenue, refine retail strategy, and support overall business goals. The position also provides oversight of the Mailroom, Stockroom, and Buying Team, ensuring alignment, efficiency, and a cohesive approach across all areas.

Accountabilities:

• Recruit, train, and continuously develop Kripalu Shop, Stockroom, Buyers, Finance POS Admin, and Mailroom employees to support individual growth and team success.
• Strategically optimize staffing levels and scheduling to align with fluctuating program enrollment and guest demand.
• Manage and process payroll accurately and in accordance with established payroll schedules.
• Lead the planning and execution of in-shop special events, including trunk shows, book signings, and vendor-led product trainings.
• In partnership with the COO, develop and deliver training on Kripalu Shop best practices for Sacred Hospitality, ensuring an exceptional and consistent experience for all in-person and online guests.
• Design and implement policies and procedures that drive sales, enhance operational efficiency and safety, and foster a positive, supportive work environment.
• Collaborate with Finance to establish and uphold best practices that ensure accuracy, efficiency, and effectiveness across all shop financial processes.
• Serve as an interdepartmental liaison between the shop and cross-functional departments, including Finance, Marketing, Program Operations, Guest Services, and Dining & Food Services.
• Act as the primary point of contact for retail technology systems, including onboarding, staff training, and troubleshooting/reporting issues.
• Create and manage Shop annual budgeting and forecasting; conduct monthly performance analysis; and develop business plans, analyses, and proposals to address risks and opportunities.
• Lead the buying team in curating the overall product assortment, aesthetic, and pricing strategy to align with Kripalu's mission, values, and programs.
• Lead the full shop team (buyers, stockroom, and floor staff), as well as collaborate with Finance and Campus Safety, to prioritize loss prevention; support ongoing inventory spot checks and lead the annual full inventory process.
• Promote and sustain a culture of health and safety best practices for both staff and guests in partnership with Campus Safety and People and Culture.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Core Competencies:

• Embodies a strong leadership presence and ability to guide, motivate, and support a team on the floor.
• Ability to solve problems in the moment, while maintaining organizational and time management skills
• Communicates clearly and respectfully with all staff, guests, presenters, and other departments.
• Demonstrates a strong commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, actively contributing to a welcoming and respectful environment for all.
• Embodies Kripalu's core values of love, wholeness, unity, service, and evolution in all aspects of work and interaction.

Essential Skills and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent.
• Prior Experience managing customer service and retail support staff, including responsibility for scheduling and payroll and developmental/disciplinary action.
• Excellent computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite.
• Knowledge and experience with POS software.
• Available weekends, evenings, and holidays.
• Ability and willingness to be flexible and cover floor gaps (lead and associate-level) when needed.

Valued but not Essential Skills and Experience:

• 5 years managing a dynamic retail environment with a sophisticated product mix; preference to wellness settings.
• Experience with Point of Sales and Inventory Management software.
• Experience in e-commerce sales.