Director of Retail

Cheekwood Estate & Gardens

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Job Summary

Why Cheekwood?

 

Working at Cheekwood Estate & Gardens offers you the opportunity to work for one of the most beautiful places in Nashville. Formerly the home of Mabel and Leslie Cheek, Cheekwood now serves the public as a botanical garden, arboretum, and museum with period rooms and art galleries. At Cheekwood, you will have the opportunity to explore a wide range of roles tailored to your skills and interests. Whether you are passionate about horticulture, art curation, historical preservation, or one of our many other career opportunities, you would have the chance to thrive and make a meaningful impact here. Working in such a place that cherishes its rich history, vibrant art scene, and serene gardens offers a unique blend of fulfillment and inspiration. You will find yourself in a supportive environment where every day brings new opportunities for personal and professional growth, amidst the backdrop of picturesque setting.

 

What does the Cheekwood Retail Team do and why join? 

 

At Cheekwood, the retail team oversees the operations of three gift shops on the property. The Garden Shop sells gardening tools, décor, and children’s items. The Museum Shop is located inside the Historic Mansion & Museum, selling jewelry, books, and gift items. The Holiday Shop, open during Holiday Lights, is a high-volume shop selling holiday merchandise and s’mores kits for use outside at the nearby firepits.

 

What will you be doing?

 

The Director of Retail is responsible for overseeing the sales and operations of all gift shops, as well as the strategic direction and execution of merchandising and product development for Cheekwood. This role involves ensuring that the product assortment aligns with customer demands and market trends while also working closely with the marketing team to design campaigns that drive sales and enhance brand awareness. This role must regularly analyze sales data, customer feedback, and market conditions to refine product offerings and pricing strategies. Additionally, they collaborate with suppliers and vendors to ensure the timely delivery of high-quality products. Leadership and communication are also key aspects of the Director of Retail’s role. This includes providing training and development opportunities to the retail staff to enhance performance and customer service. The Director fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration empowering their team to achieve operational excellence and stay ahead of industry trends. The focus of this role is maximizing profitability, elevating the customer experience, and driving overall business growth.

Job Responsibilities

Merchandising, Marketing & Product Development

• Maintain high merchandising values which reflect the image of Cheekwood.
• Work in conjunction with the marketing department to develop an advertising or promotional plan which will maximize retail sales including displays, exterior signage, interior signage and visitor and member materials and communications.
• Develop a merchandising plan for each shop/season which enhances product presentation and makes the stores easy and desirable places to shop.
• Research and recommend new products to the Chief Operating Officer.
• Purchase the following wholesale product categories: Apparel, Gift, Accessories, Home Décor, Garden and Logo Merchandise.
• Design and source Cheekwood logo merchandise as well as exhibit/event custom merchandise.
• Identify and cater to key/core constituents.
• Manage stock levels and make key decisions about stock control.
• Work with program staff to develop and/or select specialized merchandise that ties to exhibits.
• Organize special promotions, displays and events.
• Maintain store premises and grounds in such a manner that they represent a positive image of Cheekwood to the public.
• Maintain online product inventory by creating product descriptions and imagery for online merchandise.
• Manage all aspects of online website and order fulfillment.

Customer Service

• Instill in your employees the meaning and importance of customer service.
• Promote and monitor quality of service among staff through training and acting as a positive role model.
• Be personally available to all customers to identify their needs and address their questions or concerns.
• Ensure standards for quality, customer service and health and safety are defined and met consistently.
• Respond to customer complaints and comments.
• Tour the shops regularly, talking to staff and customers and identifying or resolving urgent issues.
• Educate team on Cheekwood history, events, and general information to better assist guests.

Budgeting and Planning

• Formulate the fiscal revenue, expense, and profit goals for retail within guidelines.
• Ensure that goals will be met through appropriate planning and organization of staff, inventory, and expenses for short- and long-term success.
• Maintain expenses for cost of goods sold measured as a percentage of sales.
• Meet or exceed the annual budgeted net profit contribution.
• Take necessary action to lower expenses if sales goals are not being met.
• Analyze sales figures and forecast future sales volumes to maximize profits.
• Use information technology to record sales figures and for data analysis and forward planning.
• Assure accuracy of sales data, bank deposits, inventory records and other critical accounting information.
• Conduct a monthly inventory analysis as well as annual physical inventory.
• Provide reports on customer count, transactions, sales volume and KPIs as requested.

 

Personnel

• Interview, hire and train new and part-time seasonal staff as needed.
• Inspire & motivate employees so that each person contributes to the productivity of the stores.
• Maintain staff levels which allow for the best possible customer service.
• Provide on-going supervision to all gift shop staff, including performance evaluations and goal assessments and implement policies and procedures as defined in the Cheekwood Employee Handbook.
• Request and utilize volunteers as needed during peak periods.

Communication

• Maintain open and positive relations with customers and employees (internal and external customers).
• Update Cheekwood staff on business performance, new initiatives, and other pertinent issues.
• Respond timely to all communications, particularly inter-company voice mails and e-mails.
• Maintain feedback loop to designers and suppliers with customer comment cards and employee opinions.
• Ensure that company policy and procedures are communicated in a timely manner and adhered to accordingly.

Leadership, Training and Staff Development

• Develop and document consistent processes and procedures for Gift Shop operations.
• Promote and maintain an uplifting and positive approach towards Cheekwood’s many activities and offerings by staying knowledgeable and aware of our annual events, festivals, exhibitions, etc., throughout each year.
• Communicate goals to staff and check-in regularly with staff regarding Employee Performance.
• Maintain employee attitude and morale by recognizing outstanding performance and service.
• Motivate and develop staff to encourage their professional development.
• Maintain training standards to ensure both product and systems expertise that will improve store operations and allow for better customer service.
• Provide an “open door” policy where employees and customers are free to express their concerns and feelings without fear of retribution or ill will.
• Supervise and train employees in backroom processing and quality control procedures.

Physical Requirements

• Standing for extended periods of time.
• Climbing ladders and stepstools frequently.
• Able to safely manage and lift stock boxes, up to fifty pounds.
• Some travel required (1-3 times a year for Market)

 

Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Job Qualifications

• Four years of experience as a Manager or Director level in a Specialty Retail Store or Cultural Institution preferred.
• Experience in retail buying, visual merchandising and inventory management required.
• Retail budgets, P&L, and sales forecasting knowledge.
• Ability to plan store openings for temporary shops.
• Available to work store schedule, including nights, holidays, and weekends.
• Demonstrated ability to build effective teams and motivate staff.
• Strong initiative and leadership skills.
• Knowledge of effective merchandise presentation standards.
• Understanding of and ability to successfully implement retail concepts (gross margin, markdowns).
• Proficient utilizing an electronic retail sales software package, Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Ability to adapt quickly and react positively to business needs and changes in strategies.
• Willingness to set and maintain high standards of performance.
• Ability to manage two full-time sales coordinators and up to fifteen part-time sales associates.

 

Additional Information

Benefits

How to Apply

Please submit your cover letter and resume on our Join the Team page at:

Join Our Team

 

 

Details

• Date Posted: April 10, 2025
• Type: Full-Time
• Job Function: Other
• Service Area: Arts / Culture