Job Opening – Welcome Center Retail Manager at Experience Columbus

Welcome Center Retail Manager

Status: Full Time (40+ hours)
FSLA: Exempt
Compensation: $68,000 – $72,000/annually
Travel: Local event sites and venues within a 30-mile radius, as needed
Schedule: Includes weekends/holidays based on visitor demand and activation schedule. May require occasional early mornings/evenings for activations, deliveries, or seasonal resets.

The Welcome Center Retail Manager is responsible for the day-to-day operation and performance of the Columbus Welcome Center and retail experience. This role leads retail program: inventory, point-of-sale operations, customer service standards, and sales performance—while also serving as an on-site partner to the events and marketing team to execute in-center activations that bring the destination brand to life. The Manager ensures that the space is welcoming, efficient, and consistently reflects the organization’s brand and community.

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Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Retails Operations and Guest Experience
• Merchandising and Sales Performance
• Inventory and Vendor Management
• Activations and Onsite Experiences
• People Leadership
• Administrative, Reporting & Budget Support

Job Specific Requirements

Experienced in the following areas (5+ years of experience through education, work experience or a combination of both):

• Retail operations experience (store leadership, merchandising, inventory, and POS).
• Supervising staff and building schedules.
• Experience working with local makers/artisans and/or curated retail assortments.
• Event/activation support experience (pop-ups, community programs, brand experiences).
• Experience working at a Destination Marketing Organization (DMO), tourism, hospitality, museums/cultural attractions, or destination retail a plus
• Guest-first mindset and strong interpersonal skills
• Organized, detail-oriented, and process-driven
• Visual merchandising and brand sensibility
• Accountability with credit card handling and inventory controls
• Proficient in POS systems and basic reporting (Excel/Google Sheets), familiarity with Shopify POS Square or similar systems a plus
• Strong customer service and problem-solving skills; calm under pressure and able to adjust quickly
• Demonstrates strong written and verbal communications skills
• Demonstrates flexibility and openness to new ideas, and different perspectives
• Demonstrates the ability to work independently but also can be a collaborative team member
• Demonstrates a strong commitment to fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration
• Demonstrates a strong commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility
• Proficient in Microsoft Suite 365, Outlook, PowerPoint and Word, and related software
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays
• Familiar with and advocate for the Columbus region
• Demonstrates a commitment to our company values: Value the Voices, Think Forward, Take it On, Create Moments and Live your Passion
• The organization requires all employees to obtain and maintain the Experience Columbus Insider (ECI) accreditation

Physical Demands

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
This role is primarily performed in a public-facing retail/visitor environment. Job duties may involve extended periods of standing or moving throughout the space, using a computer/POS system, and occasionally positioning merchandise or materials
Ability to move/lift/stock merchandise and support basic setup for activations (being on the store floor for extended periods).
The duties of this position may change from time to time. Experience Columbus reserves the right to add or delete duties and responsibilities at the discretion of Experience Columbus or its managers. This job description is intended to describe the general level of work being performed. It is not intended to be all inclusive.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Experience Columbus and the Greater Columbus Sports Commission provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. We embrace diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Qualified applicants will be considered for employment 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.

Experience Columbus is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with physical and mental disabilities. If you are a qualified individual with a disability, or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access the Experience Columbus Careers website because of your disability. We will make a determination on your request for reasonable accommodations on a case-by-case basis. If you need accommodation or assistance in using the Experience Columbus Careers website, please call 614-221-6623.

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