Director of Retail Operations & Merchandising

About Motown Museum

In the 1960s, Hitsville U.S.A. was buzzing with activity. These modest buildings on Detroit’s West Grand Boulevard housed dozens of the music industry’s most talented, passionate and successful people. More than half a century later, the walls of Motown Museum continue to hold that entrepreneurial energy for its staff—and you could be part of our team.  

As a museum and cultural institution, we seek to hire talented and skilled individuals interested in careers, internships, and volunteers across a variety of functions—including staff for collections, programming, fund development, guest services, retail, management, and more. 

About the role

• Motown Museum is seeking a dynamic and hands-on Director of Retail Operations & Merchandising to build and lead our retail operation as a revenue-generating extension of the Motown brand and visitor experience. This is a unique opportunity to launch and shape a retail program from the ground up—from product strategy and store setup to team leadership and sales performance

What you'll do

Lead retail store launch from concept to opening readiness

· Develop and execute retail strategy to drive revenue and growth

· Oversee merchandising, product assortment, and vendor partnerships

· Manage inventory, financial performance, and key retail metrics

· Build, lead, and develop a high-performing retail team

· Ensure seamless daily operations and exceptional store presentation

· Align retail offerings with exhibitions, programming, and storytelling

· Support the growth of e-commerce and digital retail

Qualifications

· 5–8 years of retail leadership experience, including store openings

· Strong merchandising, buying, and inventory management expertise

· Proven ability to drive sales and manage financial performance

· Experience building and leading teams

· Strong operational and analytical skills

· Passion for music, culture, and storytelling

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Retail Management, Merchandising, Marketing, or a related field required
• Master’s degree (MBA or related field) preferred, but not required