Gift Shop Assistant Manager
Job Summary
Full-Time Gift Shop Assistant Manager supports the daily operations of the Aviation and Aerospace Museum’s retail store by providing exceptional customer service, supervising staff when needed, maintaining merchandise displays, and ensuring efficient store operations. Working closely with the Gift Shop Manager, this position helps drive sales, manage inventory, and create a welcoming shopping experience that compliments and museum’s mission of inspiring curiosity and learning through aviation and aerospace history.
The Assistant Manager serves as a key member of the Guest Experience Team and helps ensure the museum store remains a destination that enhances every visitor’s experience..
Duties and Responsibilities
60% Retail Operations
- Assist with the day-to-day operations of the museum store, including opening and closing procedures
- Ensure accurate cash handling, point-of-sale transactions, and daily reconciliation procedures
- Monitor store appearance and maintain clean, organized, and attractive retail spaces
- Achieve weekly sales goals and revenue objectives
- Address customer inquiries, concerns, and special requests in a professional and timely manner
- In Manager’s absence, supervise and support daily staff
- Assist in training new employees on store procedures, customer service standards, and museum policies
- Foster a positive, collaborative, and customer-focused work environment
25% Merchandising and Inventory Management
- Assist with merchandize selection, ordering, receiving, pricing, and inventory control
- Maintain visually appealing displays that highlight aviation, aerospace, educational, and museum-branded merchandise
- Monitor inventory levels and communicate replenishment needs
- Participate in bi-annual inventory counts and periodic audits
- Assist with seasonal promotions, special exhibits, and event-related retail opportunities
15% Guest Experience
- Assist in preparing sales reports, inventory reports, and operational documentation
- Support budget management by monitoring expenses and identifying opportunities for efficiency
- Ensure compliance with museum policies, safety standards, and retail best practices
- Perform other duties as assigned to support museum operations and guest services
Qualifications
Required
- High School diploma or equivalent
- Two or more years of retail experience
- One year of supervisory, lead, or management experience
- Strong customer service and interpersonal skills
- Experience with point-of-sales systems and cash handling procedures and cash drawer reconciliation
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- Ability to work weekends, holidays, evenings, and special events as needed
- This position is a Thursday – Monday position, with Tuesdays and Wednesdays being days off
Preferred
- Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Retail Management, Hospitality, Museum Studies, or a related field
- Experience working in a museum, cultural institution, attraction, or specialty retail environment
- Interest in aviation, aerospace, science, technology, or history
- Experience with inventory management systems and merchandising
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time
- Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs
- Ability to bend, reach, stoop, and move merchandise as needed
- Ability to operate retail and office equipment
Work Environment
This position operates in a museum retail environment with frequent interaction with visitors, volunteers, and staff. The Assistant Manager may be required to work during special events, exhibitions, community programs, and holiday periods to support museum operations.
Other duties
Please note that this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of work activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Ability to Commute/Relocate
- Ashland, NE 68003: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location
- In person – Ashland, NE