Provide strategic leadership for the University of Utah Campus Store, a $30 million omnichannel retail operation with approximately 200 full- and part-time employees, encompassing a flagship campus store, two Starbucks locations, a Health Sciences satellite store serving the University hospital complex, insignia merchandise concession locations, and integrated e-commerce channels. The Campus Store is owned and operated by the University and is part of Auxiliary Services and is expected to be self-supporting, receiving no state funds. Provide expertise for all Campus Store sales, to meet the university customers’ needs. Develop and implement policies and procedures in the areas of customer service, staff management and budgetary goals and objectives in conjunction with the Associate Vice President of Auxiliary Services. Determine and hold campus store leadership accountable for following preferred workflows that support ongoing operating improvements to achieve operational effectiveness. Work proactively and collaboratively with peers in Auxiliary Services, and at the University of Utah, including, but not limited to, Auxiliary Business Development, Trademarks & Licensing, Utah Athletics, Academic Affairs, and Student Affairs, setting an example and tone for University Campus Store staff that customer service and the University of Utah’s Mission & Values are forefront in day to day decision making. Direct and manage all facets of the campus store’s operations, including administration of course materials through various channels, including the Utah Day One Program; oversight of technology and merchandise selection; pricing strategy; staffing and personnel development; customer service standards; financial and inventory controls; operating hours; and community engagement, in line with the University of Utah’s Impact 2030.
Bachelor’s degree in Business Management or equivalent plus ten years retail management experience (University preferred) and five years supervising in a retail operation; or any satisfactory combination of experience and training which demonstrates the knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the above duties. Broad knowledge of retail sales operations and management, merchandising, computerized applications of Point-of-Sales; course material management; and accepted business and retail, publisher and vendor practices. Become immediately familiar or knowledgeable of related policies specific to a Campus Store at an institution of higher education. Must be proficient in the use of a computer, including the Microsoft Suite, and business systems experience with an understanding of modern retail business systems including POS, inventory management, financial reporting, data analytics, CRM, ecommerce, and marketing platforms. Experience with Oracle NetSuite is highly preferred. Must have effective verbal and written communication skills. Must be self-motivated and have the initiative to work independently to meet sales objectives, deadlines and resolve customer, employee and/or vendor issues. Experience as a member of the senior management team at a Campus Store operation at a Tier 1 Research Institution.
The University of Utah is the state’s public flagship institution and a top-tier research university. The University Campus Store is the retail arm of the university and is consistently ranked in the top 15 of institutionally run campus stores in the nation. We serve over 40,000 students, faculty, and staff along with millions of visitors each year.
At the University Campus Store, we are dedicated to supporting the mission of the university, including its foundational values of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, Campus Safety, Health and Well-Being, Sustainability, and Academic Freedom. We are dedicated to supporting these values and preparing students from diverse backgrounds for lives of impact as leaders and citizens. We believe in the responsible stewardship of our intellectual, physical, and financial resources, ensuring the long?term success and viability of the institution. We are looking for staff who can support this mission and provide a welcoming and engaging experience to the Campus Store and university students, faculty, staff and guests.