DescriptionThis position supports The COOP retail experience serving the Harvard and MIT communities, including students, faculty, staff, alumni, members, visitors, and fans. Team members are expected to respect The COOP's heritage and brand while helping create a consistent, modern, and locally relevant experience across its Harvard and MIT stores.Position SummaryLead the overall performance, continuity, and long-term growth of The COOP retail portfolio. This role is accountable for financial results, store operations, talent, customer experience, merchandising execution, institutional relationships, and coordination across all store locations and support partners.
Principal Duties and ResponsibilitiesLeadership & Institutional Partnership- Serve as the senior day-to-day operating leader and establish clear priorities across stores and functional teams.
- Build productive relationships while maintaining clear accountability for LidsU retail execution.
- Translate partnership commitments, institutional expectations, and LidsU strategies into actionable operating plans.
- Protect the heritage, reputation, and member-centered identity while advancing a modern retail experience.
Business & Portfolio Performance- Own sales, profitability, labor, inventory productivity, controllable expenses, and operating standards across the portfolio.
- Use store, category, and customer insights to identify opportunities, resolve performance gaps, and prioritize investment.
- Coordinate consistent execution while protecting the distinct needs of each store, and customer base.
- Ensure leadership readiness and operational continuity during academic peaks, major events, and high-volume periods.
People & Culture- Lead, coach, and develop store and functional leaders; establish clear expectations, ownership, and succession plans.
- Create an inclusive, accountable, and customer-focused culture that supports employee continuity through the operator transition.
- Partner with Human Resources on recruitment, onboarding, performance management, employee relations, and workforce planning.
Operations & Risk- Ensure portfolio compliance with Lids policies, safety, asset protection, cash controls, inventory standards, and applicable university requirements.
- Coordinate cross-functional support across technology, finance, merchandising, supply chain, marketing, facilities, and category partners.
- Ensure risks, dependencies, and executive decisions are documented and escalated appropriately.
Required Knowledge, Skills and Experience- 7+ years of progressive multi-unit, high-volume, or complex retail leadership experience preferred.
- Demonstrated ownership of financial performance, talent, operations, merchandising, and customer experience.
- Experience managing institutional, landlord, campus, or strategic partner relationships preferred.
- Strong judgment, communication, analytical, and change-leadership skills.
- Ability to work a flexible schedule and travel among The COOP locations as business needs require.
Physical Demands and Requirements- Ability to remain standing and move throughout the store for extended periods.
- Ability to frequently communicate with customers, team members, and business partners.
- Ability to operate point-of-sale, inventory, and other retail technology systems.
- Ability to occasionally lift and move merchandise and supplies up to 50 pounds and use ladders safely.
- Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Additional InformationEmployment RequirementsCandidates must possess the experience, skills, physical abilities, and qualifications, with or without reasonable accommodation, to perform the essential duties of the role and must be able to meet all applicable employment standards. Being legally authorized to work in the United States is a pre-condition of employment for this position. Current or future employment-based visa sponsorship is not available for this role.
