Retail Operations Manager

SAGE Dining Services is seeking an experienced operator who has managed multiple retail operations to serve as Retail Operations Manager.We seek an individual who is a strategic thinker, who understands how to drive sales in retail, and how to build programs and build marketing campaigns to drive SAGE's retail food service business. Helping to create standards based on leading-edge practices, coaching operators on those standards, and holding operations accountable, without authority, to deliver will be primary responsibilities. The standards will include branded and non-branded concepts, grab-and-go, retail cafes, coffee bars, concessions, and pop-up retail.This role helps oversee the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of the retail strategy, ensuring it aligns with SAGE's culinary philosophy and operational standards. Our Retail Ops Manager will partner with cross-functional teams, including Culinary, Marketing, Nutrition, and Finance, to drive innovation, consistency, and profitability in retail offerings, while supporting client satisfaction and enhancing the overall SAGE experience.Our ideal candidate has experience as a District Manager in higher education or a General Manager at a large university with multiple units or has worked with multiple retail outlets within an airport, hotel, or mall, and has expert knowledge of excel.This position is located in our beautiful Home Office in Lutherville, MD.Pay Type: $135,000 - $155,000 SalaryWhat you'll get:Competitive salary and benefits.Collaborative environment.Mission-based company with values you trust.Beautiful office with free parking.What you'll do:Support the development and execute a scalable retail strategy aligned with SAGE’s mission and growth objectives.Support regional and site-level teams in executing high-performing retail operations.Enforce standards for retail operations including menu development, merchandising, pricing, inventory management, and quality assurance.Monitor sales trends, cost controls, and product mix to inform data-driven decisions on product and menu mix.Regularly report on industry trends, consumer preferences, and technology innovation to ensure SAGE remains competitive and relevant in the retail space.Partner with Finance, Sales and Studia to build budgets, forecasts, and pricing strategies that drive revenue and margin growth.Create plan-o-grams, LTO’s, marketing materials and regional direction on bestselling retail items.Visit retail venues to ensure alignment with standards and coach teams on improving performance.Work closely with Marketing to create a marketing toolkit for retail venues including but not limited to branding, promotional campaigns, signage, and guest communications.Co-host quarterly retail check-ins and other trainings to foster a community of excellence and share best practices.Act as a resource for Sales in client proformas, pitches and proposal development related to retail programs.Work with the Director of Retail to provide hands-on leadership and support to venues and operational leaders in executing strategic retail projects, including concept development, pricing optimization, merchandising enhancements, and service model improvements.What you'll need:Minimum 10 years of progressive leadership experience in retail foodservice, hospitality, consumer packaged goods, quick service restaurants, or branded food concepts.Proven experience overseeing multi-site retail operations with responsibility for both strategy and execution.Deep understanding of consumer behavior, merchandising, and foodservice retail economics.Strong financial acumen.Advanced proficiency at Excel and data analytics; experience in retail analytics preferred.Excellent leadership, communication (written and verbal), and cross-functional collaboration skills.Experienced in client relationships with a strong client presence.Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, growth-oriented, and mission-driven environment. Familiarity with POS systems, digital ordering platforms, and retail technologies.Familiarity with POS systems, digital ordering platforms, and retail technologies.Willingness to travel up to 70%.About SAGESAGE Home Office teams — from Accounting and HR to Marketing, Technology, and more — provide the behind-the-scenes expertise that supports our dining operations and helps them thrive.Here, you’ll find a collaborative environment where professionals from diverse fields work together to solve challenges, share ideas, and make an impact. Whether you specialize in nutrition, sales, purchasing, or strategy, your work will help our Operations Teams deliver fresh, chef-inspired dining experiences that bring joy and community to campuses nationwide.Whether you’re looking for a new challenge, a sense of purpose, or a place where your skills can grow, you’ll find it here. At SAGE, we believe your career should empower you, inspire you, and give you the chance to make a difference every day.Management Team Members enjoy comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with multiple plan options; company-paid short-term disability; company-paid life insurance; supplemental life insurance; long-term disability; a 401(k) with company match; a discount buying program; an employee assistance program; paid holidays and personal days; and benefits through the SAGE Foundation, including access to apply for academic scholarships for dependents and disaster assistance. Home Office management employees have a PTO policy.GROW. CREATE. COLLABORATE.Learn more about working here at sagedining.com or connect with us on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and X.This job advertisement should not be misconstrued as an offer of employment or a comprehensive listing of position responsibilities/expectations.Equal opportunity employer.If you’re a candidate living in California or applying for a position in California, please visit sagedining.com/blog/post/156768/california-consumer-privacy-notice-to-california-employees-and-job-applicants for information regarding SAGE’s California privacy practices.