Store Manager

The High Line is seeking a dynamic and experienced Store Manager to lead the day-to-day operations of its newly launched flagship retail store, located directly on the High Line. This will be the institution’s first-ever year-round retail presence, a high-visibility, high-traffic destination that blends commerce, culture, and community. This is a unique opportunity to shape a new kind of cultural retail experience in New York City.

The Store Manager will manage all aspects of the store's profitability and operational efficiency, including, but not limited to: recruiting and managing a passionate sales team, delivering exceptional visitor service, and ensuring the store is a vibrant, mission-aligned extension of the High Line experience. This is a critical position reporting to the newly appointed Senior Director of Retail and Merchandising.

Responsibilities

Business Analysis & Reporting

• Analyze sales data and KPIs to identify business opportunities and recommend action plans to drive results
• Develop and implement strategies to drive traffic, maximize sales, and achieve store performance targets
• Provide weekly business updates and feedback to the Sr. Director of Retail and Merchandising and other stakeholders as necessary
• Track performance metrics and adjust tactics based on customer behavior and product feedback

Store Operations

• Oversee all daily retail operations, including opening/closing procedures, cash handling, stock replenishment, and floor readiness
• Manage scheduling, payroll, and controllable expenses to maximize profitability
• Build and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure operational excellence including inventory management, stockroom organization, replenishment, RTVs, and loss prevention policies
• Ensure the store is impeccably maintained and organized, following visual merchandising (VM) standards that are reflective of brand guidelines and seasonal rotations

Sales Performance

• Drive store sales by motivating the team, analyzing performance data, and executing seasonal sales strategies
• Monitor daily, weekly, and monthly sales trends to identify opportunities for growth
• Execute promotional strategies and seasonal campaigns in collaboration with the retail leadership team

Inventory & Merchandising

• Manage inventory levels in collaboration with the central retail team; oversee store-level stocktakes and replenishment processes
• Support SKU rationalization and seasonal sell-through strategies with visual merchandising and promotional execution
• Maintain accurate back-of-house inventory and ensure efficient receiving and restocking

Team Leadership & Management

• Recruit, hire, and onboard a new team of part-time and full-time sales associates in advance of the store’s launch
• Provide day-to-day leadership, coaching, and scheduling to build a high-performance, mission-driven retail team
• Foster a positive team culture rooted in hospitality, inclusivity, and enthusiasm for the High Line’s mission
• Conduct regular team check-ins, performance reviews, and training on POS systems, customer service, and product knowledge

Customer Experience & Service

• Deliver and maintain an extraordinary customer experience
• Build and execute CRM initiatives and capture customer data to build loyal client relationships with the goal of return visits
• Create a warm, inclusive, and informative retail environment that reflects the diverse audience of the High Line
• Ensure staff are knowledgeable about products, partnerships, and the High Line’s broader cultural programming
• Resolve customer concerns with professionalism and care, escalating where appropriate

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with the High Line’s marketing, finance, and visitor experience teams to align digital retail with brand voice, mission, and fiscal targets
• Contribute insights to retail strategy meetings, especially regarding customer behaviour, product feedback, and team performance
• Assist with in-store events, brand activations, and campaign launches that require retail team coordination

REQUIREMENTS

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in store management or senior retail operations, preferably in a cultural, museum, or lifestyle brand setting.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire high-performing teams in fast-paced environments.
• Strong understanding of visual merchandising, inventory management, and POS systems.
• Outstanding communication, problem-solving, and conflict resolution skills.
• A warm, engaging presence and commitment to inclusive, guest-centred service.
• Passion for arts, design, sustainability, and cultural storytelling.

Physical Requirements

• Comfortable working in a mixed indoor/outdoor environment; the role includes both office work and time managing the operations of the covered outdoor retail kiosk during park operating hours
• Capacity to lift and move products up to 40 lbs regularly
• Ability to stand for extended periods and move throughout the store and outdoor storage areas

About Friends of the High Line

The High Line is both a nonprofit organization and a public park on the West Side of Manhattan. We’re devoted to reimagining public spaces to create connected, healthy neighborhoods and cities through our work with communities on and off the High Line. Built on a historic, elevated rail line, the High Line was always intended to be more than a park. You can walk through the gardens, view art, experience a performance, enjoy food or beverage, or connect with friends and neighbors while enjoying a unique perspective of New York City. Nearly 100% of our annual budget comes through donations. The High Line is owned by the City of New York, and we operate under a license agreement with NYC Parks.

EEO Statement

The High Line is guided by a series of values through which we make decisions, including hiring. These values include proactively creating access points for all people, regardless of age, sex, color, creed, race, income, country of origin, religion, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

As part of our commitment to living up to these values and advancing equity within our organization and through our work, we are committed to an equitable hiring process. Hence, we strongly encourage applications from people with a broad range of lived experiences. This description shall not be construed as a contract of any sort for a specific period of employment.

If you have a disability and need help with the application process:

• Email peopleandculture@thehighline.org to request accommodations (like alternative formats, extra time, etc.)
• This email is ONLY for requesting disability accommodations
• Resumes sent to this email won't receive special treatment in the selection process
• The only special consideration will be providing the specific accommodation you need to complete the application fairly

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid primary and secondary caregiver leave
• 20 Vacation days, 7 sick days, and 10 paid holidays with floating holidays & Winter Fridays, Discounts Citi Bike Membership
• Discounts with vendors at the High Line & around the Meatpacking neighborhood
• Free entrance to the Whitney Museum
• Supplemental short-term disability insurance and paid life insurance
• Commuter benefits
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Contribution in a 403(b) retirement plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• Growth & Development