Retail Operations Lead

OVERVIEW
Bard on the Beach is Western Canada’s largest professional Shakespeare festival, with a focus on providing accessible, inclusive, and vibrant theatrical works to the public. The Festival presents Shakespeare plays, related dramas and special events from June to September in two modern theatre tents, in the magnificent waterfront setting of Sen̓ákw/Vanier Park. Bard Education also offers programs throughout the year. Full details here.

POSITION SUMMARY
The Retail Lead oversees Bard on the Beach’s boutique, bar, and concession operations, helping to grow sales and deliver a great patron experience. Reporting to the Senior Operations Manager, this role manages inventory, purchasing, suppliers, merchandising, sales tracking, and seasonal planning. The Retail Lead also supports the hiring, training, and day-to-day direction of seasonal staff and volunteers, ensuring smooth and consistent operations. Working closely with other departments, this role helps develop processes, improve operations, and support retail, concession, and special event activities. Join a welcoming and collaborative staff team that is deeply committed to upholding Bard’s Company Commitments.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Works collaboratively with the Director of Finance, Administration and Operations and the Senior Operations Manager to evaluate and set the retail revenue goals, monitor sales performance and identify opportunities for growth
• Manages sourcing, purchasing, inventory management, and supplier relationships for seasonal retail operations ensuring appropriate stock levels and accurate inventory records.
• Plans and coordinates retail area set-up, product displays, retail layouts and merchandise offerings.
• Ensures consistent use of the Square point-of-sale system, maintains accurate sales reporting, troubleshoots issues, and supports staff and volunteers with training and system needs.
• Establishes and maintains operational procedures and best practices for retail areas, including communications channels, opening and closing procedures, reporting procedures, cleanliness and food safety standards.
• Collaborates closely with seasonal retail managers and volunteers to understand needs, challenges, and feedback. Uses these insights to establish and improve processes, training plans, and resources.
• Supports the recruitment, onboarding and training of seasonal retail staff, providing ongoing guidance and operational support throughout the festival season.
• Coordinates Bard’s Artisan Market and manages retail requests for special events and fundraising initiatives.
• Liaises with the Development department on vendor and service agreements that include sponsorship benefits, in-kind contributions, and contra arrangements.
• Leads retail initiatives and projects from initial concept to delivery, collaborating across departments and with external partners. Projects include developing seasonal merchandise that reflects the Festival brand and resonates with target audiences in collaboration with designers and artists.
• Ensures compliance with applicable liquor licensing requirements, FoodSafe regulations and organizational health and safety standards.
• Assists with festival operations, site setup, inventory logistics, and expense tracking.
• Emergency coverage of retail shifts will be expected.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum 2 years of related experience in retail, hospitality, food and beverage, or theatre operations.
• Experience with inventory management and sales reporting. Experience using the Square POS system is an asset.
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative and lead projects or an area of responsibility.
• Strong design sensibility and creative eye, with working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite to adapt artwork and create basic layouts for merchandise, signage, and displays.
• Strong analytical skills with an aptitude for interpreting sales to suggest actionable decisions.
• Ability to collaborate across departments and support seasonal teams and volunteers.
• Strong interpersonal skills with a focus on building an inclusive and respectful workplace.
• The ability to stay organized and accurate in a time-sensitive and fast-moving environment while also being flexible to respond to requests and new tasks.
• Must be 19+ and have Serving it Right and Food Safe Level 1. Bard will provide training.
• Comfortable with technology and learning IT systems.  
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite; familiarity with Microsoft Teams is an asset. 
• Class 5 drivers license is an asset.

HOURS
January – March: Anticipated 20-30 hours per week.
Remote work is possible as approved by the Senior Operations Manager.
April – September: Full-time; 37.5 hours per week
October: 25 hours per week

Schedule will be dependent on the production and event schedule and will be set between the Retail Lead and Senior Operations Manager. Evening and weekend availability will be required during the Festival season (end of May-September).

COMPENSATION
$25.00 per hour

TO APPLY
Please upload your resume and a cover letter together in one PDF named “[First & Last Name] Retail Operations Lead,” summarizing your qualifications and experience in the form below.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Sunday, November 29, 2026 at 11:59pm

We thank all applicants in advance for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Bard on the Beach is committed to promoting an accessible, safe, inclusive and diverse environment. We respect, value and celebrate the diverse experiences of each person and actively encourage everyone to consider joining our team. If you have questions or need support or assistance in submitting your application, please reach out to Stacey Menzies at [email protected] or call 604-737-0625 ext. 2235.