LDA UT Creamery Store Manager & Bulk Sales Coordinator - UTK

The University of Tennessee (UT) Creamery is a dynamic retail business operating within the Department of Food Science at the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture. Established to provide premium ice cream products and a variety of UT Creamery and Rocky Top themed merchandise, the Creamery serves both the campus community and external customers through multiple retail and bulk sales locations. The Creamery also functions as a student experiential learning program, offering practical opportunities in modern ice cream production, manufacturing, retail business management, event planning, marketing, and customer service. Over the years, it has become a beloved institution recognized for its exceptional product quality and commitment to student development.

This position is dedicated to overseeing the daily retail operations, bulk sales coordination, and catering events associated with the UT Creamery. The role involves managing the on-campus and off-campus retail locations, ensuring smooth store activities, maintaining compliance with food safety and university policies, and fostering excellent customer experiences. The Retail Operations Manager will work directly with student workers, guiding their growth through mentorship and hands-on management in a fast-paced environment. Essential to success in this role is exceptional organizational skills, a keen eye for detail, and the ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders.

In addition to direct management of retail activities, responsibilities include overseeing bulk sales coordination, which ranges from order tracking to event logistics. This involves working closely with both internal university departments and external partners to cultivate relationships and drive expansion of retail and bulk sales. The role includes planning and executing catering events, from staffing and transportation to setup and teardown, ensuring all events reflect the high standards of the UT Creamery brand.

Moreover, the Retail Operations Manager plays a critical role in financial oversight, managing budgets, expenditures, payroll, and inventory to meet sales goals. The manager will utilize reports and data analytics to inform decisions and develop promotional strategies that align with university branding guidelines. Reporting functions, including compiling sales, tax information, and business updates for Food Science and other stakeholders, are integral aspects of this position.

This Limited Duration Appointment offers an anticipated hiring salary range of $53,000 to $56,000 and is located onsite in Knoxville, TN. The opportunity presents a unique career path for professionals passionate about retail management and higher education, working within a supportive environment committed to student success and university mission.

The role reports directly to the Manager of the Creamery and requires close collaboration with the Creamery Manager, Business Manager, and other staff members. The ideal candidate will bring over two years of experience in supervision and retail operations, a positive mentoring style, and a strong commitment to excellence in customer service and program development. They will thrive in a high-energy environment and be capable of managing multiple priorities effectively, ensuring that both students and customers receive exceptional experiences. The position not only focuses on operational success but also fosters student leadership and practical business skills within the collegiate setting, reinforcing the University of Tennessee's land-grant mission and values.