Retail Operations Manager, Little Caesars Arena

Delaware North Sportservice is a leading hospitality and foodservice company, well-established in delivering exceptional experiences in sports and entertainment venues, national parks, casinos, and hotels across the globe. Founded over 100 years ago, Delaware North is a family-owned business with a rich legacy of providing top-notch food, beverage, and retail services for iconic destinations. At Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan, Delaware North operates as the exclusive food, beverage, and retail provider for this world-class venue, home to the NHL's Detroit Red Wings and the NBA's Detroit Pistons. The arena hosts a wide variety of events including professional sports, concerts, and special engagements, creating an energetic and fast-paced environment where operational excellence is key. The company promotes career growth, invests in its employees, and fosters an inclusive workplace with equal opportunity employment policies.

The Retail Operations Manager role at Delaware North Sportservice is a pivotal leadership position responsible for ensuring flawless operational execution across in-venue retail stores, event operations, gameday retail activities, warehouse management, and inventory control at Little Caesars Arena. This role demands strategic oversight and hands-on management to uphold operational standards, enhance guest experience, and support revenue growth and brand integrity. Retail Operations Managers coordinate closely with store managers and warehouse teams to maintain operational discipline, optimize inventory accuracy, and implement scalable systems to manage the complexities of a multi-use arena environment.

The successful candidate will play a critical role in driving inventory management processes, overseeing warehouse operations including receiving, storage, and stock replenishment, and enhancing e-commerce fulfillment capacities. They will lead retail execution for high-volume sporting events, concerts, and special programs, ensuring all retail points—from team stores to portable stands and premium suites—are fully stocked and prepared. Managing POS systems functionality and vendor relationships are also essential duties.

Additionally, the Retail Operations Manager will monitor key financial and operational metrics such as inventory turns, sell-through rates, and labor alignment to increase efficiency, reduce costs, and improve profit margins. They will be instrumental in forecasting product demand for seasonal peaks and special events and enforce strict inventory movement and physical inventory controls to mitigate shrinkage.

Marketing strategy support is another vital function of this position, involving collaboration with marketing teams to align and activate retail campaigns and promotions that drive merchandise sales both in-venue and online. This includes orchestrating product launches, limited-edition merchandise drops, and enhanced product placement strategies within the arena.

Team leadership and development is a core responsibility, with oversight of warehouse managers, retail vendors, and operational supervisors. Establishing clear standard operating procedures, accountability standards, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and growth within the team are key to success in this role.

This full-time position offers a competitive base salary ranging from $61,200 to $82,600 per year, supplemented by an annual bonus plan based on company and individual performance or a role-based, uncapped sales incentive plan. In addition, Delaware North provides a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k) with company match, paid vacation and parental leave, tuition reimbursements, and generous discounts at affiliated hotels and resorts. The role demands flexibility to work various shifts including days, evenings, weekends, holidays, and special event dates.

Joining Delaware North means becoming part of a global legacy dedicated to hospitality excellence in iconic locations. If you have a passion for retail operations, inventory management, and leading teams in dynamic environments, this is a unique opportunity to contribute in a leadership capacity within a fast-paced sports and entertainment setting while growing your career with a respected industry leader.