Retail Director - San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo

Full-Time

Job Overview: Manages all aspects of retail operations and merchandise development for the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo and associated fundraising events. Leads the strategy, planning, and execution of the Rodeo Outfitters merchandise program and the retail vendor marketplace. Serves as the primary point of contact for all retail vendors, merchandise suppliers, staff, and volunteers.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Manage all retail vendor operations for the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo and related fundraising events, including recruitment, selection, contracting, and on-site coordination.

• Identify and secure a mix of new and returning retail vendors through outreach and research to ensure a high-quality, on-trend shopping experience that drives guest engagement and supports fundraising goals.

• Oversee the vendor application and approval process, issue contracts and limited-use agreements, and ensure compliance with Rodeo policies and trademark use.

• Develop detailed vendor layouts and maps that optimize traffic flow, category placement, and operational logistics.

• Coordinate on-site vendor logistics including set-up, tear-down, utilities, decorating services, and daily support.

• Partner with committees and cross-departmental teams, including the Festival Director, Sponsorship, and Marketing, to align retail spaces with event flow, shared attractions, and promotional efforts.

• Support the development of vendor standards and post-event evaluations to ensure continuous improvement and positive vendor relations.

• Manage vendor-related revenue tracking, booth fees, and financial reconciliation for accurate reporting.

• Oversee the full lifecycle of Rodeo Outfitters merchandise from concept to production, including apparel, accessories, souvenirs, and specialty products.

• Collaborate with internal design, marketing, and external creative partners to ensure products reflect the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo brand identity.

• Source and manage relationships with manufacturers and suppliers to ensure product quality, cost efficiency, and timely delivery.

• Lead the sample review and approval process to maintain consistency in fit, color, and brand standards, maintaining supporting documentation such as tech packs and cost analyses.

• Develop and manage merchandise strategies and open-to-buy (OTB) budgets that align with financial goals and inventory targets.

• Analyze sales data, customer behavior, and market trends to forecast demand and inform purchasing decisions.

• Achieve annual merchandise sales goals through effective product selection, pricing, and promotional planning.

• Oversee inventory levels, shipments, and replenishment schedules to maintain optimal stock flow.

• Prepare revenue and expense forecasts, reconcile payments, and monitor performance against OTB budgets.

• Oversee all aspects of e-commerce operations, including online storefront management, product listings, order fulfillment, and photography coordination to maintain consistent branding.

• Manage warehouse receiving, organization, and inventory control to ensure efficient product storage, accurate stock counts, and smooth fulfillment between warehouse and on-site retail spaces.

• Supervise and mentor interns and retail volunteers, ensuring effective coordination across merchandising and vendor operations.

• Collaborate closely with volunteer committees to achieve retail and fundraising goals.

• Work cross-functionally with Marketing, Sponsorship, and Operations teams to deliver a seamless guest experience across all retail and vendor touchpoints.

• Demonstrate adaptability and clear communication in a fast-paced environment, maintaining strong relationships with internal teams, vendors, and external partners.

• Assists and supports the efforts of volunteers who make it possible for S.A.L.E. to achieve its financial goals.

• Performs other duties as required

EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree in Retail Management, Merchandising, Event Management, or related field is preferred.

EXPERIENCE: Must have at least three (3) years of fair, festival, event management, trade show or retail experience or closely related experience. Experience working with volunteers preferred.

SKILLS:

Must have the following skills and/or abilities:

• Working knowledge of event planning, retail promotions, and area demographics.

• Strong understanding of vendor and customer relations.

• Strong negotiating skills.

• Strong orientation to detail and ability to maintain accuracy in processing orders and inventory and detecting discrepancies.

• Excellent customer services skills to interact with customers, vendors, and volunteers in a positive, cooperative, and courteous manner.

• Proficient mathematical skills to include accurately count money; add, subtract, multiply, divide; and to record, balance, and/or check results for accuracy.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (both written and oral) when working with customers, vendors, and volunteers or co-workers on accounts or other S.A.L.E. services inquiries or information.

• Strong technological proficiency, competency in AutoCAD, Canva, Adobe Creative Cloud, Microsoft Office Suite, database and website editing system.

• Demonstrated sound judgment in decisions regarding customer and vendor relations.

• Demonstrated ability to ensure positive vendor, partner and patron experience during events

• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain lasting relationships with vendors and partners.

PHYSICAL/OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Constantly sit or stand for 4 or more hours per day performing various tasks such as inputting data, talking on the phone with volunteers/vendors, responding to inquiries, inspecting merchandise, and operating keyboard.

• Constantly use fingers and hands when typing, using a 10-key number pad, handling pens/pencils, forms/paper, telephone, tools, or other computer or office equipment.

• Frequently lift, transfer, push, or pull up to 50 lbs. of t-shirt shipment boxes, dollies, or other equipment.

• Hear average or normal conversations and receives ordinary information through verbal communications.

• Use average, ordinary visual acuity necessary to utilize the computer or other office machinery, and to read or write instruction manuals or other documents.

• Frequently move about the office which may include climbing stairs, stopping, kneeling, and/or bending.

• Must attend SALE events as required, including but not limited to: Committee meetings, Board of Directors meetings, Chairmen’s meetings and fundraisers.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• During peak seasons, work schedules will be extended to support fundraising events as required, which will include some evenings and weekends, and 7 days per week during the annual Stock Show & Rodeo. Several mandatory after work meetings in the months leading up to the event.

• During events, the work setting will be located on the event site with possible exposure to animals, dust, elevated noise levels, weather elements, large crowds, and carnival equipment. Event management will require a large amount of walking and physical exertion.

• During non-event times, the work setting is a traditional office environment located inside a building with no hazardous or significantly unpleasant conditions.

CONCEPTUAL/INTELLECTUAL ACTIVITIES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to act and operate independently with minimal daily direction from managers to accomplish objectives.

• Ability to work cooperatively and collaboratively with all levels of employees, management, and volunteers.

• Frequently convey detailed or important instructions or ideas accurately, clearly, and/or quickly.

• Understand, remember, follow, and exchange basic instructions, information, and guidelines.

• Organize thoughts and ideas into understandable terminology.

• Ability to apply common sense reasoning and decision-making to carry out detailed, involved financial transactions and to resolve problems involving several concrete variables.

• Dependable attendance and punctuality are necessary to perform the essential job duties.

• Available to work occasional long hours when necessary to reach goals (including evenings and weekends as required).

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee in this position. Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills, and/or abilities. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Additionally, this document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise.

TO APPLY FOR THIS POSITION: Please email your cover letter, resume and references to seanw@sarodeo.com