Merchandise Operations Manager at Buffalo Sabres in Buffalo, NY
- Company: Buffalo Sabres
- Location: Buffalo, NY
- Posted: Sep 25, 2026
- Type: Full-time
- Salary: $62,353.20 - $70,000
- Experience: 3+ years
Overview
The Merchandise Operations Manager will be responsible for all events and activities that occur within KeyBank Center while maintaining a specific focus on the guest experience and day-to-day operations. This position will report directly to the Assistant Director of Merchandise.
Job description
- The Merchandise Operations Manager will be responsible for all events and activities that occur within KeyBank Center while maintaining a specific focus on the guest experience and day-to-day operations. This position will report directly to the Assistant Director of Merchandise.
Responsibilities
- Manage staff; including hiring, training , assigning direct work, appraising performance and resolving problems.
- Oversee team store maintenance, stocking, organization and flow.
- Develop and implement Visual Merchandising strategies.
- Point of sale management and oversight.
- Address guest complaints and timely and effectively.
- Prepare daily and weekly schedules for associates that are in line with business forecasts and event projections.
- Organize and conduct physical inventory counts on a weekly and monthly schedule, assuring that inventory controls and integrity are maintained at the highest level.
- Collaborate with internal departments including Corporate Partnerships, Marketing, Finance & Accounting and Human Resources.
- Ensure staff compliance with established guest experience, security, sales and record keeping policies and procedures.
- Oversee the setup and breakdown of all events; including NHL and NLL games, concerts and special events handling consigned merchandise.
- Enforce all department and organization policies, procedures and operations including informing staff of any changes.
- Identify breakdowns in processes and procedures and come to the table with resolutions to tighten up inventory controls and build a better guest experience.
- Review reporting to track KPIs and establish benchmarks for future performance standards.
- Perform special projects as requested.
- Maintains high level of confidentiality and professionalism.
- Other duties as assigned or required.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, or retail management or related field, preferred; or equivalent work experience.
- Minimum of 3 years relevant industry experience required; specifically supervisory experience overseeing a team of 10 or more.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to manage multiple projects at once and adhere to deadlines.
- Must be highly organized and self-motivated with strong time management skills.
- Proficiency in Shopify and/or Retail Could retail POS / inventory system and Microsoft Office suite.
- Ability to work non-traditional hours including nights, weekends, and holidays.
Skills
Required
- Adaptability
- Attention to Communication
- Customer Orientation
- Flexibility
- Initiative
- Managing Performance
- Personal Accountability
- Personal Credibility
- Results Orientation
- Thoroughness
- Shopify
- Microsoft Office suite
Benefits
- Medical Plans: Comprehensive and affordable medical plans; supplemental vision care, dental care, life insurance coverage, fully paid, short and long-term disability and life insurance coverage.
- Investments: 401(k) with employer matching; annual discretionary defined employer contributions
- Paid Time Off: Generous paid time off including vacation, sick, volunteer time and diversity awareness days
- Sabres Experience: (up to 4) Comp tickets to Buffalo Sabres, Buffalo Bandits, Rochester Americans when available
- Wellness: Annual Health & Wellness fair, monthly wellness initiatives including but not limited to lunch & learns, fitness classes and challenges.
- Sabres Family: many annual social events for employees and their families to enjoy, including various holiday parties and activities. DEI committee with annual initiatives, ERG (Employee Resource Groups), Community Volunteer opportunities and more.
- This role will pay an annual salary of $62,353.20 - $70,000. Note: Wages will be determined based on factors such as candidate experience, qualifications, skill set and internal equity.