Area Manager – Hydra Health Gift Shops - HHP : Job Details

About Hydra Health

Hydra Health, the operating arm of Health Hospitality Partners, is rethinking the hospital gift shop by creating welcoming, modern retail spaces that serve as true amenities for employees, patients, and visitors. With a focus on wellness, convenience, and community engagement, our shops redefine the hospital retail experience with thoughtfully curated products and exceptional service.

Hydra Health is seeking an experienced, full-time Area Manager to oversee the launch and ongoing operations of two gift shops and a kiosk at the University of Chicago Medical Center. This is an exciting opportunity to lead the opening of three retail locations while managing day-to-day operations, driving sales, managing expenses, and fostering a customer-focused culture. The role requires strong leadership, excellent merchandising skills, financial management expertise, and the ability to manage relationships with hospital stakeholders.

Role Responsibilities

Store Launches

• Lead the planning and execution of the launch of two gift shops and a kiosk, ensuring timelines, staffing, and inventory are aligned with company and hospital goals.
• Collaborate with Hydra Health leadership on store layouts, merchandising strategies, and vendor selection to create inviting, modern retail spaces.
• Develop operational processes, training programs, and inventory systems to support successful openings.

Leadership & Team Development

• Recruit, train, and develop high-performing store leaders and sales associates to create a customer-centric team.
• Act as a culture ambassador and key liaison between Hydra Health leadership, onsite staff, and hospital stakeholders.
• Conduct regular site visits to ensure operational consistency and team alignment across all locations.

Financial Management

• Create and manage inventory budgets to ensure optimal inventory levels that meet customer needs and maximize profitability.
• Oversee payroll and staffing budgets, ensuring alignment with financial goals and operational efficiency.
• Monitor and control other retail expenses, including supplies, maintenance, and shrinkage, to drive profitability.
• Use data and analytics to identify areas for cost-saving opportunities and implement solutions.

Operational & Stakeholder Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with hospital stakeholders to align retail operations with hospital policies and objectives.
• Partner with leadership to organize and execute community programming events that engage employees, patients, and visitors.
• Address customer feedback and resolve operational challenges proactively and efficiently.

Sales & Merchandising

• Drive sales and profitability across all locations through data analysis, goal setting, and effective execution of sales strategies.
• Oversee inventory management, including product sourcing, purchasing, and vendor relations, to maintain optimal stock levels and maximize profit margins.
• Ensure product selections align with customer needs and sales trends, with an emphasis on thoughtful, wellness-focused merchandising.

Skills & Qualifications

• Experience: 2+ years of multi-unit management experience or 5+ years of single-store management experience with a proven track record of excellence in leadership, merchandising, and operations.
• Financial Acumen: Demonstrated ability to manage budgets, payroll, and controllable expenses effectively.
• Leadership: Proven ability to inspire and develop diverse teams.
• Operational Expertise: Proficiency in managing payroll, scheduling, and facility maintenance across multiple sites.
• Merchandising: Strong knowledge of inventory management, purchasing, and sales analysis.
• Communication: Excellent interpersonal skills for building relationships with staff, leadership, and hospital stakeholders.
• Flexibility: Ability to manage multiple locations and adapt to a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Technical Skills: Familiarity with POS systems (Square preferred), Google Suite, and Excel.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to kneel, bend, reach, climb, and stand for extended periods.
• Must be able to lift and carry a minimum of 30 lbs.
• Hydra Health is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities to ensure they can perform the essential functions of their position. However, due to the physical demands of this role, including the lifting requirement, reasonable accommodation requests will be assessed on a case-by-case basis in accordance with applicable laws and operational needs.

Transportation Requirements

• Reliable transportation is required for travel between locations, which are approximately 15–20 minutes apart.

Health Requirements

• Compliance with all University of Chicago Medical Center policies, including comprehensive vaccination requirements, is mandatory. No exceptions will be permitted.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive annual salary of $60,000/yr plus the potential for quarterly bonuses.
• Attractive paid time off policy.
• Benefit suite including Medical, Dental, & Vision insurance.
• Full-time position, 40 hours/week, with flexibility for occasional evening or weekend needs.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Hydra Health is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

To Apply:

• Apply through this portal, and/or send your resume to [email protected] and [email protected] for consideration. Cover letters are not requested.

Additional Requirements:

All candidates will be subject to a comprehensive background check.