Retail Department Manager (Exempt)

Company Description

CREATIVITY IS OUR SUPERPOWER. It’s our heritage and it’s also our future. Because we don’t just make toys. We create innovative products and experiences that inspire fans, entertain audiences and develop children through play. Mattel is at its best when every member of our team feels respected, included, and heard—when everyone can show up as themselves and do their best work every day. We value and share an infinite range of ideas and voices that evolve and broaden our perspectives with a reach that extends into all our brands, partners, and suppliers.

Our commitment to quality and safety is paramount to what we do and is built into every product we design and manufacture. And we do this with unwavering integrity, unbridled passion, and laser-like focus to earn grown-ups’ trust and put smiles on kids’ faces around the world. Our mission is to be an industry leader in producing the most trusted, safe, durable, and highest quality toys in the most regulatory compliant, environmentally, and socially responsible way.

Job Description

The Department Manager leads daily retail operations to deliver exceptional customer experiences, achieve financial goals, and develop a high-performing team. This role drives operational excellence through effective coaching, ensuring a culture of selling and service, merchandising, and execution while partnering across the store to support business objectives. By balancing customer service, talent development, and business selling strategy, the position contributes directly to store performance and brand success.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead daily department operations to achieve sales, customer service, and operational performance goals while ensuring compliance with company policies and standards.
• Coach, develop, and inspire associates through ongoing feedback, training, recognition, and performance management to build a high-performing team.
• Drive revenue growth by modeling selling behaviors, monitoring key performance indicators, and implementing strategies that improve customer engagement and sales results.
• Partner with store leadership to execute merchandising plans, product launches, and promotional initiatives that enhance the customer experience and maximize business opportunities.
• Monitor staffing, floor coverage, and service execution to ensure an efficient, safe, and engaging shopping environment.
• Analyze sales, inventory, and operational data to identify trends, resolve issues, and make informed business decisions that improve sales and service performance.
• Collaborate with cross-functional partners to support store initiatives, maintain visual merchandising standards, and deliver consistent execution across the business.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required; associate or bachelor’s degree preferred.
• 3–5 years of retail operations experience in a high-volume, premium, fast-paced environment.
• Previous experience leading and developing retail teams.
• Retail environment experience preferred

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong leadership, coaching, and performance management skills.
• Excellent customer service and relationship-building abilities.
• Knowledge of retail operations, merchandising, inventory, and sales performance metrics.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to translate data into action.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and retail operational systems.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Additional Information

Don’t meet every single requirement? At Mattel, we are dedicated to an inclusive workplace and a culture of belonging. If you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we still encourage you to apply. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles. Join Mattel's Talent Community and start receiving exciting updates about our company, our employees, and our culture. Also, interested in signing up for job alerts? Do so here!

How We Work:
We are a purpose driven company aiming to empower generations to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential. We live up to our purpose employing the following behaviors:

• We collaborate: Being a part of Mattel means being part of one team with shared values and common goals. Every person counts and working closely together always brings better results. Partnership is our process and our collective capabilities is our superpower.
• We innovate: At Mattel we always aim to find new and better ways to create innovative products and experiences. No matter where you work in the organization, you can always make a difference and have real impact. We welcome new ideas and value new initiatives that challenge conventional thinking.
• We execute: We are a performance-driven company. We strive for excellence and are focused on pursuing best-in-class outcomes. We believe in accountability and ownership and know that our people are at their best when they are empowered to create and deliver results.

Who We Are:
Mattel is a leading global toy and family entertainment company and owner of one of the most iconic brand portfolios in the world. We engage consumers and fans through our franchise brands, including Barbie, Hot Wheels, Fisher-Price, American Girl, Thomas & Friends, UNO, Masters of the Universe, Matchbox, Monster High, MEGA and Polly Pocket, as well as other popular properties that we own or license in partnership with global entertainment companies. Our offerings include toys, content, consumer products, digital and live experiences. Our products are sold in collaboration with the world’s leading retail and ecommerce companies. Since its founding in 1945, Mattel is proud to be a trusted partner in empowering generations to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential.

Mattel’s award-winning workplace culture has been recognized by Forbes, Fast Company, Newsweek, Great Place to Work, TIME, and more.

Visit us at https://jobs.mattel.com/ and www.instagram.com/MattelCareers.

Mattel is an Equal Opportunity Employer where we want you to bring your authentic self to work every day. We welcome all job seekers, and all applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, veteran and protected veteran status, disability status, and or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

Client-provided location(s): New York, NY

Job ID: 69fc1c6a-1ee5-409c-970b-d740e45f0b0a

Employment Type: OTHER

Posted: 2026-07-10T19:02:42