Destination Development Tourism Vice President Jobs

Direct Hire Bar Harbor, Maine

• Location: Bar Harbor, Maine
• Type: Direct Hire
• Job #20571

ProSearch is proud to partner with The Acadia Corporation in Bar Harbor, Maine to identify an experienced, strategic, and hands-on VP of Retail Operations. This is a rare opportunity to lead a multi-location retail operation in one of the most iconic tourism destinations in New England, serving visitors to Acadia National Park and the surrounding coastal communities.

If you are an accomplished leader with experience in tourism, retail, or multi-site operations, and you thrive in a fast-paced, seasonal environment while building high-performing teams, we invite you to explore this impactful leadership role.
About the Role
The VP of Retail Operations will oversee all aspects of retail operations, financial performance, and strategic growth across multiple store locations. Reporting directly to the President and serving on the senior leadership team, this individual will play a critical role in guiding budgeting, forecasting, merchandising strategy, and operational excellence.

This is both a strategic and operational leadership role. You will shape long-term direction while staying closely connected to day-to-day performance in a dynamic, visitor-driven market.
Why This Opportunity Stands Out
This is more than a leader role. It is an opportunity to lead a respected retail organization at the heart of Maine's tourism economy. You will influence strategy, shape culture, and guide performance in a community that welcomes visitors from around the world each year.

We are particularly interested in leaders who have built their careers within tourism-focused retail, national park concessions, or multi-site hospitality environments, and who are excited to bring that experience into a vibrant coastal destination.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic & Financial Leadership

• Develop, manage, and track budgets for sales, merchandise purchasing, payroll, and operating expenses
• Monitor in-season performance including revenue, margins, payroll, and overhead
• Oversee retail accounting and ensure accuracy of financial reporting across locations
• Partner with senior leadership to drive forecasting, profitability, and sustainable growth

Retail Operations & Inventory Management

• Lead multi-store retail operations in a seasonal, tourism-driven market
• Manage inventory planning to balance seasonal demand, carry-over, markdowns, and margins
• Oversee POS systems, cash register procedures, and operational workflows
• Collaborate with retail operations and logistics teams to streamline receiving, processing, and merchandising

Team Leadership & Organizational Development

• Supervise senior staff including Retail Operations Manager, Controller, Merchandise Manager/Buyer, and Retail Logistics Coordinator
• Foster accountability, collaboration, and strong cross-departmental communication
• Support shop managers and distribution leadership through coaching and performance management

Community & External Relations

• Represent the company within the local business community
• Build relationships with vendors, business partners, and fellow retailers
• Contribute to business development initiatives and community engagement efforts

What You Bring

• Several years of progressive retail, tourism, or hospitality leadership experience, ideally in multi-store, multi-unit, or high-volume seasonal environments
• Proven success managing operations in tourism-driven markets, including national park gateway communities or destination retail settings
• Experience with or exposure to large-scale concession operators, national park concession employers, or multi-location hospitality organizations is highly valued
• Strong financial acumen including budgeting, forecasting, and retail accounting
• Knowledge of discretionary retail such as apparel, gifts, and souvenirs
• Analytical mindset with proficiency in Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, POS systems, and retail technology
• Ability to negotiate with vendors and interpret merchandise and tourism trends
• Clear, concise written and verbal communication skills
• Bachelor's degree preferred

Compensation Highlights

• Competitive base salary ranging from $120-140k depending on specific experience
• Generous profit-sharing program tied to company performance
• Comprehensive benefits package and paid time off
• Housing available on site, offering convenience in Bar Harbor's competitive housing market

Work Environment & Schedule

• Full-time, year-round exempt position
• 5 to 6 days per week
• Weekend and evening availability required during peak operating season
• Comprehensive benefits package and paid time off, with limited vacation availability during peak season

Ready to Take the Next Step?
Connect with ProSearch directly for a confidential discussion.
Lead with purpose. Build with intention. Make an impact in Bar Harbor.

ProSearch is proud to be an affirmative action / equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, creed, gender, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under local, state, or federal law.

Salary Range Disclaimer
The salary range for this role reflects the minimum and maximum compensation for the role. Offers are typically made between the range minimum and the range midpoint. Actual compensation will be determined based on job-related skills, experience, and expertise, as evaluated during the interview process. Compensation may also vary based on where a role is performed.

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