Retail Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Job location: Los Angeles, CA 90038

Salary: $125,000 - $145,000

Sightglass is a specialty coffee leader renowned for quality coffee experiences, and we’re seeking a seasoned retail operator to lead our dynamic, multi-location cafe organization through the company's next phase of growth.

The Head of Retail reports to the CEO and holds full P&L responsibility for the retail channel, leading a team of approximately 100 employees across Northern and Southern California. This role directly leads the NorCal regional leader and the store leadership at the Los Angeles location.

This is an operator’s role in a company that is actively growing. The Head of Retail will be most successful if they are a hands‑on builder who can work alongside their teams, strengthen operational systems, and ensure the people and processes across all locations are equipped to consistently and joyfully provide the premium‑quality specialty coffee experience that Sightglass is known for. This position may be based in Los Angeles or San Francisco, with regular travel between locations.

• Own the retail channel P&L, with accountability for sales, labor, and margin performance across all locations.
• Set the strategic direction for the retail channel in partnership with the CEO, translating company goals into consistent store‑level execution.
• Serve as the retail channel voice within the senior leadership team and contribute to company‑wide strategic planning.
• Partner with Finance on budgeting, forecasting, and performance reporting.
• Develop and execute short and long‑term initiatives that drive revenue growth and improve the guest experience.

• Maintain and continuously improve operational standards across all locations, including quality, presentation, service, training, safety, and cleanliness.
• Build and implement the communications systems, processes, and operational infrastructure that enable consistency across a growing multi‑location footprint.
• Maintain a working knowledge of store operations and be willing to work directly in stores alongside teams when needed.
• Lead or support new store openings, including operational planning, staffing, training, and launch execution.
• Partner with People Operations on recruiting, onboarding, performance management, and talent development for the retail team.

• Lead, develop, and hold accountable three direct reports: the NorCal Regional Director, the Store Manager, and the BOH Manager at the Los Angeles location, with overall leadership of approximately 100 employees.
• Manage managers effectively, including goal‑setting, performance reviews, and individual development planning.
• Build and maintain communication systems that keep retail staff at all locations informed and aligned.
• Establish clear reporting cadences up to the CEO and to cross‑functional partners.
• Receive information from other parts of the company and ensure it reaches store‑level teams effectively and consistently.

• Uphold and elevate Sightglass’s standards for coffee quality, hospitality, and guest experience across all retail locations.
• Partner with Marketing and Coffee Education to ensure consistent brand expression, product knowledge, and staff readiness across all consumer touchpoints.
• Lead a hospitality‑first culture grounded in deep specialty coffee knowledge and service excellence.

• 8+ years of progressive leadership experience in specialty coffee or hospitality retail, including multi‑unit or multi‑location management.
• Proven track record of P&L ownership in a retail or hospitality environment.
• Experience managing managers in a multi‑location retail environment.
• Deep knowledge of specialty coffee, hospitality standards, and counter service retail best practices.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain communications systems that connect multi‑location teams.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with proven experience reporting to senior leadership and presenting cross‑functionally.
• Highly organized, with a track record of building operational systems in dynamic, high‑growth environments.
• Comfortable operating in ambiguity and contributing to systems‑building where processes are still being developed.
• Connections within the SF and/or LA food and hospitality communities are a plus.
• Ability to travel regularly between Northern and Southern California.

• Able to grasp, lift, and carry up to 50 pounds as needed.
• Ability to travel regularly between San Francisco and Los Angeles, with additional travel as needed.
• Ability to stand for extended periods in a retail and cafe environment.
• This position may be based in Los Angeles (preferred) or San Francisco.

• Salary Range: $125,000 - $145,000
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage for all full‑time employees: 80% of base medical plan for employee.
• 401(k) plan.
• Paid time off and parental leave.
• Free coffee at any Sightglass cafe and a weekly bag of beans.
• Discounts on food, merchandise, extra bags of beans, and more.

Sightglass is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We deliver an ever‑evolving and consistently excellent coffee experience. We approach coffee holistically, establishing relationships at every step. We stay true to our welcoming and resourceful culture.