Assistant Director (Full-Time) @ Candyland

Job description

YOUR FUTURE BEGINS AT THIS PREMIER DESTINATION At Event Network, we believe the experience matters. As the leading operator of retail experiences at some of the most iconic and inspiring destinations across the United States, we infuse passion, creativity, and purpose into everything we do. Our team is dedicated to providing engaging and memorable retail environments that enhance the guest experience, while reflecting the unique mission and values of each location we serve. Lead the Operations. Support the Magic. Inspire the Team. At Candy Land, we're creating more than a candy store—we're creating a destination where guests of all ages discover wonder, celebrate imagination, and create lasting memories. Every visit is designed to spark joy through hospitality, storytelling, playful discovery, and indulgent treats. As the Assistant Director, you'll serve as the Experience Leader, partnering with the Store Director to ensure every aspect of the business runs seamlessly behind the scenes while empowering the team to deliver an exceptional guest experience through our core values. This is an opportunity for a hands-on leader who thrives in fast-paced environments, enjoys developing people, and understands that operational excellence is the foundation for unforgettable guest experiences. Position Summary The Assistant Director is responsible for supporting the daily operation of the Candy Land store. This role oversees daily operational execution, staffing, inventory management, scheduling, safety, and compliance while partnering closely with the Store Director and staff to ensure the Candy Land experience is consistently delivered. As the primary Leader on Duty, the Assistant Director sets the pace for the day, removes obstacles for the team, and creates an environment where Candy Guides can focus on delivering memorable guest experiences. The Assistant Director is accountable for four key outcomes: ✨ Create Wonder – Support a seamless guest experience through operational excellence. • Drive Results – Execute daily business priorities and achieve operational goals. • Grow People – Coach and develop team members through daily leadership. • Build Partnerships – Collaborate with Event Network partners, property leadership, and the store leadership team. What You'll Do • Operational Leadership ◦ Lead the day-to-day operation of the store as the primary Leader on Duty. ◦ Execute opening and closing procedures while ensuring operational readiness. ◦ Oversee scheduling, labor deployment, and daily workload planning. ◦ Maintain inventory accuracy through replenishment, cycle counts, and operational controls. ◦ Ensure visual standards, cleanliness, and safety expectations are consistently maintained. ◦ Protect company assets through inventory management and loss prevention practices. • Team Leadership & Development ◦ Coach and support Candy Guides and Lead Candy Guides through real-time feedback and development. ◦ Assist with recruiting, onboarding, and training new team members. ◦ Reinforce learning through daily coaching and observation. ◦ Foster a positive, accountable, and collaborative team culture. ◦ Lead by example through professionalism, integrity, and operational excellence. • Guest Experience ◦ Partner with Experience Leaders to ensure operational execution supports an exceptional guest experience. ◦ Resolve guest concerns with empathy and professionalism. ◦ Maintain awareness of the sales floor and proactively remove operational barriers that impact guest engagement. ◦ Ensure every guest interaction reflects the Candy Land brand promise. • Business Performance ◦ Support the achievement of sales, payroll, labor, and operational goals. ◦ Monitor key business metrics and assist in implementing action plans to improve performance. ◦ Execute merchandising, replenishment, and promotional initiatives. ◦ Analyze daily business trends and communicate priorities to the leadership team. • Leadership & Collaboration ◦ Build collaborative relationships with Event Network partners, property leadership, and internal support teams. ◦ Partner with the Store Director to execute strategic initiatives and operational priorities. ◦ Promote open communication, teamwork, and accountability across the store. ◦ Support special events, seasonal activations, and grand opening initiatives. What You'll Bring We're looking for leaders who are passionate about operational excellence, developing people, and delivering memorable guest experiences. Required Qualifications • 2–4+ years of leadership experience in retail, hospitality, entertainment, or guest-focused environments. • Experience leading daily operations in a high-volume retail environment. • Strong organizational, planning, and time management skills. • Demonstrated ability to coach and develop team members. • Experience with scheduling, payroll, inventory, and operational execution. • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. • Ability to remain calm, organized, and solutions-focused in a fast-paced environment. • Flexible availability, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events. • Must be 18 years or older to apply. What Success Looks Like Every Assistant Director is expected to lead across four key pillars. ✨ Create Wonder • Ensure operations support a seamless guest experience. • Maintain a safe, organized, and welcoming environment. • Remove operational barriers so the team can focus on guests. • Drive Results • Execute daily operational priorities. • Support sales and productivity goals. • Maintain inventory accuracy and labor efficiency. • Ensure operational excellence. • Grow People • Coach and develop team members through daily interactions. • Reinforce training and operational standards. • Build confidence and capability within the team. • Foster accountability and continuous improvement. • Build Partnerships • Collaborate effectively with Store Leadership, Experience Leaders, Event Network partners, and property leadership. • Support cross-functional initiatives and special events. • Build trust through communication, teamwork, and reliability. Why Candy Land? Candy Land is more than a retail destination—it's an experience where families discover wonder, celebrate imagination, and create lasting memories. As the Assistant Director, you'll play a critical role in bringing that experience to life by ensuring every day is operationally ready for the magic to happen. You'll have the opportunity to develop your leadership skills through Event Network University, partner with an incredible team, and help launch one of Event Network's most exciting new retail concepts. Physical Requirements To successfully perform the essential functions of this role, the Assistant Director should be able to: • Stand and walk for extended periods throughout scheduled shifts. • Frequently move throughout the sales floor, stockroom, and guest experience areas. • Lift, carry, push, and pull merchandise and supplies weighing up to 30 pounds on a regular basis. • Occasionally lift or move items weighing up to 50 pounds with assistance or appropriate equipment. • Bend, stoop, kneel, reach, and climb ladders as needed to merchandise products, replenish inventory, and maintain store presentation. • Use a computer, tablet, point-of-sale system, and other technology for extended periods. • Work in a fast-paced retail environment with frequent interaction with guests and team members. • Maintain a flexible schedule, including mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events as business needs require. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position. Benefits Eligible team members may enjoy: • Competitive salary • Performance-based incentive opportunities • Medical, dental, and vision benefits • Paid time off and company holidays • 401(k) with company match (where applicable) • Leadership development • Career advancement opportunities within Event Network • Employee merchandise discounts • The opportunity to help launch and shape an exciting new retail concept Equal Employment Opportunity Event Network is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities throughout the application and employment process. Applicants who require accommodation are encouraged to contact Human Resources for assistance. Pay Rate: $25-$28/hr BRING YOUR PASSION AND TALENT TO OUR TEAM! Ready to make an impact and be part of something extraordinary? Apply today and take the next step in your career journey with us! Event Network celebrates diversity and is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. We’re committed to creating an inclusive environment for all Team Members.