Supervisor Rough Trade New York

1250 6th Avenue, New York, New York, 10112, UNITED STATES

Location: Rough Trade , Rockefeller Plaza, New York City
Position: Full-Time
Salary: $40,0000 - $45,000

We're looking for an enthusiastic, knowledgeable and experienced Supervisor to join our team at Rough Trade in New York City.

Rough Trade NYC has called Rockefeller Plaza home for over five years, and we've not only adapted to this unique location but flourished. In April 2025, we expanded our presence with the opening of Rough Trade Below, a space dedicated to an even bigger selection of used vinyl, alongside DVDs, apparel and a carefully curated range of music-related gifts.

We're looking for someone who shares our passion for music, thrives in a busy retail environment and enjoys creating memorable experiences for customers and artists alike.

About the Role

As Supervisor / Keyholder, you'll play a key role in the day-to-day running of Rough Trade Below, supporting the General Manager in leading the team, driving sales and delivering an exceptional customer experience.

You'll help oversee all aspects of store operations, from merchandising and stock management to staff supervision and live events. You'll also take responsibility for the store in the General Manager's absence, ensuring everything runs smoothly and to the high standards our customers expect.

This is a hands-on role for someone who is confident leading a team, commercially aware and passionate about independent music culture.

What You'll Be Doing

Store Operations & Customer Experience

Creating an exciting, welcoming and inspiring environment for everyone who visits Rough Trade Below.

Delivering outstanding customer service and leading by example on the shop floor.

Supporting the General Manager with daily store operations and taking responsibility for the store in their absence.

Ensuring store standards, policies and procedures are consistently maintained.

Managing daily cash balancing, deposits and other operational responsibilities.

Supporting, motivating and guiding the team to deliver excellent customer service and achieve store objectives.

Delegating tasks effectively and ensuring the team is organised and supported throughout the day.

Communicating clearly and professionally with colleagues, management and other departments.

Helping create a positive, collaborative and inclusive working environment.

Maintaining engaging and creative product displays that reflect Rough Trade's identity and maximise sales opportunities.

Using database, point-of-sale and inventory management systems to maintain accurate stock records.

Monitoring sales performance, analysing results and sharing insights with management.

Understanding customer demand and identifying opportunities to improve our product offering.

Contributing ideas and supporting new initiatives to improve store performance and efficiency.

Events & Artist Experience

Supporting the successful delivery of Rough Trade Below's in-store events.

Coordinating staff responsibilities and ensuring events run smoothly and safely.

Managing customer queues, communication and organisation during busy events.

Helping provide a welcoming and professional experience for artists, record labels and event partners.

What We're Looking For

Previous supervisory or management experience within a fast-paced retail environment.

A genuine passion for music, with strong product knowledge and a curiosity to discover more.

Confident leadership skills and the ability to motivate and support a team.

Strong organisational skills, attention to detail and the ability to manage competing priorities.

Excellent communication skills and a positive, proactive approach to problem-solving.

Confidence using IT systems, including Google Workspace, POS and inventory management software.

Commercial awareness and an understanding of how merchandising, stock and customer experience contribute to sales.

An understanding of Rough Trade, our identity and the customers we serve.

Experience supporting or managing live music events, artist appearances or large‑scale retail events.

Experience working in an independent record store or music‑focused retail environment.

Knowledge of used vinyl, music formats and wider music culture.

Experience analysing sales data and contributing to commercial improvements.

What We Offer

As part of the Rough Trade team, you'll enjoy:

Paid Time Off: Three weeks (120 hours) of paid vacation per calendar year.

Paid Sick/Safe Leave: Up to 40 hours per calendar year in accordance with New York State law.

Health Insurance: Eligibility to enrol in our health insurance plan, currently provided by Empire Blue Cross, following a standard 60‑day evaluation period.

Dental & Vision: Access to dental coverage through MetLife and vision coverage through Aetna following the evaluation period.

Music & Culture: The opportunity to work in one of NYC's most exciting music retail environments, surrounded by incredible records, artists and events.

Team & Development: The chance to develop your leadership skills and contribute to the continued growth of Rough Trade NYC.

Working at Rough Trade

Rough Trade is more than a record store. We're a community built around a shared love of music, discovery and independent culture.

We're looking for someone who brings energy, creativity and enthusiasm to the role, who enjoys working with people and wants to help make Rough Trade Below an exciting destination for music fans from around the world.

The role requires flexibility to work weekends, evenings and during busy trading periods, including in-store events.

Rough Trade is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences.

Screening Questions

• Do you have experience in a similar role?
• Are you able to work evenings and weekends?
• Describe your customer service experience
• What are your salary expectations for the role?

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