VP Operations Jobs in Tampa, FL
VP Operations jobs in Tampa are concentrated in Westshore, Downtown, and the Ybor City corridor, driven by demand in logistics, healthcare, financial services, and professional services. Employers actively hiring include Citi, Jobot, and Xtend. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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The USF Department of Intercollegiate Athletics is an integral part of USF and its mission by sponsoring a diverse and nationally competitive Division I athletic program. The program serves several significant constituencies, including its student-athletes, who are students first. The most important priority of the program is the progress of the student-athletes toward graduation. Other priorities include the health, fitness and emotional development of student-athletes at USF.
Intercollegiate Athletics provide a sense of collegiality, allegiance, and pride for students, staff, faculty, alumni, boosters and the greater Tampa Bay community at large and serves as a focal point for their support. Within the framework of competitive excellence, Intercollegiate Athletics at USF are also a contact vehicle leading supporters to a greater awareness of the University's mission, academic programs and prominence as an educational institution.
Lead the Retail Business Strategy
- Develop and execute the overall retail and merchandise strategy for USF Athletics, aligning revenue growth, fan engagement, and long-term business objectives.
Oversee Retail Operations Across All Channels
- Provide strategic oversight of all retail locations, game-day operations, venue stores, special events, and e-commerce platforms to ensure operational excellence.
Drive Revenue and Financial Performance
- Manage retail profitability, budgeting, forecasting, pricing strategies, and performance metrics to achieve revenue and growth targets.
Direct Merchandise and Product Development
- Establish merchandise strategies, product assortments, licensing initiatives, and exclusive retail offerings that strengthen the USF Athletics brand.
Lead E-Commerce and Omnichannel Growth
- Enhance customer experience by integrating physical retail, digital commerce, marketing, and technology to maximize sales and fan engagement.
Manage Strategic Partnerships and Business Development
- Build and maintain relationships with vendors, manufacturers, licensing partners, sponsors, and external stakeholders to expand retail opportunities and brand reach.
Develop and Lead a High-Performing Retail Organization
- Recruit, mentor, and manage retail staff while fostering a culture of customer service, accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.
Perform Other Duties and Special Projects
- Perform other related duties, initiatives, and special projects as assigned to support the strategic, operational, financial, and organizational objectives of the USF Athletics retail enterprise.
- Bachelor's degree in business, retail management, marketing, sports management, hospitality, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- 8+ years of progressive leadership experience in retail, e-commerce, sports, entertainment, collegiate athletics, consumer products, or a related industry.
- Experience with revenue generation, financial management, inventory, merchandising, staffing, and vendor management.
- Demonstrated ability to develop and execute strategic business plans.
- Experience with POS, inventory management, e-commerce, CRM, and retail analytics platforms.
- Strong analytical, financial, organizational, and communication skills.
- Ability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and extended hours as required by the athletics calendar.
- Senior-level experience in collegiate, professional sports, entertainment, or major venue retail.
- Experience managing retail operations across multiple venues.
- Experience with collegiate licensing and merchandise. • Experience developing exclusive merchandise and strategic retail partnerships.
- SB 1310: Substitution of Work Experience for Postsecondary Education Requirements
- A public employer may include a postsecondary degree as a baseline requirement only as an alternative to the number of years of direct experience required, not to exceed:
(b) Four years of direct experience for a bachelor’s degree;
(c) Six years of direct experience for a master’s degree;
(d) Seven years of direct experience for a professional degree; or
(e) Nine years of direct experience for a doctoral degree
- Related work experience may not substitute for any required licensure, certification, or registration required for the position of employment as established by the public employer and indicated in the advertised description of the position of employment.
- Minimum Qualifications that require a high school diploma are exempt from SB 1310
Level 1 Criminal Background check is required
The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. In 2025, U.S. News & World Report recognized USF with its highest overall ranking in university history, as a top 50 public university for the seventh consecutive year and as one of the top 15 best values among all public universities in the nation. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine in the highest tier, placing it as one of the top 16 medical schools in the nation and inside the top 10 among public universities. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $750 million in research funding in 2025 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of nearly $10 billion for the state of Florida. USF’s Division I athletics teams compete in the American Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu .
Working at USF
With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF‘s rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida’s best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state’s 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.
About USF
The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF’s Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu .
Compliance and Federal Notices
This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.
Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws :
The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws. This job description does not constitute an employment contract.
The USF Department of Intercollegiate Athletics is an integral part of USF and its mission by sponsoring a diverse and nationally competitive Division I athletic program. The program serves several significant constituencies, including its student-athletes, who are students first. The most important priority of the program is the progress of the student-athletes toward graduation. Other priorities include the health, fitness and emotional development of student-athletes at USF.
Intercollegiate Athletics provide a sense of collegiality, allegiance, and pride for students, staff, faculty, alumni, boosters and the greater Tampa Bay community at large and serves as a focal point for their support. Within the framework of competitive excellence, Intercollegiate Athletics at USF are also a contact vehicle leading supporters to a greater awareness of the University's mission, academic programs and prominence as an educational institution.
Lead the Retail Business Strategy
- Develop and execute the overall retail and merchandise strategy for USF Athletics, aligning revenue growth, fan engagement, and long-term business objectives.
Oversee Retail Operations Across All Channels
- Provide strategic oversight of all retail locations, game-day operations, venue stores, special events, and e-commerce platforms to ensure operational excellence.
Drive Revenue and Financial Performance
- Manage retail profitability, budgeting, forecasting, pricing strategies, and performance metrics to achieve revenue and growth targets.
Direct Merchandise and Product Development
- Establish merchandise strategies, product assortments, licensing initiatives, and exclusive retail offerings that strengthen the USF Athletics brand.
Lead E-Commerce and Omnichannel Growth
- Enhance customer experience by integrating physical retail, digital commerce, marketing, and technology to maximize sales and fan engagement.
Manage Strategic Partnerships and Business Development
- Build and maintain relationships with vendors, manufacturers, licensing partners, sponsors, and external stakeholders to expand retail opportunities and brand reach.
Develop and Lead a High-Performing Retail Organization
- Recruit, mentor, and manage retail staff while fostering a culture of customer service, accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.
Perform Other Duties and Special Projects
- Perform other related duties, initiatives, and special projects as assigned to support the strategic, operational, financial, and organizational objectives of the USF Athletics retail enterprise.
- Bachelor's degree in business, retail management, marketing, sports management, hospitality, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- 8+ years of progressive leadership experience in retail, e-commerce, sports, entertainment, collegiate athletics, consumer products, or a related industry.
- Experience with revenue generation, financial management, inventory, merchandising, staffing, and vendor management.
- Demonstrated ability to develop and execute strategic business plans.
- Experience with POS, inventory management, e-commerce, CRM, and retail analytics platforms.
- Strong analytical, financial, organizational, and communication skills.
- Ability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and extended hours as required by the athletics calendar.
- Senior-level experience in collegiate, professional sports, entertainment, or major venue retail.
- Experience managing retail operations across multiple venues.
- Experience with collegiate licensing and merchandise. • Experience developing exclusive merchandise and strategic retail partnerships.
- SB 1310: Substitution of Work Experience for Postsecondary Education Requirements
- A public employer may include a postsecondary degree as a baseline requirement only as an alternative to the number of years of direct experience required, not to exceed:
(b) Four years of direct experience for a bachelor’s degree;
(c) Six years of direct experience for a master’s degree;
(d) Seven years of direct experience for a professional degree; or
(e) Nine years of direct experience for a doctoral degree
- Related work experience may not substitute for any required licensure, certification, or registration required for the position of employment as established by the public employer and indicated in the advertised description of the position of employment.
- Minimum Qualifications that require a high school diploma are exempt from SB 1310
Level 1 Criminal Background check is required
The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. In 2025, U.S. News & World Report recognized USF with its highest overall ranking in university history, as a top 50 public university for the seventh consecutive year and as one of the top 15 best values among all public universities in the nation. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine in the highest tier, placing it as one of the top 16 medical schools in the nation and inside the top 10 among public universities. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $750 million in research funding in 2025 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of nearly $10 billion for the state of Florida. USF’s Division I athletics teams compete in the American Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu .
Working at USF
With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF‘s rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida’s best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state’s 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.
About USF
The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF’s Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu .
Compliance and Federal Notices
This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.
Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws :
The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws. This job description does not constitute an employment contract.
See All 48 VP Operations Jobs in Tampa
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Find VP Operations JobsVP Operations Job Market in Tampa
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Staffing & Recruiting
VP Operations Jobs in Tampa: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a vp operations job in Tampa?
Tampa's strongest hiring for vp operations comes from healthcare systems, regional logistics companies, financial services firms, and professional services organizations clustered in Westshore and Downtown. Candidates who stand out locally have direct P&L ownership experience, a record of scaling operations teams, and familiarity with Tampa's distribution and port-driven supply chain environment. Connecting with Tampa Bay Area business networks and targeting mid-market companies undergoing growth gives you a real edge over national applicants.
Which companies hire vp operations in Tampa?
Tampa vp operations roles are posted by Citi, Jobot, and Xtend and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. The employer mix skews toward regional healthcare networks, logistics and transportation companies tied to Port Tampa Bay, and financial services and insurance firms with large back-office operations in the metro.
Are there remote vp operations jobs in Tampa?
Yes, though selectively. VP operations is primarily an on-site leadership role given its responsibility for facilities, teams, and physical workflows, so fully remote openings are less common than in purely analytical functions. About 50% of vp operations openings tied to Tampa are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, with hybrid arrangements most common in technology-enabled operations and shared services roles headquartered in the Westshore business district.
How can I get a vp operations job in Tampa with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path in Tampa is moving up through director-level operations roles at mid-market companies in logistics, healthcare administration, or professional services. Tampa's growing distribution sector, anchored by Port Tampa Bay activity, and its expanding healthcare networks regularly promote from director to VP for candidates who demonstrate measurable cost reduction and team leadership. Targeting regional companies rather than national corporations gives earlier exposure to executive-level decision-making and visibility to hiring leadership.
Which industries hire the most vp operations in Tampa?
Most vp operations openings in Tampa sit in Staffing & Recruiting, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Tampa's role as a major logistics hub through Port Tampa Bay, combined with its concentration of regional healthcare systems and a fast-growing financial and insurance services sector, consistently drives executive operations hiring across those verticals.
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See All 48 VP Operations Jobs in Tampa
Find roles in Tampa that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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