We have recently been engaged by one of our clients, a renowned sports/outdoor apparel brand with a rich heritage, to support them in their search for a new Head of Retail.
The Head of Retail is a hands-on leadership position responsible for overseeing and driving the overall success of our clients global retail store portfolio. As a visionary leader, you will develop and implement strategic plans to fuel business growth and enhance our customer experience. Leading a team of directors and senior managers, you will ensure seamless coordination and alignment across multiple departments/divisions/regions within the retail channel.
As Head of Retail, you will develop and implement a strategy to achieve both departmental and company-wide business objectives. You will also provide leadership across and field teams and support them in developing personal and professional competencies.
The role includes:
- Develop retail vision, strategy, and plan to drive top-line growth and bottom-line profitability, working across both full-price and outlet store portfolio.
- Create an exceptional retail experience through impactful merchandising, product assortment, and operational improvements.
- Oversee customer experience and retail operations at all locations to drive sales across both owned & operated and franchise retail stores.
- Lead retail buying team and national support roles.
- Analyse sales data, consumer trends, and industry developments to identify growth opportunities, optimising inventory levels and merchandise planning objectives.
- Ensure strong retail KPIs including sales, margins, shrinkage, and inventory turns.
- Tracking, Measuring and Reporting Retail Performance.
- Plan and oversee all merchandising strategies, visual storytelling and POP plan.
- Manage and develop retail promotional strategies and initiatives.
- Applies knowledge of sports/lifestyle/outdoor industry trends and brands to develop and execute an innovative retail strategy.
- Coach and develop retail management teams and foster a culture of customer service.
- Scale the retail department to support company growth by recruiting top talent, opening new locations, and implementing systems.
Required Skills:
- 10+ years of experience in an international retail leadership role for a retail brand, including five years of managerial experience as well as at least five years of direct P&L responsibility and an outstanding track record in meeting financial goals as well as marketing a brand successfully through a retail channel.
- Proven track record in achieving retail business growth and excellence.
- Experienced and confident to lead and inspire senior level management.
- International mindset and deep knowledge of global retail brands, markets, trends and strategies.
- Must be able to thrive in a lean & dynamic business environment, working closely with family owners in a business with humble & collaborative culture.
- Excellent dynamic thinking and negotiation skills, including the ability to analyse market trends, identify opportunities and risks, and formulate effective strategies to drive business growth.
- Strong organisational skills; enthusiastic and creative.
- Flexible to travel on a project-by-p