Our client is looking for a dynamic and experienced Head of Retail to lead the overall strategy, sales, marketing, profitability, and operations of the retail division.
This role requires a strategic thinker who can inspire a diverse team and deliver on financial and operational targets.
Responsibilities: Develop, execute, and update strategic expansion plans for new store openings.
Provide input into the strategic direction of the Retail Department in areas such as turnover, profitability, budgets, and departmental structure.
Drive sustainable long-term growth for the division through a comprehensive strategic plan.
Manage reporting of financial and management information for the retail department, ensuring brand image and compliance with relevant legislation and company policies.
Plan and manage internal communications within the retail department.
Assess ROI for merchandising and marketing programs to inform future strategies that drive sales.
Ensure short- and long-term objectives align with the overall strategy.
Deliver agreed sales and profit targets for the retail division, focusing on outstanding customer service and satisfaction.
Hold staff accountable for exceptional service standards and ensure full product knowledge.
Design and implement the annual sales and marketing plan.
Collaborate with Product and Marketing teams on product development feasibility, merchandising, and promotions.
Partner with Finance and IT to establish effective tracking systems.
Provide monthly performance reports to the CEO.
Manage POS systems, and oversee forecasting, labor, and stock shrinkage.
Lead sales forecasting, SKU-level planning, and the sales & operations planning (S&OP) process.
Foster a culture where employees understand the brand and have comprehensive product knowledge.
Execute brand equity strategies to enhance in-store consumer experience, aligning with consumer desires through collaboration with the Marketing Department.
Monitor sales performance by product segment and adjust in-store strategies as needed.
Work with Supply Chain for optimized order and delivery processes.
Manage store lease negotiations, third-party service agreements, and equipment maintenance.
Conduct quarterly maintenance reviews for all sites.
Ensure compliance with labor laws, lead recruitment for retail management, and implement training schedules covering company policies, product knowledge, and customer service.
Motivate staff to achieve sales and profit targets, regularly communicating with Training, Retail, and Store Managers on sales, performance, and best practices.
Support succession planning and conduct performance evaluations for all direct reports.
Apply best practices in Work Health & Safety (OHSA) compliance, ensuring new store setups support safe work environments.
Enforce food safety and hygiene standards in stores.
Key Skills: Strategic thinking and strong analytical skills.
Exceptional leadership abilities to inspire, mentor, and develop high-performing teams.
Entrepreneurial mindset with innovative problem-solving skills.
Customer-focused with a commitment to quality and service excellence.
Effective communication skills and the ability to set clear performance targets.
Strong organizational and project management skills.
Experience managing profit/loss in a multi-unit organization.
Previous experience in the food or chocolate industry is advantageous.
Intermediate proficiency in Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Qualifications: 4-6 years of experience in Hospitality or Retail management within a premium environment.
Proven success in strategic development and implementation.