Head of Retail

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Head of Retail will play a pivotal role in leading the transformation and success of our retail network (Cove & Co). Through strong leadership working with a team of retail managers, they will deliver our strategy, driving revenue growth, continually improving performance and delivering an outstanding consumer experience across all touchpoints.

Reporting to the Managing Director, a key member of the Leadership team, the Head of Retail will provide hands-on operational leadership, while shaping the strategic direction of the retail business. Through balancing high-level strategy with day-to-day execution, they will ensure each Cove & Co store delivers on their potential and achieves sustained commercial success.

Key areas of responsibility include:

Retail Performance & Commercial Growth

• Take full ownership of the Retail P&L, ensuring strong commercial performance and profitability
• Develop and execute store-specific action plans to address underperformance and drive sales growth
• Implement retail best practices, ensuring each store optimizes stock management, pricing and margin protection
• Drive footfall, conversion and ATV through in-store experiences, events and targeted marketing programs
• Regularly analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) to make data-driven business decisions
• Ensure all store managers are aligned with financial goals and have clear accountability for performance
• Support the Head of Finance in financial negotiations with external stakeholders

Operational Excellence & Store Management

• Lead the day-to-day operations of the retail network, ensuring operational efficiency and excellence
• Establish strong retail execution standards, including visual merchandising, customer service and compliance
• Strengthen inventory management and fulfillment process working closely with supply chain and finance team
• Implement effective workforce planning, always ensuring the right people in the right roles
• Optimize store layouts and category performance to maximize revenue and improve customer experience
• Streamline product and service offering across store network and centralize purchasing
• Manage facility repairs and renewal of external contracts

People Leadership & Culture

• Build and lead a high-performing retail management team, fostering a culture of accountability and results
• Conduct regular 1-2-1's, coaching and performance reviews, ensuring clear objectives and growth opportunities for team and individuals
• Champion a customer-centric culture, ensuring that every team member is focused on delivering exceptional service
• Align retail teams with GPG values of Respect, Partnership and Excellence

Marketing & Brand Development

• Work closely with the Head of Marketing and marketing team to implement campaigns that drive footfall, sales and brand awareness
• Oversee the execution of store-specific marketing initiatives, ensuring alignment with the broader brand strategy
• Develop local community engagement initiatives to increase store loyalty and advocacy

Technology & Data-Driven Retailing

• Leverage real-time data and analytics to drive decision making and performance improvements
• Oversee financial controls, ensuring strong cash management, stock control, budgeting and cost efficiency
• Lead the implementation of the CRM strategy, ensuring we are capturing customer – consumer and trade data – and driving customer retention and lifetime value
• In conjunction with Marketing, develop customer communications programs, moving from transactional to relationship customer model.
• Drive the use of NetSuite and PowerBI for enhanced business insights and operational efficiency

Strategic Growth

• Identify, evaluate and pursue opportunities for growth
• Develop and execute commercially viable strategies for organic and inorganic retail growth
• Analyze market trends and competitor activity to identify growth opportunities and adapt growth strategies

B-Corp

• Embed B-Corp principles across the business and within the retail footprint, while actively driving Health and Safety objectives
• Create a workplace culture dedicated to fostering diversity and inclusion, ensuring equal opportunities for all employees

Knowledge Skills and Experience

• 10 years' + strong, strategic & operational multi-site retail experience, with strong P&L accountability
• Deep understanding of retail operations, customer experience and financial performance management
• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to balance long-term strategy with immediate business needs
• Experience leading business transformations, ideally in a turnaround or growth phase
• Exceptional leadership skills, with the ability to inspire, coach and drive performance
• Data-driven mindset, with experience using insights to drive retail and customer strategy
• Experience in omni-channel retailing, understanding the integration of digital and physical shopping experiences
• A hands-on, results-focused approach, with the ability to execute strategy effectively at store level
• Strong understanding of technology and systems, with the ability to leverage digital tools and data for commercial and strategic decision-making

Location and Travel Expectations

Full-time position based in GPG Head Office in Celbridge, Co. Kildare, with the requirement to travel to all stores. May be required to travel to attend conferences and gather best practice knowledge from other businesses.

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