Regional Head- Retail Operations

Role Overview

Regional Head of Retail Operations at Apparel Group. This position leads and optimizes retail store operations across assigned territories, ensuring effective execution of operational strategies to drive sales, maximize profitability, enhance customer experience, and uphold brand standards across all stores in the region.

Role Purpose

Lead the strategic and operational oversight of all retail stores within assigned territories. Drive sales performance and profitability, optimize operational efficiency, develop talent, manage inventory and stock, oversee store design and projects, and ensure consistent brand standards and customer experience across the region.

Key Responsibilities

Sales and Profitability

• Achieve quantitative performance measures including units per transaction, average transaction value, sales per month, sales per square feet, sales turnover, shrinkage control, and conversion percentage.
• Set store sales targets to maximize sales and profitability.
• Guide Area Managers and Store Managers to maximize productivity through effective utilization of available resources.
• Manage operational costs and identify cost reduction opportunities through automation.
• Adhere to and enforce company standard operating procedures, policies, procedures, and loss prevention audit guidelines across all stores.
• Monitor compliance measures to ensure adherence by all employees.
• Oversee implementation and execution of Visual Merchandising guidelines across all stores.
• Recruit and train staff on sales techniques, customer service, teamwork, and company and brand etiquettes.
• Evaluate employee performance annually and promote open lines of communication through coaching and motivation.
• Interpret and make operational decisions based on store and client needs.

Employee Development

• Identify store training and development needs in conjunction with the Brand General Manager and training department.
• Formulate succession plans in conjunction with the Brand General Manager.
• Set KPIs and KRAs for direct subordinates and conduct performance appraisals and feedback.
• Participate in selection and recruitment of operational staff when required.
• Ensure technical and behavioral proficiency of staff through appropriate learning and development initiatives.

Communication

• Conduct regional sales and operations meetings on a regular basis.
• Provide frequent feedback to Area Managers and Store Managers regarding their performance in relation to company performance.
• Ensure brand participation in loyalty program Club Apparel.
• Meet weekly with General Manager and senior management to discuss business plans versus achievements and improvement areas.

Stock Management

• Monitor store inventory in consultation with Brand General Manager and Brand Managers.
• Promote proactive relationships between General Manager, Area Manager, Brand Manager, Store Manager, and Buyers/Planners to maximize sales.
• Monitor slow-moving and outdated stock in consultation with Brand Managers.
• Ensure stock security measures are effectively managed by Store Managers.

Store Design and Projects Management

• Participate in the design and layout process of new store projects.
• Design a New Store Schedule prior to commencement of design process.
• Provide guidance to concept architect during design and implementation process.
• Conduct regular project update meetings with the projects team.
• Provide guidance and support to territory during setup and merchandising phases.

Brand Visibility and Legal

• Ensure enhanced brand visibility and provide inputs for marketing and brand awareness.
• Handle legal responsibilities related to store management, store opening, and planning.

Qualifications & Experience

• 10 to 12 years of progressive experience in retail operations.
• Minimum 5 years in a regional leadership role.
• Proven success in driving store performance and operational efficiency.
• Proven track record of exceeding KPI sales targets for stores.
• Strong experience managing multiple store locations.
• Demonstrated expertise in market analysis, site selection, and strategies for new store openings and refurbishments.

Skills & Competencies

• Team leadership and cross-functional collaboration.
• Store performance management.
• Operational efficiency optimization.
• Market analysis and site selection.
• Visual merchandising oversight.
• Inventory and stock management.
• Staff recruitment and training.
• Performance evaluation and feedback.
• Project management.
• Brand management and marketing.