Head of Retail

A leading beverage company is seeking an experienced Head of Retail to lead the company's retail channel strategy, drive sustainable sales growth, oversee retail operations, and deliver an exceptional customer experience across all company-owned stores and retail partners. The successful candidate will be responsible for maximizing retail performance, improving operational efficiency, and leading high-performing teams to achieve the company's commercial objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Retail Strategy & Business Growth

• Develop and execute the retail strategy aligned with the company's commercial objectives.
• Identify growth opportunities, including new store openings and expansion plans.
• Drive revenue, profitability, and market share within the retail channel.
• Set annual sales targets, budgets, and KPIs.

2. Sales Performance Management

• Monitor sales performance across all retail locations.
• Analyze sales trends, customer behavior, and product performance.
• Implement initiatives to increase sales, average transaction value, and customer traffic.
• Ensure achievement of revenue and profit targets.

3. Store Operations

• Oversee day-to-day retail operations.
• Ensure consistent implementation of company standards and operating procedures.
• Optimize store productivity, staffing, and operational efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and food & beverage regulations.

4. Team Leadership

• Lead regional managers, area managers, and store managers.
• Recruit, develop, coach, and retain retail talent.
• Conduct performance reviews and succession planning.
• Foster a high-performance and customer-focused culture.

5. Customer Experience

• Ensure excellent customer service across all retail outlets.
• Develop initiatives to improve customer satisfaction and loyalty.
• Monitor customer feedback and resolve escalated issues.

6. Merchandising & Product Execution

• Ensure effective product assortment and availability.
• Oversee merchandising standards and promotional execution.
• Collaborate with Marketing on seasonal campaigns, new product launches, and in-store activations.

7. Inventory & Supply Chain Coordination

• Work closely with Supply Chain to maintain optimal stock levels.
• Minimize stock shortages, wastage, and product expiry.
• Improve inventory turnover and forecast retail demand.

8. Financial Management

• Manage the retail P&L.
• Control operating expenses and maximize profitability.
• Monitor labor costs, shrinkage, and store-level financial performance.
• Prepare financial and operational reports for senior management.

9. Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Sales, Marketing, Finance, Supply Chain, HR, and Procurement.
• Support new product launches and promotional activities.
• Align retail initiatives with overall business strategy.

10. Compliance & Governance

• Ensure compliance with company policies and legal requirements.
• Maintain quality, food safety, and operational standards.
• Conduct regular store audits and risk assessments.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Commerce, or a related field (MBA is an advantage).
• 10 to 15+ years of experience in retail operations, sales, or commercial management.
• At least 5 years in a senior leadership role managing multiple retail locations.
• Experience in the beverage, FMCG, food service, or hospitality industry is preferred.
• Strong knowledge of retail operations, P&L management, merchandising, inventory management, and people leadership.
• Proven ability to lead large, geographically dispersed teams and deliver commercial results.
• Excellent analytical, negotiation, leadership, and stakeholder management skills.