Job: Retail Director (VP of Operations) – Premium Cigars

Our Client

Our client for this opportunity is a Tobacco / Premium Cigar company with a network of cigar stores and smoking lounges in the US.

Objective

As a key member of the Executive Management team, this position will be responsible to lead a team of Regional Operation’s managers, Training Manager and other personnel to ensure smooth day to day operations of all company owned and operated sites. The Retail Director develops the overall store operations strategy and directs the Region Operations Managers in developing and implementing best practices, measuring operational efficiencies, continuously improving productivity and overall operational standards. They drive the execution of succession planning, workforce planning and development of direct reports with a focus on instilling a culture of accountability for all measurable, improving the customer experience and driving a culture of coaching, engagement and teamwork. In addition, this position will work closely with the Marketing Director to develop in-store strategy to grow sales and profits. This is a great opportunity for a candidate with outstanding communication, analytical and people management skills, who is strategic, motivated and systems-savvy, to take a hands-on role in driving the business.

Job Description

• Has accountability for sales, profits, people development within the operations team and smooth operations of all company owned and operated sites.
• Directs, through subordinate managers and staff, the ongoing operations and/development of the retail operations within the scope of the company’s mission and vision, take decisions on matters relating to the day to day retail operation within their defined work area including the strategic planning of resources.
• Participates in the strategic direction and decision making process for new initiatives, projects and procedures as necessary.
• Responsible to translate strategic goals into retail operational plans to achieve the required targeted growth in sales and profits. Operates within the labor budget hours while efficiently managing operational efficiency, productivity and overtime at the stores.
• Ensures that the retail operation complies with all policies and procedures and maintain a high-performance culture. Ensures that the Company is a responsible retailer for sale of age restrictive products and oversees effective training and compliance.
• Implements general policies & procedures established by the company; directs their administration and execution as it relates to the retail operations. Supports the effective execution of the marketing programs/promotions at the stores.
• Utilizes hands on leadership approach by leading, supporting and coaching direct reports, store teams to understand and identify business critical issues in order to ensure the alignment of tactics, strategy and achieve business goals.
• Takes a lead role in building a people development culture within the operations team; spends time coaching Direct reports and identifying skills and opportunities for development; provides advice and guidance to Store level issues when needed.
• Works with the HR Business Partner to ensure people management issues are satisfactorily resolved and relevant HR policies and procedures are adhered to.
• Proactively manages and reviews the performance and progress of Region Operations Managers, and other direct reports, sets objectives and goals; works with Retail Training Manager to develop individual training plans for the team.
• Defines the tactics that realizes the business strategy for the operations team.
• Participates in the strategic direction and decision making process for new initiatives, projects and procedures as necessary.

Requirements

• Minimum of 10 years’ prior experience in an upscale retail environment, including 5 years as a multi-store manager; or previous management experience as a multi-store manager preferred
• Ability to work with and motivate multiple levels within the retail organization
• Must demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate important issues related to Market to Senior Management, and partner on solutions
• Pro-active problem solver – ability to assess an issue and develop action steps for resolution
• Demonstrated ability to think broadly, considering all perspectives on issues, and reaching logical conclusions that best serve the company as a whole
• Appreciated previous experience: Luxury Goods, Luxury Products, Watches, Jewelry, Wines, Spirits, Liquors, Tobacco, Cigars
• Appreciated previous titles: Head of Retail, VP of Retail, Director of Store, VP of Retail Operations