Head of Retail

The Opportunity

Lead, scale, and transform a multi‑country retail portfolio. As Head of Retail, you’ll own end‑to‑end store performance: driving revenue and profit, elevating customer experience, and building a high‑performing retail organisation across all markets and formats. You’ll report directly to the CEO and be a key driver of growth and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

1. Retail Strategy & Growth

• Set and execute the retail strategy across all brands, formats, and markets.
• Assess and open new locations, formats, and markets (including omnichannel) in the GCC and India.
• Turn strategy into clear annual plans, sales targets, and store‑level objectives.
• Use data, POS insights, and retail tech to sharpen decisions and performance.
• Drive innovation in formats, digital integration, and in‑store experience.
• Lead major initiatives such as new brand launches, refurbishments, and market entry.

2. Sales & Commercial Performance

• Own the retail sales budget and P&L, delivering revenue, margin, and profit targets.
• Shape sales and promotional strategies to maximise topline and GM.
• Analyse sales, footfall, and conversion to fix underperformance by store/category.
• Partner with buying, merchandising, and marketing on assortment, pricing, and promos.

3. Store Operations & Excellence

• Set and enforce SOPs, VM, and service standards across all stores.
• Improve efficiency via smart rostering, stock management, and admin.
• Run regular store audits to improve operations and reduce losses.
• Manage key relationships with landlords, contractors, and service providers.

4. Budget, P&L & Resources

• Manage retail budgets, costs, and resources to hit profitability goals.
• Control payroll, occupancy, and operating expenses within agreed limits.
• Reduce shrinkage and wastage with strong loss‑prevention measures.
• Provide clear, regular performance updates to the CEO and leadership team.

5. Customer Experience & Brand

• Embed a customer‑first culture and consistent, high‑quality store experience.
• Track NPS, mystery shopper, and feedback; act fast where standards slip.
• Implement service training to improve satisfaction, conversion, and loyalty.
• Lead omnichannel initiatives that link stores and digital touchpoints.

6. Merchandising, Inventory & Supply Chain

• Oversee merchandising and inventory to optimise availability, turns, and margin.
• Work closely with buying, inventory, and warehouse teams on flow and replenishment.
• Minimise aged stock and markdowns through data‑driven decisions.

7. Leadership & Team Development

• Build and develop a high‑performing, multicultural field and store leadership team.
• Set clear KPIs, succession plans, and training paths to grow retail talent.
• Drive a culture of accountability, performance, and continuous improvement.
• Champion adoption of new tools and technology in store operations.

8. Compliance, Governance & Risk

• Ensure full compliance with health, safety, licensing, and regulatory standards in all markets.
• Maintain robust controls for cash, inventory, and store administration.
• Work with Internal Audit and other functions to close gaps and strengthen controls.

Key Metrics / KPIs

• Retail revenue growth and same‑store sales (LFL)
• New store ramp‑up and project delivery (on time / on budget)
• Sales per square foot and gross margin achievement
• Operational audit pass rate and shrinkage
• Retail P&L delivery, opex as % of sales, and cost savings
• NPS, mystery shopper scores, conversion, and brand standards compliance
• Inventory turns, stock fill rate, and sell‑through
• Team retention, internal promotions, training coverage, and engagement scores

Salt is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.