Retail Operations Manager

**Retail Operations & Expansion Manager**

**Due to our UK expansion plans, we have an exciting opportunity for a Retail Operations and Expansion Manager to join our management team. This is a dynamic and varied job in a beautiful environment.**

**Client Details**

**Søstrene Grene is an international Danish retail lifestyle brand with over 260 stores worldwide. Every Søstrene Grene store invites our customers into a sensual world of classical music, aesthetics, and joy.**The story of Søstrene Grene began in 1973 in Aarhus/Denmark and is based around the two Grene sisters, Anna and Clara. As a family business, the Company attaches great importance to ethical behaviour towards employees, customers, society and the environment.Today, Søstrene Grene has over 260 stores worldwide and is continuing to grow, bringing the wonderful world of Anna and Clara to more and more customers.

**Description**

**Purpose of the Role**

This role will support the Managing Director and other key stakeholders to successfully manage and grow the UK business by assisting with all aspects of retail operations, training and store openings.

You will be a visible leader with a passion for retail and operational standards to continually improve the retail experience for our customers and the working environment for our staff.

This is an active and varied role so you must enjoy working in a fast-paced environment and be self-motivated. You will be required to contribute and add value to the growth and operational strategy of the business and be flexible in your approach to traveland work tasks.

This role requires frequent UK travel and occasional European travel.

You will report directly to the UK Managing Director.

**Main Responsibilities**:
Your responsibilities as Retail Operations and Expansion Manager will be varied and include:
**Store Openings**
- Responsible for streamlining the setup of new stores and documenting a guide for new store openings
- Responsible for store openings; managing timelines, staff planning, recruitment, training, onsite problem solving, opening PR.
- Liaise with all key departments involved in store set up
- Lead and support the opening day launch, ensuring all PR and marketing activities are successfully carried out.
- Responsible for follow up of new store openings to ensure stores are hitting or exceeding expected targets and operational & training standards. Make recommendations and follow through on actions required if stores are underperforming.
- Assist and support any other store opening tasks required for success.

**Retail Operations**
- You will continually review retail operations across the stores to ensure best practices
- You will set a high example for your growing team and be pivotal in creating and documenting efficient ways of working and streamlining work practices across the Group.
- Support development of training tools such as training videos and operating guides.
- Produce material and implement a successful induction programme for all new staff.
- Create and deliver training sessions for stores on operational improvement areas.
- Effectively make a difference on store visits.

**Growth Success**
- Support the Managing Director with setting up Head Office structure.
- Assist with expansion plans and contribute to the operational success of the roll out.
- Work closely with the Managing Director in all aspects of managing a growing business: improving and streamlining best work practices alongside growing and expanding the number of stores.

**Profile**

**Other Requirements**:

- 2 years' minimum in a retail management or training role.
- Must have strong understanding of retail, staff, business costs, importance of Christmas season etc.
- Previous experience with expanding a brand in UK or opening new stores will be an advantage.
- Proficient in MS Office: Excel, Word, PowerPoint.
- IT proficient and able to quickly learn in house systems and use company apps.
- Must be comfortable with Teams, scheduling meetings, setting up tasks etc.
- Must be highly organised & structured
- Must be solutions oriented
- Must be able to work independently and lead a team
- Must be energetic and enthusiastic with a can-do attitude.
- As a brand ambassador must be professional and courteous at all times.
- Must be comfortable working in a very fast-paced, productive environment
- Have expertise in retail operational standards
- The role will be based from our Newbury office so must be within a realistic commutable distance
- Requires frequent travel throughout the UK (occasional travel to other European stores) so must be able and willing to travel.
- Must be available to travel and be on site several days before and after each store opening.
- Must hold a valid driver's licence
- Must have a valid working visa to work in the UK

**Job Offer**

**What you will get**:

- An enjoyable and supportive working environment
- Competitive Salary
- 28 days paid annual leave
- Staff discount to treat yourself and your home
- Full training to welcome you to the Company and ongoing training and coaching to support you in your role.
- A confidential Employee Assistance Programme with access to counselling and other professional services
- Workplace Pension Scheme

**VIDEO LINK