Head of Retail Operations Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the fast-paced world of retail, the importance of a Head of Retail Operations cannot be overstated.

The retail landscape constantly evolves, and with every shift, the demand for skilled leaders who can manage, develop, and protect our retail operations heightens.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s really expected from a Head of Retail Operations?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker seeking to understand the full scope of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the intricacies of retail operations,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Head of Retail Operations job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Head of Retail Operations Duties and Responsibilities

The Head of Retail Operations is responsible for overseeing and managing all retail operations within an organization.

This includes supervising staff, managing store-related operations and strategies, driving sales, and ensuring customer satisfaction.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Overseeing the entire retail operation of the company
• Developing and implementing retail strategies and initiatives that drive sales, improve customer service, and grow the business
• Managing a team of store managers and retail staff, including hiring, training, performance evaluation, and staff development
• Monitoring store expenditures and budgets, and ensuring financial objectives are met
• Ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations, as well as legal requirements
• Analyzing consumer behavior and adjusting product positioning
• Handling customer complaints and issues in a professional manner
• Conducting regular audits to ensure the store is functionable and presentable
• Developing and managing sales targets and profit goals
• Forecasting annual, quarterly, and monthly sales and reporting on store performance
• Working with the marketing team to develop effective promotional and advertising campaigns

 

Head of Retail Operations Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking an experienced and driven Head of Retail Operations to oversee our organization’s retail operations.

This position will require a high degree of strategic planning, overseeing daily operations, and driving sales while managing costs to increase profitability.

The ideal candidate should be highly organized, have excellent leadership skills and a strong business mindset, with a deep understanding of retail management and customer service.

 

Responsibilities

• Develop strategic plans for retail operations, including sales, customer service, and logistics
• Manage and improve operational practices to meet customer requirements
• Drive sales and profit goals, managing budgets and financial planning
• Ensure compliance with company policies, procedures and regulations
• Optimize inventory management processes and ensure merchandise is available and stocked
• Develop and implement staff training programs to improve operations and service delivery
• Analyze retail market trends and competitor strategies
• Oversee the hiring, training, and performance of retail staff
• Establish and nurture relationships with key suppliers and stakeholders

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a senior retail management position
• Deep understanding of retail operations, sales, and customer service
• Strong leadership and decision-making skills
• Ability to analyze and interpret sales data
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Knowledge of inventory management and merchandising practices
• Experience with financial and customer service software
• BA degree in Business Administration, Retail Management or relevant field

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Head of Retail Operations
• Work Environment: Office setting with some travel to retail locations required
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Chief Operating Officer or CEO
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $100,000 minimum to $175,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Head of Retail Operations Do?

The Head of Retail Operations is a leadership position within a retail organization, typically overseeing multiple stores or branches of the company.

They are responsible for planning, coordinating, and directing the operational activities of all the retail stores under their charge.

This includes overseeing sales, customer service, inventory management, and the day-to-day operations of each store.

They work with store managers to ensure that each location meets its sales goals, remains adequately stocked with merchandise, and provides high-quality customer service.

They may also assist in hiring and training new staff, ensuring that each employee understands and adheres to company policies and procedures.

The Head of Retail Operations is also involved in the strategic planning of the company, working closely with other senior leaders to set sales targets, plan promotional campaigns, and identify opportunities for growth or expansion.

They are also responsible for ensuring that all stores comply with health and safety regulations, and may coordinate with legal and HR departments to resolve any issues that arise.

Ultimately, the Head of Retail Operations is accountable for the success of the retail stores they oversee, working to maximize profits while maintaining a high level of customer satisfaction.

 

Head of Retail Operations Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Head of Retail Operations should possess the skills and qualifications that align with your job description, such as:

• Strong leadership skills to lead and manage teams across various retail operations and ensure smooth functioning of all retail outlets
• Strategic planning and business development abilities to achieve growth targets and enhance profitability
• Excellent communication skills to effectively liaise with different departments, suppliers, stakeholders, and customers
• Strong analytical skills to understand sales figures, customer demands and market trends, and make data-driven decisions
• Exceptional customer service skills to ensure customer satisfaction, loyalty, and repeat business
• Highly organized and detail-oriented to efficiently manage inventories, store layouts, and promotional activities
• Ability to use retail management software for inventory control, sales tracking, and other operational tasks
• Proven experience in budgeting, forecasting and financial analysis to ensure the economic viability of the retail operations
• Understanding of health and safety regulations, legal requirements, and ethical practices in retail

 

Head of Retail Operations Experience Requirements

The Head of Retail Operations requires significant leadership and management experience, typically of 10 or more years in the retail industry.

This is to understand the nuances of this sector, deal with multiple store operations, logistics, supply chain, and inventory management.

Entry to mid-level experience in retail operations can be gained through roles such as store manager, area manager, or regional manager.

These roles help in understanding the operational challenges, customer interactions, and managing teams on the floor.

Candidates seeking a Head of Retail Operations role should ideally have experience in strategic planning and execution.

This would include experience in formulating policies, planning and implementing new strategies, and coordinating with the marketing and sales teams for achieving business goals.

In addition to managerial experience, they should have a proven track record of improving operational efficiency, reducing costs, and boosting sales.

This could be demonstrated through previous roles, such as a Director of Operations or a similar senior leadership role in the retail sector.

Understanding of retail-specific software, like POS systems, inventory management software and workforce management tools, is also required.

Therefore, some technical experience and digital literacy are beneficial.

Lastly, experience in developing and managing budgets, as well as in-depth knowledge of key performance metrics (KPIs), is crucial for this position.

 

Head of Retail Operations Education and Training Requirements

The Head of Retail Operations typically requires a bachelor’s degree in business administration, retail management, or a related field.

The role requires a strong understanding of retail operations, including store management, supply chain, inventory control, and customer service.

Therefore, coursework or knowledge in these areas is highly desirable.

An advanced degree such as a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) or a related field can prove beneficial, particularly for larger retail operations or for those seeking senior-level management roles.

In addition to formal education, several years of experience in retail management or a similar field is usually required.

This experience should demonstrate a track record of successfully managing teams, overseeing retail operations, and driving sales growth.

To enhance their skills, many heads of retail operations pursue professional certifications such as the Certified Retail Executive (CRX) or Certified Retail Operations Professional (CROP).

These certifications can provide a competitive edge and demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning and staying up-to-date with the latest retail trends and best practices.

Furthermore, soft skills like leadership, strategic planning, and effective communication are essential for this role, and may be developed through on-the-job training and experience, as well as various leadership development programs.

 

Head of Retail Operations Salary Expectations

The average salary for a Head of Retail Operations is approximately $103,000 (USD) per year.

However, actual earnings can greatly differ depending on the individual’s level of experience, size and type of the retail organization, as well as geographical location.

 

Head of Retail Operations Job Description FAQs

What qualifications does a Head of Retail Operations need?

A Head of Retail Operations typically holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field.

Additionally, experience in retail management is crucial, and many companies prefer those with a Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA).

They must also have a thorough understanding of retail operations, supply chain management, and retail marketing strategies.

 

What are the key responsibilities of a Head of Retail Operations?

The Head of Retail Operations is responsible for managing and overseeing the operations of all retail stores in the chain.

They create and implement operational policies and procedures, manage budgets, oversee inventory, develop sales targets, and ensure customer satisfaction.

They also work with other departments such as Marketing and HR to coordinate efforts and strategies for the growth of the business.

 

What skills should a Head of Retail Operations possess?

A Head of Retail Operations should possess strong leadership skills, with the ability to motivate and guide their team towards achieving business goals.

They should have excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively liaise between different departments and to handle customer complaints or feedback.

Analytical skills are important for assessing operational performance, and strategic thinking is crucial for planning and implementing growth strategies.

 

What should you look for in a Head of Retail Operations resume?

A Head of Retail Operations resume should highlight extensive experience in retail management, including experience in a leadership role.

Look for a strong educational background in a relevant field such as Business Administration.

Evidence of success in previous roles, such as increased sales, improved customer satisfaction, or effective budget management can also be indicative of a strong candidate.

 

What qualities make a good Head of Retail Operations?

A good Head of Retail Operations is a strategic thinker with the ability to understand and implement business objectives.

They should be a strong leader, capable of motivating a team and managing performance.

Being customer-oriented and possessing a deep understanding of the retail industry are also important.

They should also be results-driven and able to make tough decisions when necessary.

 

Conclusion

So, there you have it.

Today, we’ve given you an insider’s look at what being a Head of Retail Operations truly entails.

And guess what?

It’s not just about managing stores.

It’s about steering the course of a retail empire, one decision at a time.

With our definitive Head of Retail Operations job description template and real-world examples, you’re well on your way.

But why stop there?

Venture further with our job description generator. It’s your next step to finely-tuned job listings or crafting an impeccable resume.

Remember:

Every strategic decision is a part of the broader retail landscape.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

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