Job Summary: Squishable needs a dynamic leader to help us shape the future of our in-person retail experience. As the Director of Retail, you'll lead our retail presence across high-end malls throughout the US, including iconic locations like Mall of America, King of Prussia, and Westfield UTC. In this pivotal role, you'll oversee a team of 3-5 regional managers and more than 200 employees in our permanent stores, along with our temporary and pop-up holiday locations. This is a unique opportunity to make your mark on our store culture, visual identity, and our brand for our millions of loyal fans. Expect to be involved in every aspect of our operations, from selecting new locations to hands-on engagement with our team and customers.
Responsibilities:
STORE OPERATIONS AND PERFORMANCE
- Direct the operations and financial performance for all Squishable stores. Develop budgets including sales and operational targets and manage P&L’s to maximize profit potential. Lead daily, weekly, and monthly business reviews to identify potential opportunities.
- Lead a team of high performing Regional Managers, Store Operations and Store Opening Coordinators using process implementation, reporting tools, Key Performer Indicator (KPI) analysis and training initiatives to drive engagement, collaboration, and entrepreneurship across the division.
- Maintain a customer-first culture across the division by ensuring adherence to exceptional service standards, rigorous hiring practices, and continuous staff development initiatives.
- Oversee the development and implementation of standard operating procedures to drive store performance. Constantly identify opportunities to maximize efficiency.
- Identify and implement training and communication processes across the division to ensure highly motivated, engaged and productive field leadership and store teams.
- Support store teams to roll out in-store launches and corporate initiatives and events, collaborating with Store Design, Visual Merchandising, and Communications teams to effectively drive traffic.
- Support adherence to visual merchandising standards according to the official merchandising guidelines, and work with store inventory teams to manage stock levels and make key decisions about stock control.
- Tour stores regularly, talking to colleagues and customers to identify or resolve urgent issues as they arise, partnering with the CEO or HR as needed, and maintain effective community relations within store jurisdictions.
STORE EXPANSION & CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT
- Lead Squishable store strategy for both existing and new store opportunities.
- Develop and execute the company's real estate strategy to support Squishable's business objectives and growth targets.
- Identify and assess potential markets for new stores, considering demographics, competition, and feasibility.
- Lead the site selection process, considering factors such as foot traffic, visibility, accessibility, lease terms, etc.
- Negotiate favorable lease agreements with landlords and property owners, ensuring terms that align with company interests.
- Oversee all aspects of the construction process from planning and design to project execution and completion.
- Collaborate with contractors and construction teams to ensure quality, cost-effectiveness and timely delivery of projects.
- Monitor construction budgets, schedules and resources to ensure projects are completed on time within budget.
- Lead a team of New Store Opening/Facilities Coordinators and provide guidance, mentorship, and development opportunities to enhance the team’s capabilities.
- Maintain effective communication with executive leadership to provide regular updates on progress and performance.
- Collaborate with various internal teams to ensure alignment and support for all new store and facilities initiatives.
Skills and Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s or other advanced degree in a related field.
- Minimum of 5 years of sales and operations experience in a multi-store retail environment is required.
- Minimum of 3 years of proven leadership and retail management experience.
- Strong business acumen including experience working with KPI’s and other performance metrics. A proven track record of getting things done and executing against both operational and strategic goals.
- Strong problem solving and negotiation skills, and the ability to build solid collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
- Demonstrated expertise in how to implement and manage change, and strong organizational skills.
- Proficiency in MS Office (MS Excel and MS PowerPoint, in particular).
- Excellent time management, attention to detail and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to work well under pressure, managing conflicting priorities and tight deadlines.
- Strong leadership skills to coach and mentor employees as well as counseling managers at retail level.
Salary Range: $120-150k
Location: This position can be remote for the right candidate.
Travel: Position requires 30-50% travel.
Benefits: 401(k) matching, Dental, Medical, Vision Insurance, PTO.
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