Executive - Vice President of Retail

Rockler•Medina, MN

15h

About The Position

The Vice President of Retail sets the strategic direction for and oversees Rockler stores, the distribution center, and customer service. This leader drives sales and customer service strategy, builds and leads strong teams, and establishes accountability for a best-in-class customer experience, productivity, and profitability. The role is critical to the Retail division’s long-term growth and success. The position develops and executes retail strategy in alignment with organizational goals, defines performance metrics, and provides operating direction to retail field staff and corporate operations teams. It collaborates with functions such as finance, marketing, and merchandising to deliver an omni-channel customer experience, strengthen the Rockler brand, and execute business strategy. The role also builds leadership capability, manages performance and development, and recruits talent. The Vice President leads retail store management and operations, including multi-year operating plans, store growth and expenses, new locations and relocations, store openings, remodels, and events. The role oversees implementation of marketing and merchandising programs, refines store programs and procedures, manages staffing and operations across stores, distribution, and customer service, and works toward annual operating budget goals and targets. Travel is required.

Requirements

At least 15 years of experience in retail operations, store management, or regional management.
Experience in strategic planning for a direct-to-consumer, brick-and-mortar retail business with multiple locations.
Experience in multi-unit, multichannel specialty retail; hard-line products are preferred.
Proven ability to make informed and timely decisions to address operating challenges and opportunities.
Demonstrated ability to set strategic direction and translate it into operating priorities.
Bachelor’s degree.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Excellent organizational ability.
Ability to prioritize competing demands, manage multiple initiatives, and deliver results.
Ability to travel.

Nice To Haves

MBA preferred.
Experience with hard-line products in specialty retail.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute the company’s retail strategy in alignment with organizational goals and objectives.
Enhance the customer experience, champion the voice of the customer, and improve delivery against customer expectations.
Define and manage performance metrics, including margin, IPT/UPT, average ticket, and closing ratio, to improve sales and store performance.
Provide strategic operating direction for retail field staff and corporate operations teams.
Collaborate with finance, marketing, merchandising, and other functions on omni-channel customer experience, brand, and business strategy.
Ensure consistent direction and execution across retail stores, the distribution center, and customer service center.
Identify and develop future leaders; assess employees against core competencies, create development plans, and coach employees.
Manage performance issues and development needs, and recruit talent to support company growth.
Create and execute multi-year strategic operating plans for same-store growth, expense management, new locations, and relocations.
Lead new store openings, remodels, and special events that support sales and customer experience.
Negotiate lease terms for new and existing locations.
Ensure consistent implementation of corporate marketing and merchandising programs in stores.
Refine store programs, standard operating procedures, and practices to improve customer experience, efficiency, and profitability.
Direct store, distribution center, and customer service operations to achieve annual operating budget goals and targets.
Oversee staffing, training, and scheduling to optimize productivity and customer service.
Provide counsel and direction on store operating matters; monitor policies and procedures to ensure compliance and reduce risk.
Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Travel as required.