Head of Retail (Hiring Immediately) in Cheshire

ARNE is a UK-based apparel and footwear brand based in Birchwood Park, near Warrington. We design and develop all our products in the UK, working with trusted manufacturing partners across both the near and far east. All our products are available directly to customers through ARNEclo.com, offering a seamless online shopping experience. We’re also proud to be stocked in Selfridges, both in-store and online, and we’ve recently expanded our Retail footprint to Liverpool and Manchester. Looking ahead, we have ambitious goals for the next decade, and the team firmly believes they’re all achievable. From launching new product categories and expanding internationally to investing in paid media, CRM, and growing our retail presence — the next chapter for ARNE is shaping up to be an exciting one. And this is only the beginning!

Our Head of Retail will successfully impact ARNE’s strategy by driving profitable retail growth through high-performing stores, delivering on-brand, commercially compelling in-store experiences; owning retail performance through data-led decision making; building and leading high-performing, customer-first teams; and ensuring strong alignment between ARNE’s retail and e-commerce channels.

Your day to day responsibilities will include:

• New Store Openings
  • Own the end-to-end delivery of new store openings, from concept and site readiness through to launch and post-opening optimisation.
  • Manage opening timelines, budgets, and contractor/vendor relationships to ensure on-time, on-budget delivery.
  • Ensure stores are operationally ready, commercially optimised, and aligned with brand standards from day one.
• Financial & Commercial Performance
  • Set and own sales, margin, and profit targets across the retail estate, with full responsibility for budgeting and forecasting.
  • Track and analyse key retail KPIs to drive footfall, conversion, average transaction value, and productivity.
  • Use customer and performance data to forecast demand and workforce planning.
  • Deliver clear, regular reporting to the Board on performance, risks, and growth opportunities.
  • Partner with marketing and brand teams to deliver promotions that drive footfall and sales.
• Retail Experience
  • Own the in-store customer experience, ensuring physical spaces reflect brand values, customer expectations, and commercial goals.
  • Maintain consistent standards across visual merchandising service, and execution to deliver a premium, customer-first experience.
• Operations & Efficiency
  • Develop scalable retail operating models and processes to support multi-site growth.
  • Implement operational standards that enable consistent, high-quality in-store experiences.
  • Ensure full compliance with UK retail regulations, including health & safety and PCI.
• Leadership & Collaboration
  • Build, lead, and develop high-performing retail teams, including Store Management and Store Colleagues.
  • Partner with the People Team to execute recruitment, onboarding, training, and performance development.
  • Work cross-functionally with brand, product, marketing, operations, and e-commerce to deliver a consistent experience across all channels.

Requirements

• Proven experience in retail management, with a strong track record of leading teams and delivering successful store openings.
• Demonstrated ability to manage large budgets and deliver complex projects on time and within budget.
• Experience operating within fast-paced fashion or clothing retail environment.
• Expert knowledge in retail operations, including sales, customer service, inventory, merchandising, and staffing.
• Strong project management skills with experience coordinating cross-functional teams and contractors.
• Proficient with Shopify and other retail financial and customer service software.
• Excellent communicator and decisive leader with strong data analysis skills.
• Strategic thinker able to align retail initiatives with business goals and market trends.

Benefits

• We are proud to be recognised as a Medium sized Sunday Times Best Place to Work for 2025.
• 32 Days Holiday (including Bank Holidays) + your Birthday off.
• Holidays increasing up to 36 days with service.
• Option to buy / sell holidays.
• Generous staff discount.
• Annual and quarterly bonus schemes based on company performance.
• Private Healthcare including Dental & Optical Plans after probation.
• Health Cash Plan from day one.
• Life assurance paying 5x annual salary from day one.
• Discounted marketplace with money off/cash back from 100’s of places.