At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead retail operations, shaping strategy and ensuring stores run smoothly every day.
- Company: Dynamic retail company focused on operational excellence and team success.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, benefits package, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Hybrid role with a vibrant culture and significant career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by driving change and empowering teams in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in retail, strong strategic planning, and excellent communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
If you’re excited by the idea of shaping how a retail business truly operates, this could be your next big move. We’re looking for a Head of Retail Operations who can bring clarity, direction and energy to the way our stores run every day. You’ll lead the specialist teams who make retail tick — from change delivery and communications to policies, routines and our retail helpdesk — ensuring every store has what it needs to succeed.
You’ll turn big‑picture strategy into simple, store‑ready delivery, championing operational excellence and making change feel seamless for colleagues. It’s a role with real influence: you’ll drive value for customers and teams, build a culture of accountability and keep Retail Operations future‑fit, agile and ready for whatever comes next. If you thrive on shaping strategy, elevating standards and enabling teams to deliver their best, you’ll make a significant impact here. This is a hybrid role, with 2–3 days each week spent at our Wakefield head office.
What you will be doingYou’ll shape how Retail Operations runs today and how it evolves for the future. Working closely with the Central Operations Senior Leadership Team, you’ll turn long‑term strategy into a clear, deliverable plan that aligns teams behind the right priorities. You’ll set the roadmap, define the measures that matter and create a culture where people understand what they’re here to deliver and feel empowered to do it well.
You’ll lead operational excellence across the estate, ensuring everything we ask stores to do is practical, aligned to capacity and genuinely adds value. From activity planning and communications to policies, routines and process simplification, you’ll make sure stores receive clear guidance, simple ways of working and change that lands smoothly. You’ll collaborate across the business to keep operations efficient, future‑fit and responsive to the needs of colleagues and customers.
You’ll sponsor major change programmes, ensuring they’re store‑ready, well‑tested and deliver the benefits they promise. You’ll also oversee our Retail Helpdesk, ensuring stores receive fast, effective support and that insights from issues help us continually improve.
As a senior leader, you’ll build and develop a high‑performing Retail Operations team, champion collaboration and create opportunities for colleagues to grow across both central and field roles. You’ll set high standards, celebrate success and help shape an operation that enables stores to deliver brilliantly every day.
What we’re looking for- Significant senior leadership experience in multi‑site retail or retail operations, with a strong track record of leading cross‑functional teams.
- Proven accountability for P&L and operational budgets, with experience delivering large‑scale change in a fast‑paced retail environment.
- Demonstrated ability to drive measurable improvements in efficiency, store execution and colleague experience.
- Strong strategic planning capability, with confidence in capacity planning, budgeting and commercial decision‑making.
- Excellent stakeholder management, communication and influencing skills, with the ability to simplify complexity and make clear, timely decisions.
- Technologically confident, with a continuous‑improvement mindset and a focus on smarter, more efficient ways of working.
- An enterprise‑first thinker who champions store success, brings future‑focused and commercially astute thinking and stays composed under pressure.
- A visible, decisive leader who builds trust, drives momentum and develops high‑performing teams through coaching, support and clear accountability.
- Someone who brings energy, simplicity and strategic clarity to complex challenges, unlocking potential in others and elevating team performance.
Step into a role where your impact is felt across our stores — it’s a brilliant moment to be part of our journey.
Head of Retail Operations in Wakefield employer: Card Factory
Join a dynamic team at our Wakefield head office, where we prioritise operational excellence and employee growth. As the Head of Retail Operations, you'll not only shape the future of our retail strategy but also foster a collaborative culture that empowers colleagues to excel. With a competitive salary and a commitment to continuous improvement, this role offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact in a fast-paced environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Retail Operations in Wakefield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the retail industry and let them know you're on the hunt for a Head of Retail Operations role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company’s current operations and challenges. Bring your ideas to the table on how you can drive operational excellence and make a real impact. Show them you’re not just a fit, but the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, send a quick thank-you note to express your appreciation and reiterate your enthusiasm for the role. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your commitment.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team and shaping the future of retail operations.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Retail Operations in Wakefield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the Head of Retail Operations role. Highlight your senior leadership experience and any specific achievements in multi-site retail that align with what we're looking for.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to showcase your strategic planning skills and how you've driven measurable improvements in previous roles. Keep it engaging and relevant to our needs.
Showcase Your Leadership Style:We want to know how you lead teams! In your application, share examples of how you've built high-performing teams and fostered collaboration. This will help us see if you're the right fit for our culture.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Card Factory
✨Know Your Retail Operations Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the company's retail operations. Understand their current strategies, challenges, and successes. This knowledge will help you speak confidently about how you can contribute to their goals and drive operational excellence.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Be prepared to discuss your leadership approach and how you've successfully led cross-functional teams in the past. Share specific examples of how you've built high-performing teams and fostered a culture of accountability and collaboration.
✨Prepare for Change Management Questions
Given the focus on driving large-scale change, anticipate questions about your experience with change management. Have examples ready that demonstrate your ability to implement changes smoothly and effectively, ensuring that all stakeholders are on board.
✨Highlight Your Strategic Planning Skills
Emphasise your strategic planning capabilities by discussing how you've turned long-term strategies into actionable plans. Be ready to explain how you measure success and ensure alignment across teams, showcasing your ability to simplify complex processes.