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- Tasks: Lead immersive retail experiences and ensure smooth operations across multiple locations.
- Company: Award-winning experiential agency known for innovative brand environments.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid work, and opportunities for UK & international travel.
- Why this job: Shape culture through exciting retail projects and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in retail operations and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Dynamic role with excellent career growth and collaboration opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 84000 £ per year.
Are you a Retail Operations Manager looking for an exciting opportunity to lead the delivery of ambitious, culture-shaping retail and brand experiences? DNA Recruit are working for an award-winning experiential agency who are known for creating immersive retail environments and live brand spaces that place brands firmly into culture to find them a Retail Operations Manager. Working across some of the world’s most recognisable names, they blend creativity with operational precision to deliver experiences that make headlines and work flawlessly behind the scenes.
This is a senior, highly visible role for someone who thrives on complexity, scale and real-world execution, taking ownership of flagship retail environments from concept through to live operation.
About the RoleAs Retail Operations Manager, you’ll take responsibility for the end-to-end operational delivery of immersive retail and experiential spaces across multiple brands and markets. You’ll work closely with Client Service, Creative and Production teams to turn bold ideas into robust, scalable operational models, ensuring every space opens on time, runs smoothly and delivers an exceptional guest experience. You’ll lead new store openings, oversee live environments, and continuously refine operational frameworks to support growth, consistency and commercial performance.
Key Responsibilities- Retail & Experiential Operations
- Lead the operational delivery of immersive retail environments across multiple locations and brands
- Ensure each space launches on time, within budget and to exceptional operational and experience standards
- Develop scalable operational frameworks to support multi-site and multi-market rollouts
- Balance global brand standards with local legal, cultural and operational requirements
- Act as the senior operational contact for clients, partners and suppliers
- New Store Openings
- Oversee project timelines, budgets, risk management and supplier coordination
- Manage contractors, fabricators, landlords, local authorities and operational partners
- Ensure health & safety compliance and operational readiness across all locations
- Own the transition from build phase to live operation, establishing clear handover processes
- Capture learnings and evolve playbooks for future launches
- Live Operations & Optimisation
- Oversee day-to-day performance of live retail and brand environments
- Ensure consistent guest experience, service standards and brand execution
- Implement reporting, governance and issue-resolution processes
- Support seasonal updates, refits and evolving experiential programmes
- Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce cost and elevate experience quality
- Financial & Commercial Management
- Own operational budgets for new openings and live environments
- Maintain cost control without compromising creative or experience quality
- Identify opportunities to improve margins through smarter operational planning
- Forecast operational costs and support long-term client investment planning
- Leadership & Collaboration
- Lead and motivate internal teams, partners and suppliers
- Build strong cross-functional relationships with Client Service, Creative and Production
- Provide calm, decisive leadership in high-pressure environments
- Share best practice and operational expertise across the agency
- Proven experience in retail operations, experiential, brand environments or complex physical spaces
- Looking for someone with experience in the hospitality sector
- Strong track record delivering new store openings or multi-site rollouts
- Confident managing budgets, suppliers and senior stakeholders
- Excellent operational planning, problem-solving and decision-making skills
- Comfortable working at pace in fast-moving, creative environments
- A collaborative, solutions-focused leader with strong commercial awareness
Salary: Up to £70 -75k per annum
Location: London (Hybrid, with UK & international travel)
DNA is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community and welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds.
Retail Operations Manager in London employer: DNA Recruit
Contact Detail:
DNA Recruit Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Retail Operations Manager in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the retail and experiential sectors. Attend industry events, join relevant online groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on your dream job!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your experience! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your past successes in managing retail operations or new store openings. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to deliver exceptional guest experiences and manage complex projects.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to pop up. Reach out directly to companies you admire, like the experiential agency we’re working with. Express your interest in their work and ask if they have any upcoming opportunities. It shows initiative and can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Keep learning! Stay updated on the latest trends in retail and experiential marketing. Consider taking short courses or attending workshops to enhance your skills. This not only boosts your CV but also gives you great talking points during interviews.
We think you need these skills to ace Retail Operations Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Retail Operations Manager role. Highlight your experience in retail operations and any relevant projects you've led. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about immersive retail experiences and how you can contribute to our team. Keep it engaging and relevant to the job description.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use metrics and examples to demonstrate how you've successfully managed budgets, timelines, and teams in previous roles. We love seeing results!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of being noticed. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you’re considered for the role. Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at DNA Recruit
✨Know the Brand Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into the agency's past projects and their approach to immersive retail. Understanding their unique style and how they blend creativity with operational precision will help you demonstrate your genuine interest and fit for the role.
✨Showcase Your Operational Expertise
Prepare specific examples from your previous experience that highlight your ability to manage complex operations, especially in retail or experiential environments. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully led new store openings or multi-site rollouts, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Emphasise Collaboration Skills
This role requires strong cross-functional collaboration. Think of instances where you've worked closely with creative teams, suppliers, or clients to achieve a common goal. Sharing these stories will illustrate your ability to lead and motivate diverse teams effectively.
✨Prepare Questions That Matter
Craft thoughtful questions about the agency's future projects, challenges in the industry, or their approach to evolving experiential programmes. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the company aligns with your career aspirations.
