At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team to drive sales and elevate customer experience in retail operations.
- Company: Established food manufacturing and retail organisation with a strong presence in Scotland.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and a vibrant work culture.
- Other info: Work in scenic Fife, close to Edinburgh, with access to great schools and nature.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a beloved brand and make a lasting impact.
- Qualifications: Proven multi-site retail leadership experience and strong commercial acumen.
The predicted salary is between 130000 - 130000 € per year.
A Career‑Defining Leadership Opportunity. Join a business with momentum. My client is a long‑established, high‑performing food manufacturing and retail organisation with a 72‑store estate across the Central Belt of Scotland and a thriving team of more than 900 colleagues. With annual revenues exceeding £50m, continued investment, and an ambitious growth strategy, the business is poised for its next chapter — and you will be at the heart of it.
Why This Role Matters
As Head of Sales & Retail Operations, you will shape the future of a beloved Scottish retail brand. Reporting directly to the Managing Director/Owner, you will lead 500+ colleagues through six Area Managers and specialist teams, driving performance, elevating customer experience, and championing operational excellence. You will also be a key member of the Senior Leadership Team.
What You’ll Lead
- Strategic Leadership
- Set and steer the retail sales and operations strategy.
- Drive commercial performance and sustained organic growth.
- Lead new store openings and unlock new site opportunities.
- Accelerate digital innovation and customer‑facing technology.
- Operational Excellence
- Elevate customer experience and ensure gold‑standard quality.
- Own KPIs across sales, ATV, labour, stock, wastage and complaints.
- Optimise store layouts and operational efficiency.
- People & Culture
- Inspire, develop and lead a 500+ strong retail team.
- Build succession pipelines and nurture future leaders.
- Brand & Customer
- Own the retail marketing plan, promotions and seasonal activity.
- Strengthen customer and colleague feedback loops to fuel improvement.
About You
You will be a seasoned multi‑site retail leader with experience across food, bakery, food‑to‑go or high street retailing. You bring strong commercial, analytical and operational acumen, exceptional communication skills, strategic clarity, and a continuous improvement mindset.
Why You’ll Love It Here
This is a genuine opportunity to leave a legacy. You’ll join a respected, well‑invested business with scale, resources and brand loyalty — but still nimble enough for you to make a visible, organisation‑wide impact. The head office is based in Fife, one of Scotland's most scenic areas, with unrivalled access to good schools, beautiful beaches and countryside and access to Scotland's free higher education. This is a great area for families and is only 30 minutes from Scotland's capital Edinburgh.
Compensation
Base salary £130,000+. Full‑time, minimum 39 hours with required flexibility.
Head of Sales & Retail Operations in London employer: Engage Recruitment Ltd
Join a dynamic and well-established food manufacturing and retail organisation that values its people and fosters a culture of growth and innovation. As the Head of Sales & Retail Operations, you will not only lead a talented team of over 500 colleagues but also have the opportunity to shape the future of a beloved Scottish brand in a stunning location that offers excellent quality of life, access to top schools, and proximity to Edinburgh. With a commitment to operational excellence and employee development, this role promises a rewarding career path in a supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Sales & Retail Operations in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. A personal recommendation can go a long way in landing that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their values, recent news, and challenges they face. This will help you tailor your responses and show you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers and boost your confidence. The more comfortable you are, the better you'll perform when it counts.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We have loads of exciting roles waiting for you, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge. Plus, it shows you're proactive and keen to join our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Sales & Retail Operations in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Head of Sales & Retail Operations. Highlight your experience in multi-site retail leadership and any achievements that showcase your strategic and operational skills.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about this role and how your background aligns with our ambitious growth strategy. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Leadership Style:We want to know how you inspire and develop teams. Share specific examples of how you've built succession pipelines or improved team performance in your previous roles. This will help us see you as a fit for our culture.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details 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 Engage Recruitment Ltd
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Head of Sales & Retail Operations, you'll need to demonstrate your understanding of key performance indicators. Brush up on sales figures, customer satisfaction metrics, and operational efficiencies relevant to the company. Be ready to discuss how you've driven these metrics in your previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role involves leading a large team, so it's crucial to articulate your leadership philosophy. Prepare examples of how you've inspired and developed teams in the past. Highlight any succession planning initiatives you've implemented to nurture future leaders.
✨Emphasise Strategic Thinking
The interviewers will be looking for someone who can set and steer retail strategies. Come prepared with insights on market trends and how you would approach driving commercial performance and growth for their brand. Think about innovative ideas for new store openings or digital innovations.
✨Connect with Company Values
Research the company's culture and values thoroughly. During the interview, align your answers with their mission and vision. Discuss how you can elevate customer experience and operational excellence while fostering a positive workplace culture that resonates with their brand identity.
