Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead retail strategy and execution for a renowned travel brand.
- Company: Join The Change Partners, specialists in connecting global talent.
- Benefits: Part-time role with potential for permanent position and flexible hours.
- Why this job: Shape the shopping experience for international travellers while driving sales and profitability.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in high-volume retail, especially in duty-free or travel environments.
- Other info: Opportunity to work closely with operators and build valuable industry relationships.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
The Change Partners are working with an iconic Travel brand that is looking for a Head of Retail. The position starts as a part-time contract (1-2 days per week initially, with potential for increase) and may become permanent. The Head of Retail will be responsible for the overall retail strategy and execution, including Duty Free and Operator tenders, management, and implementation. This involves working closely with Operators to ensure successful retail execution.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and implement the retail strategy for duty-free and tenders, aligning with company objectives and market trends.
- Drive sales targets and profitability through effective merchandising, promotions, and team motivation.
- Oversee retail operations, including inventory management, visual merchandising, store maintenance, and compliance with operational standards and regulations for duty-free and tenders.
- Manage and execute outlet implementations with operators.
- Ensure a customer-centric approach to provide exceptional service and a memorable shopping experience for international travelers.
- Manage budgets, analyze sales data, control costs, and prepare regular commercial reports for senior management.
- Build and maintain relationships with authorities, concessionaires, brand partners, and other stakeholders in the duty-free and tender sectors.
- Stay informed about industry trends, competitor activities, and traveler demographics to identify opportunities and inform strategy.
- Participate in developing and overseeing competitive tender bids for retail concessions, understanding commercial terms and operational requirements.
Your background:
- At least 5 years of experience in high-volume retail, especially within duty-free, travel retail, airports, rail, or similar international concession environments.
- Proven success in increasing sales and profitability across multiple retail stores.
- Strong knowledge of duty-free operations, retail management, and concession agreements.
- Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills to motivate and manage diverse teams.
- Financial expertise, including budgeting, forecasting, and P&L management.
Head of Retail - Travel employer: JR United Kingdom
Contact Detail:
JR United Kingdom Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Retail - Travel
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the travel retail industry. Attend relevant events or join online forums where you can connect with others who have experience in duty-free operations. This can help you gain insights and potentially get referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the iconic travel brand thoroughly. Understand their current retail strategies, recent developments, and market positioning. This knowledge will allow you to tailor your discussions and demonstrate your genuine interest during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've driven sales and profitability in previous roles. Highlight your experience with merchandising and team motivation, as these are key aspects of the Head of Retail position.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on industry trends and competitor activities. Being knowledgeable about the latest developments in travel retail will not only impress your interviewers but also help you identify opportunities for the brand's growth.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Retail - Travel
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in high-volume retail, particularly in duty-free and travel retail environments. Emphasise your achievements in increasing sales and profitability.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your understanding of the retail strategy and execution required for this role. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully managed retail operations and driven sales in previous positions.
Highlight Leadership Skills: In your application, focus on your leadership and interpersonal skills. Provide examples of how you've motivated diverse teams and built relationships with stakeholders in the retail sector.
Showcase Financial Acumen: Demonstrate your financial expertise by detailing your experience with budgeting, forecasting, and P&L management. This is crucial for the Head of Retail position, so make it clear how you can contribute to the company's financial success.
How to prepare for a job interview at JR United Kingdom
✨Research the Company and Industry
Before your interview, make sure to thoroughly research the iconic travel brand and its position in the duty-free market. Understanding their retail strategy, recent developments, and competitors will help you demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm for the role.
✨Prepare Specific Examples
Be ready to discuss specific instances from your past experience that showcase your success in increasing sales and profitability. Highlight your achievements in high-volume retail environments, particularly within duty-free or travel retail, to illustrate your capability for the Head of Retail position.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
As a Head of Retail, strong leadership is crucial. Prepare to discuss your approach to motivating diverse teams and managing operations effectively. Share examples of how you've successfully led teams in previous roles, focusing on communication and interpersonal skills.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, ask thoughtful questions about the company's future plans, challenges in the duty-free sector, or their expectations for the Head of Retail role. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
