Head of Retail - UK & Ireland in London

Our vision is to establish HUGO BOSS as the leading premium tech-driven fashion platform worldwide and to be one of the top 100 global brands. At HUGO BOSS, we work as a team to apply our knowledge, skills and experience together and create a diversity of ideas and solutions. What unites us? We love fashion, we change fashion! At HUGO BOSS, you have the opportunity to contribute your personality, ideas and creativity — because only when we break new ground together can we create something unique. Become part of our team of more than 19,000 employees worldwide and shape your future at HUGO BOSS!

The Head of Retail UK and Ireland, reporting to the Retail Director, is responsible for executing the retail strategy for HUGO BOSS UK & Ireland across all formats, including Directly Operated Stores (DOS), Outlets, Airports, and Concessions. Working under the overall leadership and direction of the Retail Director, this role focuses on delivering the agreed strategic priorities in market, ensuring alignment with the company’s objectives and supporting exceptional customer experiences while driving financial and operational excellence.

The Head of Retail UK and Ireland will lead the retail team to maximise profitable sales, implement strategies and initiatives defined in partnership with the Retail Director, and foster a high-performance culture. This includes driving sales growth, enhancing operational efficiency, and developing a passionate and customer-centric team.

What you can expect:

• Strategic Leadership: Drive and implement a comprehensive Retail Strategy, including expansion plans targeting key market locations and ensuring profitable returns. Drive the consistent delivery of the brand message across the UK & Ireland marketplace for all HUGO BOSS brands and genders. Collaborate with the Retail Director, Managing Director and Leadership Team to identify and execute initiatives that enhance operational excellence and cost efficiency. Contribute to the preparation of budgets, forecasts, and reports, supporting the Retail Director in delivering presentations to the global leadership team.
• Sales & Financial Performance: Accountable for achieving sales, gross margin, and EBIT targets across all stores in the UK & Ireland. Drive sales and margin growth, as well as cost control initiatives, in collaboration with Area Managers. Monitor and manage controllable expenses, including wages, travel, advertising, and promotions. Oversee stock control, inventory management, and adherence to financial targets.
• Operational Excellence: Devise and implement annual retail business plans in line with the Northern Hub strategy. Develop and implement effective retail operations tools, including communication frameworks, policies, and procedures. Monitor and report on retail operational issues, ensuring continuous improvement and alignment with global standards. Lead the development and implementation of programmes to achieve retail excellence and world-class KPIs.
• Customer Experience: Foster a culture of exceptional customer service, ensuring stores deliver expertise, efficiency, and alignment with brand values. Collaborate with the Retail Operations team to develop and grow a world-class CRM programme, enhancing customer engagement and loyalty. Ensure the delivery of a seamless and premium customer experience across all touchpoints, including a customer returns programme that exceeds expectations.
• Team Leadership & Development: Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing team of Area Managers. Establish performance goals for direct reports and monitor progress on a continuous basis. Partner with HR to design and implement employee development and training programmes, including leadership, management, and customer service initiatives. Conduct appraisals, provide coaching, and support leadership development for direct reports. Ensure an effective induction framework is in place for all new team members. Collaborate with HR to oversee recruitment for senior vacancies within the team and ensure adherence to all HR policies.

Your profile:

• Significant experience in a senior retail leadership role, preferably within the premium or luxury sector.
• Demonstrated success in managing multi-site retail operations, including DOS, outlets, and concessions.
• Strong financial acumen with experience in budgeting, forecasting, and P&L management.
• Proven ability to develop and implement strategic plans that drive business growth.
• Experience in leading and developing high-performing teams.
• Results-driven with a proven track record of delivering sales and profitability growth in a retail environment.
• Strong leadership and people management skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate teams.
• Strategic thinker with excellent planning and organisational abilities.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, capable of building relationships at all levels.
• Commercially astute with a deep understanding of retail operations and customer experience.

Your benefits: Competitive salary and attractive benefits.

We are a global company with our employees representative of the world at large. Our inclusive culture embraces each person’s authenticity and individuality. We are committed to equal employment opportunity. And we believe our equitable work environment helps unleash your full potential and inspires you to thrive.