At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and reshape retail operations for national impact, driving income growth and performance.
- Company: Dynamic organisation investing in future retail growth with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Six-figure salary, executive benefits, company car, bonus, and private healthcare.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment that rewards innovation and accountability.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in shaping national retail operations with significant influence.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in food/FMCG retail, strong leadership, and data-driven decision-making.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 120000 £ per year.
A newly created, business-critical role for an operational leader who can reshape how retail delivery, execution and commercial performance work at national scale. The organisation is undergoing a structural shift to create a single point of accountability for retail operations — bringing together programme delivery, execution standards, commercial effectiveness and data-led improvement into one high-impact function. Only candidates with proven experience in food/FMCG retail — ideally with strong exposure to convenience retail — will be considered. This sector knowledge is essential to understanding the commercial levers, operational rhythms and execution standards required in this environment.
You’ll lead the retail operating model end-to-end: designing and delivering programmes that drive income growth, raise execution standards, and improve performance across a large, decentralised retail estate. This includes ownership of promotional effectiveness, retail propositions, operational execution and the commercial levers that underpin growth. You’ll head up a small, senior team (Development, Projects, Commercial Analysis) and work closely with Trading and Marketing to ensure retail delivery is aligned, commercially effective and operationally executable.
This will suit an executive who combines strategic clarity with hands-on delivery — someone who can influence at Board level while still driving practical, measurable outcomes on the ground.
- Senior food/FMCG retail or wholesale operations background (essential)
- Strong understanding of convenience retail operations, execution and commercial drivers (highly preferred)
- Proven track record improving execution and commercial performance
- Leadership experience in multi-site or decentralised environments
- Data-driven, delivery-focused, and comfortable in a lean, high-impact structure
You’ll split your time between the office in the north of England (typically two days per week) and time out in the field, working closely with operational teams to ensure programmes land effectively and translate into real-world performance. If you operate at pace, thrive on accountability, and want to shape a national retail operation with real influence, this is a standout opportunity.
What You’ll Get in Return: You’ll join an organisation that is investing in its future and creating the structures needed to deliver long-term retail growth. The package reflects the seniority and impact of the role: a six-figure base salary, executive-level benefits, company car or allowance, significant and achievable bonus, private healthcare and a range of additional benefits. Culturally, you’ll be part of a business that values pace, accountability and collaboration — a place where decisions are made quickly, ideas are welcomed, and leaders are empowered to shape how things get done. It’s an environment that rewards impact, encourages innovation, and supports people who want to make a meaningful difference.
Next Steps: This is a confidential appointment being managed exclusively by Rise Resourcing. Full details will be shared with shortlisted applicants at briefing stage. To be considered, please apply with an up-to-date CV and a covering letter (if appropriate).
Director of Retail Operations employer: Rise Resourcing
Join a forward-thinking organisation that is committed to reshaping the retail landscape with a focus on accountability, collaboration, and innovation. As a Director of Retail Operations, you will be part of a dynamic culture that values your strategic insights and hands-on leadership, offering a competitive salary package, executive benefits, and opportunities for professional growth in a rapidly evolving environment. With a strong emphasis on data-driven performance and a commitment to long-term success, this role provides a unique chance to make a significant impact in the food/FMCG retail sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Retail Operations
✨Get Your Retail Game On
Start by getting to know the local retail scene. Make a list of stores that align with your vibe and visit them. You'll be surprised at how many job openings come from chatting with staff or managers in-store. Plus, showing that you have a genuine interest in their brand can make you stand out when applying for that full-time role!
✨Join Retail Networks and Forums
Tap into retail-specific communities and forums, whether online or in-person. Platforms like Retail Week or local retail meetups can provide invaluable insights and connections. You never know who might drop a tip about an upcoming job at companies like Rise Resourcing, so don’t miss out on building those relationships!
✨Be Ready for Busy Season Opportunities
Keep your eyes peeled for seasonal hiring windows, especially in the run-up to major shopping periods. Retailers often look for full-time staff to carry through busy times and may even keep you on after the season. Stay proactive by regularly checking in with your favourite retailers about their hiring plans.
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail’s all about customer interactions, so make sure you showcase any relevant experience in your conversations and interviews. Share specific examples of your customer service skills and how they’ve led to positive outcomes. This is your moment to shine when applying to roles at places like Rise Resourcing!
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Retail Operations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills:In retail, customer service is key! Make sure your CV highlights any experience where you've dealt with customers, whether it’s resolving issues or enhancing the shopping experience. Use concrete examples to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to handle difficult situations with ease.
Tailor Your CV for Retail:When applying for a full-time role like this one at Rise Resourcing, customise your CV to reflect retail-specific buzzwords. Include any relevant skills such as inventory management or visual merchandising, and if you have experience with POS systems, shout about it! This will show you’re serious about joining the retail team.
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Don’t just repeat your CV in your cover letter! Use it as a chance to explain why you're excited about the opportunity at Rise Resourcing and how your values align with their brand. Mention specific aspects of the company that resonate with you and let your enthusiasm shine through!
Highlight Your Adaptability:In retail, things can get busy and unpredictable, so demonstrate how adaptable and flexible you are. Share examples of times you've had to adjust your approach on the fly or take on new responsibilities. This will show Rise Resourcing that you’re ready to jump in and contribute right away!
How to prepare for a job interview at Rise Resourcing
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail is all about providing an exceptional customer experience, so be ready to discuss your past customer service stories. We should have examples on hand of how we've handled difficult situations or gone above and beyond to meet a customer's needs. These anecdotes will bring your application to life!
✨Familiarity with Point of Sale Systems
Many retail roles require us to work with Point of Sale (POS) systems, so it's a good idea to brush up on any relevant software you’ve used before. If you’re familiar with systems like Shopify or Square, don’t forget to mention this during the interview. Highlighting technical proficiency can set us apart from other candidates!
✨Understand Product Knowledge
Be prepared to discuss the products that the store sells and how we can contribute to their sales. Showing enthusiasm for the products and a willingness to learn can impress interviewers. We should research popular items or trends in the industry before the interview, so we can speak confidently about them.
✨Be Ready for Role-Playing Scenarios
Many retail interviews include role-playing scenarios where we might have to deal with a difficult customer or upsell a product. Practising these scenarios with a friend or family member can help us feel more comfortable. The key here is to showcase our problem-solving skills and ability to remain calm under pressure!
