At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead retail operations strategy and execution across EMEA for SKIMS’ stores.
- Company: Join a dynamic team at SKIMS, a leader in innovative retail.
- Benefits: Enjoy private medical insurance, life assurance, and a pension scheme.
- Other info: Opportunity for rapid career growth and international travel.
- Why this job: Drive commercial performance and customer experience in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: 10+ years of retail leadership experience with strong financial acumen.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
The Retail Operations Director, EMEA will lead the operational strategy and execution for SKIMS’ owned retail stores and concessions across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. This senior leadership role is responsible for driving commercial performance, operational excellence, customer experience, and scalable infrastructure across the region. Partnering closely with Global Retail, Merchandising, Planning, HR, Finance, and Store Development, this role ensures EMEA direct points of sale operate efficiently, profitably, and in alignment with SKIMS’ brand standards. This leader will build and develop a high‑performing regional retail team while supporting new market entry and rapid expansion.
Key Responsibilities
- Regional Retail Strategy & Performance: Own retail operational performance across EMEA, including sales, profitability, inventory health, and cost control. Drive execution of regional KPIs including comp growth, conversion, ATV, UPT, shrink, and payroll efficiency. Translate global retail strategy into localized execution plans. Identify opportunities for operational improvements and process optimization.
- Store Operations & Standards: Ensure operational consistency across all EMEA locations. Implement best-in-class SOPs and retail playbooks aligned with global standards. Oversee compliance, risk management, and health & safety standards. Lead loss prevention initiatives and inventory control processes.
- Expansion & New Store Openings: Partner with Store Development and Real Estate to support new market entry and store openings. Lead operational readiness planning for all new EMEA locations. Ensure seamless store handover from construction to operations. Build scalable infrastructure to support rapid expansion.
- Team Leadership & Development: Lead, coach, and develop regional Store Leaders and field teams. Partner with HR to drive talent planning, succession strategy, and performance management. Build strong leadership pipelines across markets. Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and elevated customer experience.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with Planning and Merchandising to optimize product flow and inventory allocation. Align with Finance on budgeting, forecasting, and cost management. Collaborate with Marketing to support retail activations and brand moments. Work closely with Global HQ to ensure alignment on systems, reporting, and tools.
- Reporting & Governance: Provide regular performance reporting and strategic updates to Global Retail leadership. Manage regional retail budgets and expense controls. Identify risks and proactively implement mitigation strategies.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
- 10+ years of retail leadership experience, including multi‑unit or regional oversight.
- Experience leading retail operations across multiple international markets preferred.
- Proven track record of driving sales growth and operational excellence in high‑growth environments.
- Strong financial acumen with experience managing P&L responsibility.
- Deep understanding of customer experience and retail KPIs.
- Experience supporting rapid retail expansion and store openings.
- Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
- Ability to operate both strategically and hands‑on in a fast‑paced environment.
- Based in London with flexibility to travel across EMEA.
Benefits, Culture and Perks
- Private Medical Insurance (PMI)
- Group Life Assurance
- Income Protection
- Critical Illness
- Pension Scheme
- Modern Health
- ClassPass
Retail Operations Director, EMEA in City of Westminster employer: SKIMS
SKIMS is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and inclusive work culture, particularly for the Retail Operations Director role based in London. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, SKIMS offers comprehensive benefits including private medical insurance and a pension scheme, alongside opportunities for professional development and leadership training. The company's commitment to operational excellence and customer experience ensures that employees are part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to innovation and success in the retail sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Retail Operations Director, EMEA in City of Westminster
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the retail industry! Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Ace the Interview
Prepare for your interviews by researching the company and its culture. Think about how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in driving operational excellence and customer experience. We recommend practising common interview questions and having a few of your own ready to show your interest!
✨Showcase Your Achievements
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your past successes in retail operations. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to drive sales growth and manage teams effectively. We want to see how you can bring that magic to SKIMS!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage with us directly. Let’s make this happen together!
We think you need these skills to ace Retail Operations Director, EMEA in City of Westminster
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Retail Operations Director role. Highlight your experience in retail leadership, especially in multi-unit or regional oversight, and showcase any achievements that align with the key responsibilities mentioned in the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Use it to express your passion for retail operations and how your skills can drive commercial performance and operational excellence at SKIMS.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:In both your CV and cover letter, emphasise your leadership experience. We want to see how you've built high-performing teams and fostered a culture of accountability and collaboration in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at SKIMS
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Retail Operations Director, you'll need to demonstrate your understanding of key performance indicators (KPIs). Brush up on metrics like sales growth, inventory health, and cost control. Be ready to discuss how you've driven these numbers in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role requires exceptional leadership skills. Prepare examples of how you've built and developed high-performing teams. Think about specific instances where your coaching made a difference and how you fostered a culture of accountability and collaboration.
✨Understand the Brand
Familiarise yourself with SKIMS’ brand values and operational standards. Be prepared to discuss how you would translate global strategies into local execution plans while maintaining brand integrity across EMEA stores.
✨Prepare for Cross-Functional Collaboration
This position involves working closely with various departments. Think about your experience collaborating with HR, Finance, and Marketing. Have examples ready that showcase your ability to align different teams towards common goals, especially in a fast-paced environment.
