SKIMS is a solutions-oriented brand creating the next generation of underwear, loungewear, shapewear, and essentials. We are setting new standards by delivering technically innovative, comfort-driven products with elevated design for everybody.
At the intersection of culture, innovation, and commerce, SKIMS is a global brand redefining modern apparel. Our teams are built on creativity, collaboration, and operational excellence, and we are committed to fostering an inclusive, high-performance environment where ambitious, curious, and values-driven individuals can do the best work of their careers.
As we continue to scale globally, our HQ teams play a critical role in shaping strategy, building world-class infrastructure, and driving sustainable growth across markets.
We are seeking an Operations Manager, Franchise – EMEA to support the continued growth and operational excellence of our franchise business across the region. Reporting to the Director of Franchise- this role will serve as a critical link between SKIMS HQ and our franchise partners, ensuring that SKIMS' operational standards are clearly defined, effectively communicated, and consistently executed across all franchise locations.
A key priority for this role will be the creation, implementation, and ongoing management of a comprehensive Franchise Operations Playbook, establishing clear operational procedures and standards for both new store openings and ongoing store operations.
This individual will be highly organized, commercially minded, and operationally rigorous, with the ability to translate SKIMS' global standards into clear, scalable processes that franchise partners can successfully execute. They will be a natural relationship builder who is equally comfortable partnering with internal teams and holding external partners accountable to brand and operational expectations.
Key Responsibilities
Key Responsibilities
Franchise Operations Playbook & Standards
· Lead the development and ongoing evolution of the SKIMS EMEA Franchise Operations guide, creating a comprehensive framework for how franchise stores should open, operate, and maintain SKIMS standards.
· Establish clear Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) across key areas including store operations, inventory management, stockroom organization, customer experience, loss prevention, health and safety, cash handling, facilities, and operational compliance.
· Partner with relevant HQ functions to ensure policies and procedures accurately reflect SKIMS' global standards while considering local market requirements.
· Create scalable operational tools, checklists, templates, and guidelines that franchise partners can easily implement across multiple markets.
· Regularly review and update operational procedures based on business growth, store learnings, partner feedback, and evolving global standards.
New Store Openings
· Act as the operational lead for franchise store openings across EMEA, partnering closely with franchise partners from planning through launch and post-opening.
· Develop clear pre-opening and opening-readiness processes, ensuring franchise partners understand key milestones, responsibilities, deadlines, and SKIMS expectations.
· Create opening checklists and operational readiness frameworks covering staffing, training, inventory, systems, facilities, store supplies, operational equipment, and compliance.
· Work cross-functionally with Retail, Visual Merchandising, Store Development, IT, Finance, Planning, Logistics, and other relevant teams to ensure successful and consistent openings.
· Identify potential operational risks ahead of launch and work proactively with partners and internal teams to resolve them.
Franchise Partner Management
· Serve as a primary operational go-between for SKIMS HQ and franchise partners, ensuring clear, consistent, and timely communication.
· Build strong relationships with franchise partners while maintaining accountability around SKIMS' operational and brand standards.
· Translate HQ strategies, policies, and initiatives into actionable guidance for franchise partners.
· Gather feedback and insights from franchise partners and communicate opportunities, challenges, and market-specific considerations back to HQ.
· Support partners in troubleshooting day-to-day operational challenges and identify solutions that balance local requirements with global brand consistency.
· Establish clear communication rhythms, operational reviews, and escalation processes between SKIMS and franchise partners.
Operational Excellence & Compliance
· Monitor franchise execution against established SKIMS operating standards and identify areas for improvement.
· Develop operational audits and assessment tools to measure compliance and store performance.
· Partner with franchise teams to create corrective action plans where standards are not being met.
· Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, consistency, productivity, and profitability across franchise operations.
· Ensure operational processes are scalable and can support SKIMS' continued expansion across multiple EMEA markets.
· Partner with internal stakeholders to ensure franchise operations remain aligned with wider retail and commercial objectives.
Cross-Functional Partnership
· Act as the internal operational voice of the franchise business, ensuring HQ teams understand the needs, timelines, and realities of franchise partners
· Build strong partnerships across Retail, Store Development, Visual Merchandising, Planning, Allocation, Logistics, IT, Finance, People & Culture, Learning & Development, and other relevant functions.
· Coordinate information and deliverables across multiple teams to ensure franchise partners receive clear and consistent direction.
· Support the Director of Franchise with operational reporting, business reviews, partner meetings, and strategic initiatives.
Commercial Responsibilities
- Own the EMEA franchise market, including leading order appointments, ensuring range alignment with Planning, and incorporating long-range planning (LRP) objectives into market strategy.
- Partner with and support the Director of Franchise on regional business development, identifying opportunities to drive growth and expand the franchise business across EMEA.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
· 5+ years of experience in retail operations, franchise operations, international retail, or multi-store operations, ideally within fashion, apparel, beauty, or another premium consumer brand.
· Strong understanding of retail store operations and the processes required to successfully open and operate high-volume stores.
· Experience developing SOPs, operational manuals, playbooks, or scalable retail processes.
· Franchise or partner-operated retail experience strongly preferred.
· Experience working across multiple markets or within an international business environment highly desirable.
· Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple store openings, partners, timelines, and workstreams simultaneously.
· Commercially aware, with an understanding of how strong operational execution impacts sales, profitability, customer experience, and brand perception.
· Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to turn complex information into clear, actionable guidance.
· Strong relationship management skills with the confidence to influence and appropriately challenge both internal stakeholders and external partners.
· Comfortable working within a highly entrepreneurial, fast-paced, and evolving organization.
· Willingness to travel throughout EMEA as required.
Key Attributes
· Operationally rigorous: Naturally focused on process, consistency, detail, and execution.
· Highly collaborative: Able to connect HQ teams and franchise partners and create alignment across multiple stakeholders.
· Commercially minded: Understands that operational excellence must ultimately support the customer experience and business performance.
· Solutions-oriented:Identifies problems early and takes ownership of finding practical solutions.
· Confident communicator: Comfortable representing SKIMS with senior franchise partners and internal leadership.
· Adaptable: Thrives in an environment where processes are still being built and the business is evolving quickly.
· Accountable: Comfortable setting clear expectations and ensuring partners consistently deliver against agreed standards.
· Brand focused: Understands the importance of ensuring that every franchise store feels unmistakably SKIMS, regardless of market or operating partner.
Benefits, Culture and Perks
Benefits and Culture
Private Medical Insurance (PMI)
Group Life Assurance
Income Protection
Critical Illness
Pension Scheme
Modern Health
ClassPass
Sales and Operations Manager, Franchise- EMEA in London employer: SKIMS
At SKIMS, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that champions creativity and personal growth in the heart of London. Our vibrant work culture fosters collaboration and inclusivity, ensuring every team member feels valued and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives. With competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and a commitment to employee development, joining us as an Assistant Store Leader in Visual Merchandising means becoming part of a dynamic team dedicated to elevating customer experiences and driving impactful results.
