At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead retail operations and drive performance across EMEA for a cutting-edge apparel brand.
- Company: Join SKIMS, a global leader in innovative and inclusive fashion.
- Benefits: Enjoy private medical insurance, life assurance, and wellness perks.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment focused on creativity and collaboration.
- Qualifications: 15+ years in retail leadership with a passion for luxury and fashion.
- Other info: Be part of a culture that values inclusivity and high performance.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 150000 £ per year.
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.
Role Overview
The Senior Director of Retail, EMEA will serve as the strategic and operational leader responsible for driving SKIMS’ in-store performance across the region. This role oversees all aspects of day-to-day retail operations, including sales leadership, scheduling, replenishment, workforce planning, and operational excellence, ensuring that every SKIMS store delivers a consistent, high-performing, and culturally aligned experience. This is a highly hands-on leadership role suited to an individual who thrives in the details of the business. The ideal candidate is someone who can roll up their sleeves, dive into the daily operations, and lead by example, guiding teams not only through direction but through active involvement, problem-solving, and partnership on the ground. As a key member of the EMEA leadership team, this individual will partner closely with the President, EMEA and Global Retail leadership in Los Angeles to drive growth, profitability, and brand impact across every physical touchpoint.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead all aspects of day-to-day retail operations, ensuring sales targets and profitability goals are achieved across stores and concessions.
- Oversee scheduling, staffing, and labor optimization to ensure efficiency and exceptional customer experience.
- Develop and execute replenishment strategies that maintain optimal stock levels and visual presentation standards.
- Monitor daily performance KPIs (traffic, conversion, UPT, AOV, payroll %, shrink) to identify opportunities and drive actionable results.
- Partner with Planning, Merchandising, and Supply Chain to ensure timely product flow and localized assortment strategies.
- Drive a culture of excellence in-store execution through detailed follow-up, operational discipline, and consistent accountability.
Retail Strategy & Execution
- Define and execute the EMEA retail growth strategy, aligning with global business goals, brand vision, and financial targets.
- Partner with Finance to manage the EMEA retail P&L, focusing on operational efficiency and sales productivity.
- Build standardized tools and operating models that drive consistency and performance across all direct points of sale.
- Champion a consumer-first mindset, ensuring the in-store experience embodies SKIMS’ brand values and service standards.
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
- Build, inspire, and develop a high-performing regional retail organization, including Store Leaders, Area Managers, and Operations Managers.
- Lead from the front, coaching teams through example, providing direct support, and stepping in where needed to ensure executional excellence.
- Partner with HR and Learning to create strong talent pipelines, succession plans, and ongoing training programs.
- Foster a culture of accountability, empowerment, and inclusivity that reflects SKIMS’ global ethos.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Partner with Merchandising, Planning, and Marketing to deliver cohesive go-to-market execution and in-store storytelling.
- Work closely with EMEA HR, Finance, and Operations to deliver workforce, budgeting, and operational excellence plans.
- Share regional insights on consumer trends, performance drivers, and operational opportunities with global partners.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
- 15+ years of multi-country retail leadership experience within luxury, premium, or fashion lifestyle brands.
- Proven success managing large-scale retail operations across EMEA with a balance of strategy and day-to-day execution.
- Hands-on operational leader with deep experience in sales performance, store operations, scheduling, and replenishment management.
- Strong financial acumen with experience managing P&Ls, payroll budgets, and operational metrics.
- Natural problem solver with a bias for action and an ability to execute quickly and effectively.
- Inspirational leader with experience building and developing multicultural teams.
- Excellent communication, analytical, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
- Fluent in English; additional European languages a plus.
- Willingness to travel extensively across EMEA and to Los Angeles HQ.
Benefits, Culture and Perks
- Private Medical Insurance (PMI)
- Group Life Assurance
- Income Protection
- Critical Illness
- Pension Scheme
- Modern Health
- ClassPass
Senior Director of Retail – EMEA employer: SKIMS
Contact Detail:
SKIMS Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Director of Retail – EMEA
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the retail industry. Attend events, join online forums, or even hit up LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching SKIMS and its culture. Understand their products and values so you can show how you align with their mission. Tailor your answers to reflect your experience in driving retail performance and leading teams.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your hands-on leadership style during interviews. Share specific examples of how you've rolled up your sleeves to solve problems and drive results in previous roles. This will resonate well with SKIMS' focus on operational excellence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the SKIMS team. Let’s get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Director of Retail – EMEA
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior Director of Retail role. Highlight your experience in retail leadership, especially in multi-country settings, and showcase how your skills align with SKIMS' values and goals.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific achievements that demonstrate your impact in previous roles. Use metrics where possible to illustrate your success in driving sales and operational excellence.
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your application. SKIMS values creativity and collaboration, so don’t hesitate to express your passion for the brand and how you can contribute to its mission.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at SKIMS!
How to prepare for a job interview at SKIMS
✨Know Your SKIMS Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into SKIMS' product lines and brand values. Understand their commitment to innovation and inclusivity, and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission. This shows genuine interest and helps you connect your background to their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Senior Director of Retail, your leadership approach is crucial. Prepare examples that highlight your hands-on management style and how you've successfully led teams in previous roles. Be ready to discuss specific strategies you've implemented to drive sales and enhance customer experiences.
✨Be Data-Driven
Familiarise yourself with key performance indicators relevant to retail operations, such as traffic, conversion rates, and payroll percentages. During the interview, demonstrate your ability to analyse these metrics and share how you've used data to make informed decisions that improved store performance.
✨Emphasise Cross-Functional Collaboration
SKIMS values teamwork across departments. Prepare to discuss how you've partnered with other functions like merchandising, planning, and HR in past roles. Highlight specific projects where collaboration led to successful outcomes, showcasing your ability to work effectively within a diverse team.