At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead retail operations and drive performance across EMEA SKIMS stores.
- Company: Join SKIMS, a pioneering brand redefining modern apparel with a focus on inclusivity.
- Benefits: Enjoy private medical insurance, life assurance, and wellness perks like ClassPass.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of retail innovation and make a real impact in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: 15+ years in retail leadership, with a strong background in luxury or fashion brands.
- Other info: Collaborative culture that values creativity, accountability, and personal growth.
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. 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.
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
- Operational Leadership
- 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 Retail- EMEA London Office, London, United Kingdom - HQ employer: Socotra, Inc.
Contact Detail:
Socotra, Inc. Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Director Retail- EMEA London Office, London, United Kingdom - HQ
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the retail industry, especially those who work at SKIMS or similar brands. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy to reach out on LinkedIn. You never know who might help you land that dream job!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into SKIMS’ brand values and product lines. Show us you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your passion for innovative, comfort-driven products. Bring ideas to the table about how you can enhance in-store experiences and drive sales!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate your vision for retail operations and how you can lead teams to success. We want to hear about your hands-on approach and problem-solving skills, so think of examples from your past experiences that showcase your leadership style.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the SKIMS family. Let’s make it happen together!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Director Retail- EMEA London Office, London, United Kingdom - HQ
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Brand: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for SKIMS shine through! Share why you love our innovative products and how you align with our mission to redefine modern apparel. This will help us see your genuine interest in being part of our team.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in retail leadership, especially within luxury or fashion brands. We want to see how your background aligns with the role of Senior Director Retail, so don’t hold back on showcasing your achievements and skills that match our needs!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read through your qualifications. Remember, we appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the heart of your experience and capabilities.
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 the role. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and ready to take the next step in joining our amazing team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Socotra, Inc.
✨Know Your SKIMS Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into SKIMS' brand values, product lines, and recent innovations. Understanding their mission to redefine modern apparel will help you align your answers with their vision and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Operational Expertise
Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience in retail operations. Prepare specific examples of how you've driven sales performance, managed P&Ls, or improved operational efficiency in previous roles. This will highlight your ability to lead day-to-day operations effectively.
✨Emphasise Team Leadership Skills
As a Senior Director, your leadership style is crucial. Share stories that illustrate how you've built and inspired high-performing teams. Discuss your approach to coaching and developing talent, as well as how you foster an inclusive culture that reflects SKIMS’ ethos.
✨Prepare for Cross-Functional Collaboration
Since this role involves working closely with various departments, be prepared to discuss your experience in cross-functional collaboration. Highlight instances where you've partnered with merchandising, planning, or marketing to achieve common goals, showcasing your ability to drive cohesive execution.