Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead creative retail experiences and brand activations globally.
- Company: Join a beloved lifestyle brand shaping customer engagement.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and opportunities for international travel.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of innovative retail strategies and team leadership.
- Qualifications: Experience in retail management and brand activations required.
- Other info: Flexibility in hours and regular travel are essential.
The predicted salary is between 68000 - 102000 £ per year.
Location: London
Salary: Up to £85,000 per annum
Brand-side role.
About the Role
We’re seeking a dynamic and visionary Head of Activations (Retail) to lead the execution of exceptional retail experiences and brand activations across global markets. This is a hands-on leadership role where creativity meets operational excellence — a chance to shape how customers engage with a beloved lifestyle brand, both in-store and beyond. You’ll oversee everything from in-store visual merchandising and promotional events, to experiential campaigns, pop-ups, and international rollouts. The role demands someone who knows how to get things done – efficiently, creatively, and always on-brand.
Key Responsibilities
- Retail Strategy & Execution: Deliver immersive, engaging customer journeys through innovative visual merchandising and store design. Align retail initiatives with long-term brand strategy and performance goals.
- Brand Activations: Lead creative and operational aspects of experiential campaigns. Maintain a consistent brand identity across all touchpoints.
- Production & Visual Oversight: Manage end-to-end production of retail and activation assets, ensuring timely delivery, cost-efficiency, and quality. Collaborate with external agencies and production partners.
- Operational Integration: Work closely with operations to integrate design seamlessly into retail functions. Support store rollouts, events, and product launches.
- Leadership & Team Development: Lead and develop a growing team of designers and activation specialists. Cultivate collaboration across departments (creative, ops, sales, etc.).
- Budget & Supplier Management: Own budget oversight for all activation and production projects. Negotiate costs, manage third-party relationships, and ensure ROI.
- Insights & Innovation: Monitor customer feedback, retail data, and market trends to inform continuous improvement. Bring fresh ideas and technologies into the brand’s physical retail strategy.
What We’re Looking For
Experience & Skills: Proven success in retail management, visual merchandising, and brand activations. Strong leadership and stakeholder management experience. A creative thinker with a sharp eye for detail and quality. Proficient in briefing and managing external agencies and suppliers. Ability to balance creativity with commercial awareness.
Industry Background: FMCG, luxury, or consumer goods experience highly desirable. Experience with global or high-profile brands is a big plus.
Tools & Tech: Adobe Creative Suite and 3D design tools are advantageous.
Bonus Points If You Have: A robust industry network in design and retail production. A flair for storytelling through design and in-store experience. A track record of delivering projects across international markets.
Working Conditions: Regular travel (including international) required. Flexibility around working hours needed to support global campaigns and store visits.
Head of Activations (Retail) employer: TwentyOne Twelve Recruitment
Contact Detail:
TwentyOne Twelve Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Activations (Retail)
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the retail and brand activation sectors. Attend industry events, trade shows, or workshops to meet potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends. This can help you gain insights into what companies like us are looking for in a Head of Activations.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with our brand and its values. Understanding our mission and how we engage customers will allow you to tailor your approach when discussing your vision for retail activations. Show us how your ideas align with our brand identity.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous experiences in detail, especially those that demonstrate your leadership and creativity in retail management. Be ready to share specific examples of successful campaigns you've led and how they impacted customer engagement.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on the latest tools and technologies in retail design and brand activation. Being knowledgeable about platforms like Adobe Creative Suite and 3D design tools will show us that you're equipped to handle the technical aspects of the role effectively.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Activations (Retail)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in retail management, visual merchandising, and brand activations. Use specific examples that demonstrate your leadership skills and ability to deliver engaging customer experiences.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for the role and the brand. Discuss your creative approach to retail activations and how your background aligns with the company's vision. Be sure to mention any experience with global brands or international projects.
Showcase Your Creativity: If applicable, include a portfolio or examples of past projects that illustrate your creative thinking and execution in retail environments. Highlight any innovative campaigns or visual merchandising strategies you've implemented.
Highlight Leadership Experience: Emphasise your experience in leading teams and collaborating across departments. Provide examples of how you've developed team members and fostered collaboration to achieve successful outcomes in previous roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at TwentyOne Twelve Recruitment
✨Showcase Your Creative Vision
As a Head of Activations, creativity is key. Prepare to discuss your past projects that highlight your innovative approach to retail experiences. Bring examples of how you've transformed customer journeys through visual merchandising and brand activations.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
This role requires strong leadership abilities. Be ready to share experiences where you've successfully led teams or collaborated across departments. Highlight how you’ve developed talent and fostered a collaborative environment in previous roles.
✨Understand the Brand's Identity
Research the company’s brand identity thoroughly. During the interview, articulate how your vision aligns with their brand values and how you can maintain consistency across all touchpoints. This shows your commitment to the brand's ethos.
✨Prepare for Budget Discussions
Budget management is a crucial part of this role. Be prepared to discuss your experience with budget oversight, cost negotiations, and ensuring ROI on projects. Providing specific examples will demonstrate your financial acumen and strategic thinking.
