Retail Operations Manager - 12M FTC - Saucony in London

As Retail Operations Lead – UK, you will manage both strategic retail operations and the direct leadership of our UK store managers, spanning Saucony, Merrell, and future store openings. You’ll be the linchpin that ensures our UK stores run efficiently, open successfully, and operate in alignment with our guest, brand and community expectations. This role merges hands‑on operational responsibility with retail planning and project execution, including critical path management for new store openings, and ongoing maintenance of key retail planning tools such as the 52‑week Retail Calendar. This is a role for a high‑output, highly organized retail operator who thrives in a fast‑paced, collaborative environment and is ready to shape the future of our UK store estate.

Key Responsibilities:

• Direct line management of the Store Managers – Providing leadership coaching, development support and operational structure to the store leadership teams.
• Partner with marketing, VM, HR and L&D to ensure stores are guest‑ready, team‑ready and market‑aware.
• Own the end‑to‑end operational rhythm of UK retail across both brands, ensuring systems, service and processes are optimized for performance.
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs), weekly store checklists, and monthly store reporting tools.
• Act as the UK’s key operational point of contact for cross‑functional departments (IT, Finance, Legal, Merchandising, Marketing, VM, etc.).
• Lead all new store opening projects in the UK for both Saucony and Merrell, from planning through to launch.
• Own the UK Retail Calendar: a 52‑week planning tool encompassing all key retail milestones, campaigns, launches, operational activity and seasonal changeovers.
• Support with basic allocation and planning processes as needed (in partnership with the Retail Planner).
• Identify process gaps, inefficiencies or challenges within store operations and proactively develop solutions.
• Provide store‑level insights to central teams to inform planning, marketing and product strategies.
• Champion a data‑driven approach to operations, using metrics and feedback to drive decision‑making.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Proven multi‑site retail operations experience, ideally with a blend of full‑price and outlet exposure.
• Experience managing store managers or high‑performing store leaders across different regions.
• Strong background in retail planning, critical path management, and operational tool creation.
• Familiarity with new store openings, from planning through execution.
• Experience in a dual‑brand or matrixed business is a plus.
• Background in sport, lifestyle or community‑focused retail preferred.
• Exceptionally organised and methodical in approach to projects and tools.
• Natural leader with the ability to coach, develop and challenge store teams.
• Excellent communicator – able to manage up, down and across.
• Comfortable operating independently and managing multiple workstreams simultaneously.
• A commercial thinker who understands how store operations directly impact performance.
• High‑level proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, and cloud‑based project tools (e.g., Smartsheet, Monday.com, Trello).
• Passion for movement, sport, or running is a strong cultural fit.

Working Conditions:

• Full‑time role based in the UK with hybrid working (store visits and HQ presence as needed).
• Frequent travel between stores in London, Cannock, and the Cotswolds, with occasional international travel for EMEA team meetings.
• Eligible for performance‑based bonus.
• Reports directly to the Retail Director – Saucony & Merrell EMEA.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills which may be required.

Wolverine Worldwide, Inc. is committed to creating a company that is as diverse as our consumers. We value the differences in one another and believe our differences make us stronger. Our diverse and inclusive corporate culture starts with the recruitment process. We are committed to being an equal opportunity employer.