Retail Director

at  WilliamsSonoma Inc

OVERVIEW

This position is the leader of the Canada retail store organization, and is accountable for leading the retail team that delivers results across multiple brands and geographies. This position reports directly into the VP, Country Manager – Canada. The direct reports of this position include General Managers and the Country Visual Manager. The position is based in Toronto.

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS:

• 8-10 years of multi-store leadership experience in multi-brand retail organizations.
• University qualifications in business, an MBA would be very highly regarded.
• A thorough understanding of specialty retail processes including merchandising, inventory management, store operations, real estate management, logistics and transportation.
• Business acumen needed to achieve financial results including sales, payroll and net contribution.
• Home furnishings and interior design knowledge preferred, but not required.
• Travel required across country.
  *This position description is not inclusive of all duties and responsibilities and can be changed without notice

• Align store teams to achieve organizational goals by communicating an inspirational vision, expecting high performance, celebrating accomplishments and holding team accountable for results.
• Create and maintain a sales and service culture to drive sales and profitability through analysis of business plans, forecasts, and results, as well as the competitive market to create and influence new customer acquisition and customer retention strategies.
• Implement the retail business strategy and scorecard for all Canada stores across all brands that maximizes retail profitability and focuses team on country’s priorities.
• Participate in financial budgeting and forecasting process by analysing sales and margin trends and recommending forecasts that reflect changes to the retail business.
• Partner closely with Merchant, Inventory, and Finance teams to communicate retail channel needs and opportunities, providing constructive feedback to cross-functional partners, and ensuring feedback is addressed.
• Maintain close partnership with Country Visual Manager to ensure visual merchandising strategies are in line with brand direction and market relevant.
• Ensure store standards are maintained in accordance with company policies and procedures, best practice sharing, and audit compliance.
• Hold store teams accountable for achieving results including budgeted sales, payroll, net contribution and other key metrics. Directly responsible for P&L accountability across all stores.
• Scrutinize composition of store management and associate teams; ensure roles are clearly defined and SPH accountabilities are met.
• Drive policy & procedures and audit compliance.
• Oversee in-store events and activities. Partner with marketing & PR teams on social media campaigns and in-store events.
• Increase social media presence and engagement across the brands, increasing followership on social accounts. Oversee the performance management process for the store teams
• Recruit, develop and motivate the store leadership team that represents the best talent in retail.
• Train, motivate and challenge teams to meet financial goals, proactively resolve problems, and enhance team performance.
• Develop initiatives to drive sales and build customer loyalty through programs including: clienteling, in-store experiences and design consultations, registry, and community outreach.
• Partner with the Store Development team on new store construction and remodels as well as ongoing maintenance.
• Foster collaborative relationships with other leadership team members, corporate partners in the US and with other store leaders around the world.