Deckers - Retail Director

Job type Permanent
Salary
Reference 53680

Position: Director, Retail
Department: Retail
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Reports To: General Manager

Position Summary

The Director of Retail is responsible for developing and executing mid- to long-term retail strategies to maximize brand performance in the Japanese market. Working closely with cross-functional teams, this role focuses on implementing direct-to-consumer (DTC) strategies that enhance customer experience and strengthen brand positioning. The role oversees retail store operations and performance, ensuring sales growth, profitability, and operational excellence. The Director also contributes to brand development through collaboration with merchandising and marketing teams, aligning retail initiatives with regional business strategies.

Key Responsibilities

Retail Strategy and Brand Development (25%)

  • Formulate and implement mid- to long-term retail strategies aligned with overall brand and business goals.

  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver a seamless and premium brand experience across all retail touchpoints.

Sales and Financial Management (25%)

  • Lead retail sales initiatives to achieve financial objectives, including revenue growth and profit targets.

  • Identify market and product opportunities to drive sales across existing and emerging categories.

  • Ensure alignment with brand standards and sales strategies to achieve strong market representation.

Market and Business Expansion (20%)

  • Identify and evaluate new retail opportunities, including potential store openings and renewals.

  • Assess and recommend business plans for future market development and expansion.

Merchandising and Operations (15%)

  • Provide strategic direction on product assortment, merchandising, and sales strategies.

  • Collaborate with operations teams to ensure accurate forecasting, inventory management, and logistics efficiency.

  • Collect and analyze market data to provide insights and feedback to brand teams for strategic decision-making.

Team Leadership and Collaboration (15%)

  • Build, motivate, and mentor high-performing retail teams to foster engagement and professional growth.

  • Promote open communication across stores and corporate departments to enhance alignment and collaboration.

  • Champion company values and foster a culture of learning, innovation, and teamwork within the retail organization.

Qualifications

Education

  • Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Retail, or a related field preferred.

Experience

  • 6–8 years of experience in sales or brand management with an international consumer brand.

  • Proven success in managing or developing emerging brands, ideally within FMCG, fashion, footwear, or sports industries.

  • At least 3 years of experience in marketing, PR, and retail coordination in collaboration with international teams or partners.

Skills and Competencies

  • Strong understanding of the Japanese retail market and established relationships with key retail partners.

  • Proven leadership and strategic planning capabilities.

  • Excellent communication skills in both Japanese and English (business level proficiency required).

  • Solid analytical, organizational, and project management skills.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

  • Standard office and retail environment with occasional travel.

  • Must be able to communicate clearly, both verbally and in writing.

  • Manual dexterity and visual acuity required for routine office and operational tasks.

  • Typical work conditions include a clean, well-lit office with low to moderate noise levels.