Head of Retail

Job type Permanent
Salary
Reference 56735

Position: Retail Manager

Location: Japan
Reporting Line: Reports to Asia President

Role Overview

The Retail Manager is responsible for full ownership of the retail business across the market, including P&L management, operational excellence, commercial performance, and organizational leadership. This role requires strong business acumen, hands-on operational expertise, and the ability to build high-performing retail teams in a fast-paced fashion environment.

Key Responsibilities

1. Business & P&L Management

  • Take full ownership of retail financial performance, including revenue, gross margin, and operating profit.

  • Develop and execute annual and quarterly retail plans covering sales, traffic, conversion rate, average transaction value (AOV), units per transaction (UPT), labor costs, and inventory productivity.

  • Identify growth opportunities and business risks, and implement timely corrective actions to ensure targets are met.

2. Store Operations Excellence

  • Establish and enforce standard operating procedures, compliance processes, cash handling controls, loss prevention measures, and audit readiness standards.

  • Optimize store operations to maximize productivity through effective labor planning, scheduling, task management, and customer flow management.

  • Ensure consistent execution of brand standards, visual merchandising guidelines, and customer experience expectations across all locations.

3. Commercial Performance & Customer Experience

  • Improve key performance indicators such as conversion rate, repeat purchase rate, and customer satisfaction (NPS/CSAT) through coaching and service excellence initiatives.

  • Collaborate with Marketing and CRM teams to implement local campaigns, clienteling strategies, and event programs.

  • Translate customer feedback and insights into actionable improvements in store operations and product assortment strategies.

4. Talent Leadership & Organizational Development

  • Lead, mentor, and develop Store Managers and Area/Regional Managers.

  • Establish succession planning and leadership development programs.

  • Partner with HR on recruitment strategies, performance management, and retention initiatives.

  • Foster a performance-driven culture built on accountability, clarity of expectations, and recognition.

5. Inventory & Supply Chain Collaboration

  • Work closely with Merchandising and Supply Chain teams to improve stock availability, sell-through rates, and inventory turnover.

  • Implement inventory accuracy processes such as cycle counts, shrinkage control, and disciplined transfer management.

  • Provide store-level demand insights to support allocation and replenishment optimization.

6. Store Expansion & Network Optimization (If Applicable)

  • Support decisions related to store openings and closures, and provide input into lease negotiations.

  • Contribute to new store development and execution.

  • Define performance benchmarks and ramp-up plans for newly opened stores.

Required Experience & Qualifications

  • Minimum 7+ years of experience in store business management, including at least 5 years within the fashion retail industry.

  • Proven ability to lead, influence, and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.

  • Results-oriented mindset with strong commercial focus.

  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-pressure retail environment.

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, with proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.

  • Solid business acumen with strategic and analytical problem-solving capabilities.

  • Strong leadership and people management skills.

  • Good understanding of department store operations.

  • Fluency in both English and Japanese.

About the Company

Founded in the mid-1990s, this international fashion brand has built a strong global presence by combining creative excellence with commercial expertise. The organization is known for maintaining in-house control over key brand elements, including store design, construction, and digital capabilities, enabling agility and operational efficiency.

The brand focuses on delivering immersive retail experiences tailored to diverse cultural markets. It values integrity, craftsmanship, and customer-centric innovation.

Company Culture

The organization seeks individuals who demonstrate originality, confidence, and passion for the brand. Employees are expected to embody professionalism, collaboration, and respect. The company emphasizes continuous improvement in brand development and customer journey excellence.

Benefits

  • Career development opportunities with structured growth support.

  • Competitive compensation and benefits package.

  • Employee uniform allowance and staff discount.

  • Equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion.