<p>We are seeking a skilled Retail Operations Manager to lead multi-site store performance, enhance customer experience and ensure efficient day-to-day operations. The successful candidate will drive sales growth, manage budgets and coach teams to exceed targets. This role suits a pragmatic leader with strong commercial acumen and excellent people management skills.</p>
<h2>Retail Operations Manager Job Profile</h2>
<p>The Retail Operations Manager is responsible for the operational leadership of a portfolio of stores, ensuring consistent standards in merchandising, customer service and compliance. They translate strategy into on‑the‑ground actions that improve performance.</p>
<p>Reporting to the regional director, the role combines people management with financial oversight, continuous improvement and stakeholder engagement across retail, supply chain and HR functions.</p>
<h2>Retail Operations Manager Job Description</h2>
<p>The Retail Operations Manager will oversee day to day store operations across multiple locations, driving a culture of excellence and accountability. Core duties include setting performance targets, analysing KPIs and leading initiatives to increase sales conversion, average transaction value and customer retention. The postholder will ensure stores meet company standards for visual merchandising, stock availability and regulatory compliance.</p>
<p>This role requires active collaboration with merchandising and buying teams to plan seasonal displays and promotions, and with logistics partners to optimise stock flow and reduce shrinkage. The manager will implement operational processes and training that support consistent service delivery and maximise labour productivity while controlling operating costs.</p>
<p>Proactive leadership is essential. The Retail Operations Manager will coach store managers, conduct regular store visits and audits, and deploy action plans to remedy underperformance. They will also contribute to recruitment, succession planning and the development of talent pipelines to secure long term business resilience.</p>
<h2>Retail Operations Manager Duties and Responsibilities</h2>
<ul>
<li>Lead and support a team of store managers across multiple sites to achieve sales and service targets.</li>
<li>Develop and monitor KPIs, produce performance reports and implement corrective actions where necessary.</li>
<li>Manage budgets, control costs and drive local initiatives to improve gross margin and reduce wastage.</li>
<li>Ensure consistent visual merchandising and in-store standards to reflect brand values and promotional plans.</li>
<li>Optimise stock management and replenishment processes to maintain availability and minimise overstock.</li>
<li>Implement health and safety, loss prevention and compliance procedures in line with legislation and company policy.</li>
<li>Plan and deliver training programmes for managers and associates to improve customer service and operational capability.</li>
<li>Lead recruitment and performance management, conducting appraisals and producing development plans.</li>
<li>Coordinate with head office teams, including merchandising, HR and supply chain, to support business objectives.</li>
<li>Conduct regular store audits and mystery shopping reviews, following up with clear action plans.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Retail Operations Manager Requirements and Qualifications</h2>
<ul>
<li>Proven experience in retail operations management, preferably managing multiple sites or a large store network.</li>
<li>Strong commercial awareness with a demonstrable track record of improving sales and margin performance.</li>
<li>Excellent leadership and people development skills, with experience coaching managers and building high-performing teams.</li>
<li>Good numerical ability and experience with KPI analysis, budgeting and forecasting.</li>
<li>Knowledge of stock control, merchandising principles and retail IT systems such as EPOS and inventory management.</li>
<li>Clear understanding of health and safety, loss prevention and employment legislation in the UK.</li>
<li>Effective communication and stakeholder management skills, both written and verbal.</li>
<li>Ability to travel frequently between stores and work flexible hours, including weekends when required.</li>
<li>Degree or professional qualification in business, retail management or equivalent practical experience preferred.</li>
<li>Full UK driving licence or ability to travel independently between sites where required.</li>
</ul>