Sr. Director, Sports Retail Operations

Most companies claim to have the best people. We say to them, "Keep dreaming." Our people are second to none. They set us apart with their entrepreneurial spirit and ambition. They come to us from the likes of Amazon, Microsoft, Nordstrom, Starbucks and the sports world, bringing energy, bold ideas and a willingness to dive into the unfamiliar. It's our people that make BDA the top global Merchandise Agency to work for.

This role reports to the DVP of Operations. 

 At BDA, we excel in transforming iconic brands by focusing on creating engaged consumers and devoted fans. The Senior Director of Retail Operations is a key leadership role responsible for managing and optimizing the operational performance of an omni channel retail strategy across the organization with a focus on our NHL and Sports Retail business.

This key leadership role encompasses developing and implementing comprehensive departmental strategic plans, including tactical and operational plans to achieve targeted revenue levels and drive business growth. You will ensure that all operational aspects are seamlessly integrated to support and enhance sales and service objectives, creating a premier customer and fan experience. In this role, your expertise in Sports Licensing, NHL and/or Sports Retail, strategic planning & execution, operational management, leadership and retail management will be pivotal in driving the success and profitability of the retail operations. Traveling to store locations will be required.

Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Sports Retail Management, or a related field; MBA or advanced degree preferred.
• 8-10 years of experience in sports retail operations, with at least 5 years in a senior management or director-level role supporting sales budgets of $100M+ annually.
• Proven track record of successfully managing corporate retail, travelling stores, pop ups, webstores and brick and mortar multi-locations with omni channel retail operations.
• Strong leadership and large team management with proven success in motivating and developing a diverse and high performing team.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a data-driven approach to decision-making.
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Demonstrated ability to manage budgets, forecast financial performance, and drive revenue growth with ownership of P&L is required.
• In-depth knowledge of retail trends, customer behaviors, and industry best practices.
• Familiarity with change management, digital transformation, point of sale (POS) systems, and e-commerce platforms.
• Superior communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills with C levels.

Duties & Responsibilities

OPERATIONAL STRATEGY AND EXECUTION 

• Develop and execute operational strategies to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of retail operations.
• Implement and monitor operational procedures and best practices to ensure consistency and high standards across all locations.
• Analyze and report on operational performance, identifying areas for improvement and implementing corrective actions as needed.
• Develop and implement retail strategies to drive sales growth and profitability.
• Analyze market trends and customer insights to inform operational decisions.
• Set and monitor performance metrics for retail operations, ensuring alignment with company goals.

TEAM LEADERSHIP AND DEVELOPMENT 

• Lead and mentor a team of event /store managers, regional managers, and e-commerce managers to drive operational excellence and achieve performance goals.
• Develop and deliver training programs to enhance team skills and ensure alignment with company standards and expectations.
• Foster a collaborative and high-performance culture within the retail operations team.

BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and manage budgets for retail operations, ensuring effective cost control and maximizing profitability.
• Analyze financial reports and operational data to make informed decisions and drive revenue growth.
• Implement strategies to optimize sales performance, manage expenses, and achieve financial targets.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reviews and forecasts
• Work closely with executive and ownership on initiatives that significantly affect the budget of strategic objectives of the organization
• Monitor the financial performance of stores and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Conduct regular financial and operational audits to ensure accuracy and compliance.

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