Senior Director of Retail Operations
2 days ago
Philadelphia
Senior Director, Retail Operations I Location: Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) The Senior Director, Retail Operations I leads and optimizes a large-scale airport retail operation generating $30M–$60M in annual revenue. This role is accountable for driving sales growth, profitability, operational excellence, and customer experience across a portfolio of retail locations while maintaining strong relationships with landlords, brand partners, ACDBE/Joint Venture partners, union representatives, and internal stakeholders. This leader brings a proven track record of managing complex retail operations, building high-performing teams, and delivering strong financial results in a fast-paced, multi-unit environment. Key Responsibilities Business Performance & Financial Management • Partner with senior leadership to establish revenue, expense, profit, and inventory targets., • Maintain full P&L accountability across the retail portfolio., • Analyze operational and financial KPIs to identify opportunities and implement corrective actions., • Review sales performance by location, category, and brand to drive revenue growth and profitability., • Develop and execute action plans aligned with budget and business objectives., • Monitor market trends, customer behavior, and competitive activity to inform business decisions., • Lead weekly and monthly business reviews with operational leadership teams. Operational Leadership • Ensure consistent execution of operational standards, policies, and Standard Operating Procedures., • Conduct operational audits and implement continuous improvement initiatives., • Oversee opening and closing procedures, inventory controls, loss prevention, and operational compliance., • Coordinate maintenance projects and facility improvements to support an exceptional customer experience., • Manage receiving processes, vendor relationships, and supply chain issue resolution., • Ensure effective utilization of operational systems, equipment, and technology platforms. Team Leadership & Talent Development • Lead recruitment, succession planning, performance management, and talent development initiatives., • Build and develop high-performing leadership teams through coaching, mentoring, and accountability., • Conduct performance evaluations and support ongoing employee development., • Foster a culture of engagement, recognition, diversity, inclusion, and operational excellence., • Align staffing strategies with business demand and customer traffic patterns. Stakeholder & Partner Management • Develop and maintain strong relationships with landlords, ACDBE partners, brand representatives, union leaders, and key stakeholders., • Ensure compliance with lease agreements, collective bargaining agreements, and partnership requirements., • Support ACDBE reporting, certification, and partnership obligations., • Collaborate with Supply Chain, Commercial, Marketing, Finance, and Human Resources teams to achieve business objectives. Merchandising & Brand Standards • Ensure compliance with brand standards, visual merchandising guidelines, and planogram execution., • Partner with merchandising and marketing teams to optimize product assortment and promotional strategies., • Drive category management initiatives that maximize revenue and enhance the customer experience. Strategic Leadership • Develop and implement initiatives that improve operational performance and drive revenue growth., • Communicate organizational priorities and strategic objectives to leadership teams., • Partner with senior executives on business planning, resource allocation, and operational strategy., • Leverage data and insights to support informed decision-making and continuous improvement. Qualifications Required Experience • Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in retail operations, business operations, or a related field., • Minimum 5 years of leadership experience managing teams within a retail or multi-unit operations environment., • Experience leading large-scale, multi-location retail operations with significant revenue responsibility., • Bachelor’s degree in Business, Retail Management, Operations, or related field preferred. Knowledge, Skills & Competencies • Strong understanding of retail operations, consumer goods, and multi-brand retail environments., • Experience in travel retail, airport retail, or other high-volume retail environments preferred., • Strong financial acumen with expertise in budgeting, forecasting, P&L management, and KPI analysis., • Proven ability to lead operational performance through effective team leadership., • Excellent communication, relationship management, and stakeholder engagement skills., • Experience working in unionized environments is an asset., • Ability to manage multiple priorities and solve complex operational challenges., • Strong coaching, mentoring, and talent development capabilities., • Ability to build and sustain positive, inclusive, high-performance cultures., • Proficiency with workforce management, inventory management, and operational reporting systems. Reporting Structure This position reports to the Senior Vice President or Vice President, Retail Operations. The role requires a flexible schedule and regular on-site presence, including opening, peak, and closing shifts, to support business operations. Comprehensive Benefits Package Include: • Compensation: $127,193-$164,120 + up to 46% annual bonus, • Health, dental, and vision insurance, • Paid time off (vacation, sick time, and flex days), • Paid holidays, • 401(k) retirement plan, • Company-paid life insurance, • Tuition reimbursement, • Employee discounts across company brands, • Employee Assistance Program (EAP), • Career development and advancement opportunities, • Employee referral bonus program, • Benefits eligibility may vary by position* Avolta, including Dufry, HMSHost Corporation, Hudson, and affiliates (“the Company”), is an equal opportunity employer. It is the Company’s policy to ensure equal employment opportunity in all aspects of employment and to comply with anti-discrimination laws and regulations. The Company prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and provides equal opportunities to applicants and team members without regard to actual or perceived race, color, creed, age, religion, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, related medical conditions and lactation), gender identity or gender expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, national origin, disability, military service and veteran status, ancestry, citizenship status, marital status, protected medical condition as defined by applicable state or local law, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local laws and ordinances (referred to as “protected characteristics”).