Retail Operations Manager

Castore exists for one single reason – to make athletes better. Our ethos is built upon the philosophy of BETTER NEVER STOPS, an ideal deeply infused in our DNA and something we strive to live every single day. We utilise advanced engineering and unique technical fabrics to create the highest quality sportswear in the world for athletes who demand the very best. Designed with a passion for innovation with specialist features to help to optimise athletic performance in all conditions.

The founders’ vision is to build Castore into a brand respected across the globe for a deep and unrelenting commitment to engineering the highest quality sportswear in the world, with no stone left unturned in its search for innovation and performance enhancement.

The sportswear market has been dominated by a small clique of mass-market brands and the vision is for Castore to be a premium alternative to these, the natural brand of choice for discerning athletes who demand the very best.

What’s the Job?
The role will own the delivery and operation of a diverse retail estate spanning five countries. The ideal candidate will have a breadth of multinational experience of opening and operating stores across Europe. Someone who can improve the current status quo and bring new ideas and processes to streamline our store operation and deliver efficiencies. You will support and influence our stores processes, alongside managing the retail payroll and operations budget.

What will I do?

• To support the Head of Retail delivering the retail plan
• Overseeing new store openings with entry into new international markets
• Expert project management skills, you will manage multiple projects at any one-time including store openings, kit launches, retail events and new season.
• Budget: responsible for build and maintenance of budget. Recording spend, flagging issues and finding savings/efficiencies with purchasing and suppliers.
• Develop new ways of reporting, and managing financial performance of the retail estate
• Upgrading and development of retail store policies
• Maintain and update all store communication streams so they are easy to understand, accurate and up to date with timely responses
• Able to think innovatively and creatively to create inspirational communications which can inspire our store teams
• Build positive working relationships with store managers to clarify priorities and best practices
• Implementation of new technology and processes supported by excellent training and supplementary guides
• Seek out and present new technology to secure management approval and progress projects at critical stages of development. Communicate project updates to the teams, manage expectations, receive, and deliver clear feedback.
• Ensure all stores proactive maintenance planned and completed to ensure H&S compliance always adhered to
• Oversee the payroll management of 300 team

What skills and qualities will I need?

Skills and Experience:

• Min 3 years' experience in a Head Office Retail Operations role
• Managing a small team
• Experience of operating stores in Spain/Italy/Netherlands/Ireland desirable
• Execution of multiple retail pop-up events
• Full clean UK driving licence
• Expert in Excel imperative and also confident in Outlook and PowerPoint
• Flexibility of working hours will be required to align with retail activity

Personal Qualities:

• Experience in a multisite retail outlet essential
• Effective leadership qualities and excellent communicator
• Excellent organisation skills and commercial awareness - sees beyond the obvious and is resourceful in seizing opportunities and solving problems
• Hands on management style
• Effective team player, with a "can-do" attitude
• Energetic and fast operator
• Assertive, calm, works well under pressure

What We Offer

• Competitive salary
• 25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays)
• Modern city centre offices in Manchester
• An opportunity to work with global sporting partners
• Office breakout space with pool tables, dart board and TV’s
• A chance to build a career with a fast paced, high growth brand