Senior Director of Retail

POSITION SUMMARY

The Senior Director of Retail will develop and oversee the entire owned and operated retail operations for RealTruck with direct oversight for merchandising, real estate, visual, and store operations.  This role will work with dedicated partners in finance, HR, replenishment/planning, marketing, eCommerce, and organizational design. This position will lead and develop a team, in addition to working closely with the rest of the RealTruck organization, to mitigate perceived channel conflict and maximize resources. The Senior Director will help all store associates think like “businesspeople” by embracing “clienteling” in the high service environment.  The Senior Director of Retail and team will participate in building brand awareness and developing meaningful service-driven relationships with the customers, potential customers and the communities in which each store resides. 

CORE FUNCTIONS

Strategic Planning & Brand Management

·       Develop and execute the strategic plan to advance the retail division’s mission to build the brand, elevate retail expectations, and promote revenue, profitability, and growth.

·       Set the strategic direction for the annual marketing and promotional calendars for the Retail division in partnership with marketing, eCommerce, and sales.

·       Direct and protect the RealTruck brand identity throughout the Owned Retail operation.

·       Drive collaboration with Product Development to identify the best ways to support new product launches that will continue to expand and elevate the brand.

·       Establish superior customer service standards and create an environment that celebrates the customer and upgrades the brand experience.

Retail Operations & Development

·       Lead retail operations and development, including store operations and product delivery/installation services.

·       Oversee retail operations planning to ensure quality, service standards, and effective management of resources.

·       Identify and manage a financially sound real estate plan, including store design and construction oversight.

·       Build, oversee, and operate a first-class product installation service that elevates the customer’s journey and makes the shopping experience best-in-class.

Financial Management & FP&A Collaboration

·       Work with FP&A to drive retail store financial planning, revenue planning, expense management, capital expense planning, and financial accounting.

Marketing & Merchandising

·       Direct marketing and visual merchandising with cross-functionality across Brand and eCommerce teams.

·       Continually upgrade in-store visual merchandising to capitalize on trends and evolving consumer preferences.

·       Develop and continuously evaluate a comprehensive merchandising strategy, including assortment planning and new product development launches.

Business Processes & Organizational Design

·       Establish business processes and organizational design and development processes for the Retail Team, focusing on the ideal store team and model.

·       Build an effective Retail support team, leveraging cross-functional partnerships during the bootstrapping launch phase.

Collaboration & Cross-Functional Leadership

·       Collaborate with distribution and supply chain to maximize inventory productivity and exceed customer service standards.

·       Collaborate with product development and FP&A teams to support new initiatives, ensure financial soundness, and align with brand strategy.

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

Education and Experience

·       Bachelor’s degree in a business-related field required; Master’s Degree in a business related field preferred.

·       15+ years of leadership experience in retail required, preferably in a global eCommerce company or multinational retail environment.

·       Experience in both retail and wholesale experience within the automotive aftermarket and/or outdoor industry preferred.

·       Proven leadership experience with the ability to manage large teams and work across different global regions. 

·       Experience in developing and implementing omnichannel strategies that seamlessly connect online and offline retail experiences. 

·       Track record of driving innovation in retail marketing, including the use of cutting-edge technologies and tools. 

Required Licenses

·       None.

Skills, Abilities, and Knowledge

·       Strong understanding of international retail markets, including customer behavior, regulations, and market trends. 

·       Strong analytical skills, with the ability to leverage data and customer insights to drive strategic decisions and optimize marketing efforts. 

·       Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels. 

·       Be visionary leader who is data-driven, innovative, and passionate about retail marketing, with experience managing large teams and working across multiple markets. 

·       Ability to manage senior stakeholders, executives and board level activities.

·       Ability to foster collaboration across various teams and departments.

·       Expertise in financial planning, budgeting, and analysis.

Travel

·       Travel is required.

COMPETENCIES

·       – Adapts to changes in the work environment; Manages competing demands; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.

·       – Synthesizes complex or diverse information; Collects and researches data; Uses intuition and experience to complement data; Designs workflows and procedures.

·       – Displays original thinking and creativity; Meets challenges with resourcefulness; Generates suggestions for improving work; Develops innovative approaches and ideas.

·       – Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; Maintains confidentiality; Listens to others without interrupting; Keeps emotions under control; Remains open to others' ideas and tries new things.

·       – Follows policies and procedures; Completes tasks correctly and on time; Supports organization's goals and values; Supports affirmative actions and respects diversity.

·       – Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; listens and gets clarification; Response well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings.

·       – Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Varies writing style to meet needs; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information.

SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITIES

·       This position plans, organizes, evaluates, and directs the employees within the department function. Has direct reports.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

·       This role is subject to Sedentary work:  Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.  Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time.  Walking and standing are required only occasionally.

Visual Acuity

·       The worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; expansive reading; visual inspection involving small defects, small parts, and/or operation of machines (including inspection); using measurement devices; and/or assembly of fabrication of parts at distances close to the eyes.

Working Conditions

·       This position operates in a professional office environment. Therefore, this role routinely uses standard office equipment.

About Real Truck 

RealTruck is the premier manufacturer and digital destination of accessories for truck, Jeep®, Bronco® and off-road enthusiasts around the world. Globally headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Real Truck’s 5,000+ associates operate from 72 facilities across four continents. RealTruck’s industry leading product portfolio, which includes the Husky Liners total vehicle protection brand, boasts over 850 patents and pending applications. The company’s omni-channel retail approach delivers a seamless consumer experience online at RealTruck.com, as well as through its 12,000+ dealer network and automotive (OEM) partnerships. For more information, visit www.realtruck.com.   

Pay and Benefits:

• RealTruck offers competitive pay and the opportunity for an annual increase, based on job performance
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision health insurance with FSA/HSA options
• A 401k savings program with a company match to plan and save for your retirement
• 10 paid holidays and paid time off to ensure time with your family and a work/life balance
• Educational assistance to continue college or pursue other skills and further your career
• Discounts on great RealTruck products for you, your family, and friends
• We reward great talent referring great talent with our Employee Referral Bonus program
• We are an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to diversity. All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply