Overview
Director of Retail Operations at AKIRA/shopAKIRA.com. Location: Corporate Headquarters in Chicago with 50-75% travel to 40 stores. Lead operational efficiencies and discipline for AKIRA Fashion's 40 stores. Focus on store layout, inventory management (60k+ SKUs), compliance, new store openings, budgeting, loss prevention, and customer experience in a fast-fashion environment. Collaborate with regional managers and use tools like StoreForce for tracking.
Key Responsibilities
- Operational Efficiencies: Develop and implement processes to streamline inventory, supply chain, and daily operations; identify cost-saving opportunities; monitor KPIs for performance.
- Store Discipline & Standards: Enforce consistent standards for store layout, merchandising, visual displays, cleanliness, and compliance; conduct regular audits during travel; oversee health, safety, and loss prevention.
- Inventory Management: Oversee handling of 40k+ active SKUs; optimize stock levels, turnover, replenishment, and vendor relations in fast-fashion cycle.
- New Store Openings: Plan, execute, and support launches of new stores, including site selection, layout design, setup, initial operations, and tech integration.
- Travel & Field Support: Visit stores frequently (50-75% time on road) to train staff, resolve issues, ensure alignment, and drive operational excellence.
- Technology Utilization: Leverage StoreForce and other tools for metrics; integrate CRM, POS systems; drive tech solutions for efficiency.
- Team Leadership: Recruit, train, develop, and motivate staff; coordinate with regional managers; provide guidance on best practices; build succession plans.
- Financial Management: Develop budgets, manage P&L, control costs, analyze financial metrics, and ensure profitability.
- Customer Experience: Define and enhance in-store customer journey, service standards, and engagement to build loyalty.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with merchandising, marketing, IT, and other teams for aligned strategies; communicate initiatives effectively.
Qualifications
- Experience: 8+ years in retail operations, preferably fast fashion or apparel; proven track record in multi-store management, new openings, and high-SKU environments.
- Skills: Strong in process optimization, inventory systems, leadership, analytics, P&L management; proficient with retail tech (StoreForce, POS, CRM); excellent communication and negotiation.
- Education: Bachelor's in Business, Retail Management, or related field; MBA preferred.
- Other: Willingness for extensive travel; analytical mindset; ability to drive change in dynamic, fast-paced environment; knowledge of industry trends and compliance.
Diversity & Inclusion
At AKIRA we believe that treating everyone in a first-class manner is essential to fostering an inclusive environment that reflects our values and our community. This is deeply rooted in our company's principles, culture, and fashion. We continuously strive to cultivate a company where employees feel a sense of belonging and contribute to a culture that values differences, ideas, and experiences. Our unique workforce is directly linked to our success and makes us stronger collectively.
Compensation
The starting pay range for this position is $135,000 to $175,000 annually, based on factors such as experience, qualifications, skills, internal equity, and market conditions. Additional compensation and benefits may also apply and will be discussed during the interview process.
Job Type
- Full-time
Seniority level
- Director
Employment type
- Full-time
Job function
- Sales and Business Development
Industries
- Retail Apparel and Fashion