Varsity Spirit
Overview
VARSITY SPIRIT, A VARSITY BRANDS COMPANY - THE DRIVING FORCE IN SPIRIT ACROSS CHEER, DANCE, BAND AND YEARBOOK
- For over 50 years, Varsity Spirit has been the leading global source for all things spirit, including cheerleading, dance team, performing arts and yearbook. Focused on safety, entertainment and traditional school leadership, Varsity Spirits 5,000+ employees are dedicated to celebrating school spirit. A leader in apparel innovation, educational camps, clinics, competitions, and yearbook, Varsity Spirit impacts more than a million athletes each year. LOCATION:
Memphis, TN. WORK TYPE:
This role is onsite at Varsity Spirit HQ 4 days per week; Fridays are remote. TRAVEL & LOCATION EXPECTATIONS:
SAFETY COMMITMENT:
At Varsity Spirit, the safety and wellbeing of the young people we serve is of the utmost importance. We have a zero tolerance for abuse in our programs, events, and activities and are committed to reporting all suspicions, allegations, and incidents of abuse in accordance with local laws. Learn more at Our Commitment to Safety - Varsity.com. How You Will Make An Impact
Varsity Spirit is looking to recruit a
Vice President, Retail & D2C
to lead all existing retail and direct-to-consumer operations and spearhead Varsity Spirits strategic growth in this area. The Vice President, Retail & D2C will report to Varsity Spirits Head of Retail/D2C & Chief Marketing Officer and will collaborate closely with other senior executives across the Varsity Brands enterprise. In addition, the role will sit on the Varsity Brands Leadership Council (VBLC). The Vice President, Retail & D2C will lead extensive event-based retail operations across the portfolio of Varsity Spirits ~400 competitions and ~6,000 summer camps, as well as all direct-to-consumer ecommerce initiatives (an overall strategic growth priority for the company). The role will partner with Varsity Spirit executive team members to assess existing operations, identify CX improvement and sales growth opportunities, and execute targeted implementation plans. What You Will Do
The role will provide leadership across three primary channels: Owned & Operated Event-Based Retail Lead Varsity Spirits in-house retail distribution and operations team (Varsity Spirit Shop) that activates across our extensive event footprint. Team members currently operate on-site retail stores at Varsity Spirits large national and regional camps and competitions, managing all on-site operations. Responsibilities include overseeing product creation and design, sourcing and procurement, inventory management, pricing, distribution from central warehouse operations to event sites, on-site operations and day-of-event CX, marketing support, and overall program management. B2B2C and B2C Ecommerce Expand Varsity Spirits ecommerce business by harnessing the passion of the Varsity Spirit ecosystem, offering products that resonate with our core customers in new and unique areas. The role will utilize ecommerce technology to directly engage customers (B2C), as well as utilize Varsity Brands capabilities for customized school/gym products offered through team sales channels (B2B2C). The leader must partner with Varsity Spirit leadership to create an omnichannel strategy to drive ecommerce sales before, during, and after event-based retail opportunities. External Partner Event-Based Retail The role will oversee outsourced event retail operations with Varsity Spirits current and future partners. The individual will manage relationships with existing/future third parties to drive mutual success and collaborate to grow product sales through partner channels. This includes a strategic assessment of which events should be owned/operated vs outsourced and collaboration with Varsity Spirits Corporate Partnerships team. In addition to leading Retail and D2C, the Head of Retail & D2C will oversee products across traditional cheer, dance, and band categories, as well as emerging categories (e.g., lifestyle, activewear). Candidates should have experience leading a holistic D2C business, including merchandising, product selection, pricing, and promotions. Core Capabilities
This role requires proven expertise in core retail and direct-to-consumer areas: D2C Brand Expertise and Merchandizing / Product Strategy:
Lead efforts to source (design or buy) new products and create a revamped merchandising strategy, offering products that directly appeal to Varsity Spirits consumers. Lead design, sourcing, sampling, procurement, and pricing in collaboration with apparel functions. Event-Based / Pop-up Retail Operations:
Leadership of existing teams and future growth for all operations of Varsity Spirits on-site retail functions. Focus on growing same-store sales and maximizing per-capita sales through innovative products, enhanced customer experience, and loyalty. Ecommerce Strategy & Operations:
Drive overall ecommerce strategy and operations. Expand ecommerce sales by upgrading the online shops UI/UX, improving product selection, and enhancing the overall consumer experience. Omnichannel Management:
Cultivate a self-reinforcing omnichannel Retail & D2C ecosystem across Varsity Spirits event footprint and team apparel sales. Leverage event touchpoints to drive event-based and ecommerce-driven sales. Executive Influencing:
Serve as a senior partner to the Chief Transformation Officer and other leaders to champion retail & D2C initiatives across Varsity Spirit. Build relationships, earn trust, and implement initiatives with event-based partners.
Qualifications
KNOWLEDGE/ SKILLS/ ABILITIES Ability to make decisions utilizing a data-driven approach, with a strong understanding of retail / D2C KPIs to drive engagement and customer loyalty Strong retail operations expertise, including inventory management and pricing, and teams focused on store operations Experience with retail inventory management systems and ecommerce tools (e.g., Shopify, Commerce Tools) A direct orientation to problem solving and a bias to taking concrete actions Deep curiosity and humility to quickly learn the nuances of the Varsity Spirit business Exceptional interpersonal and collaboration skills for relationship building at all levels of the organization Experience in live events / sports / media & entertainment preferred, but not required No prior experience in cheerleading, dance, or performing arts required
Education / Experience
At least 15 years experience within retail / retail sales & store operations, ecommerce, merchandising, event-based / pop-up retail, and/or a direct-to-consumer retail sales function Ecommerce management experience; deep understanding of D2C / ecommerce, with skills across merchandising, creative, UI/UX, marketing/advertising, and sales Bachelors degree; an MBA degree is preferred, but not required
Physical Requirements
This job operates in a professional office environment. Largely a sedentary role with some filing requiring the ability to lift files, open filing cabinets and bending or standing on a stool as necessary. The ability to sit or stand for long periods through meetings and while operating office equipment is required. During events, the ability to stand and walk for long periods (5 hours plus) is required. The ability to lift, bend, push, pull and manipulate equipment up to 30 lbs is required. Join the Best Team in Sport & Spirit
Varsity Brands is committed to helping students succeed and educators make a difference. Through our two divisions BSN SPORTS and Varsity Spirit and our network of 6,000+ employees and independent representatives, we partner with educational institutions and clubs to transform the student journey in SPORT and SPIRIT. Our Values
Service -
We lead with heart. We champion community. Passion -
We love what we do. It fuels our purpose. Integrity -
We do what we promise. We own our actions and decisions. Respect -
We earn it by giving it. Because everyone deserves it. Innovation -
We never stop striving to be better. For ourselves and our community. Transparency -
We are committed to openness and honesty in everything we do.
Benefits
Comprehensive Health Care Benefits HSA Employer Contribution/ FSA Opportunities Wellbeing Program 401(k) plan with company matching Company paid Life, AD&D, and Short-Term Disability Generous My Time Off & Paid Holidays Varsity Brands Ownership Program Employee Resource Groups St. Jude Partnership & Volunteer Opportunities Employee Perks including discounts on personal apparel and equipment
Varsity Brands companies are equal opportunity employers. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, veterans status, age or disability. Seniority level Executive Employment type
Full-time Job function
Sales and Business Development Industries
Retail Apparel and Fashion
#J-18808-Ljbffr
VARSITY SPIRIT, A VARSITY BRANDS COMPANY - THE DRIVING FORCE IN SPIRIT ACROSS CHEER, DANCE, BAND AND YEARBOOK
- For over 50 years, Varsity Spirit has been the leading global source for all things spirit, including cheerleading, dance team, performing arts and yearbook. Focused on safety, entertainment and traditional school leadership, Varsity Spirits 5,000+ employees are dedicated to celebrating school spirit. A leader in apparel innovation, educational camps, clinics, competitions, and yearbook, Varsity Spirit impacts more than a million athletes each year. LOCATION:
Memphis, TN. WORK TYPE:
This role is onsite at Varsity Spirit HQ 4 days per week; Fridays are remote. TRAVEL & LOCATION EXPECTATIONS:
SAFETY COMMITMENT:
At Varsity Spirit, the safety and wellbeing of the young people we serve is of the utmost importance. We have a zero tolerance for abuse in our programs, events, and activities and are committed to reporting all suspicions, allegations, and incidents of abuse in accordance with local laws. Learn more at Our Commitment to Safety - Varsity.com. How You Will Make An Impact
Varsity Spirit is looking to recruit a
Vice President, Retail & D2C
to lead all existing retail and direct-to-consumer operations and spearhead Varsity Spirits strategic growth in this area. The Vice President, Retail & D2C will report to Varsity Spirits Head of Retail/D2C & Chief Marketing Officer and will collaborate closely with other senior executives across the Varsity Brands enterprise. In addition, the role will sit on the Varsity Brands Leadership Council (VBLC). The Vice President, Retail & D2C will lead extensive event-based retail operations across the portfolio of Varsity Spirits ~400 competitions and ~6,000 summer camps, as well as all direct-to-consumer ecommerce initiatives (an overall strategic growth priority for the company). The role will partner with Varsity Spirit executive team members to assess existing operations, identify CX improvement and sales growth opportunities, and execute targeted implementation plans. What You Will Do
The role will provide leadership across three primary channels: Owned & Operated Event-Based Retail Lead Varsity Spirits in-house retail distribution and operations team (Varsity Spirit Shop) that activates across our extensive event footprint. Team members currently operate on-site retail stores at Varsity Spirits large national and regional camps and competitions, managing all on-site operations. Responsibilities include overseeing product creation and design, sourcing and procurement, inventory management, pricing, distribution from central warehouse operations to event sites, on-site operations and day-of-event CX, marketing support, and overall program management. B2B2C and B2C Ecommerce Expand Varsity Spirits ecommerce business by harnessing the passion of the Varsity Spirit ecosystem, offering products that resonate with our core customers in new and unique areas. The role will utilize ecommerce technology to directly engage customers (B2C), as well as utilize Varsity Brands capabilities for customized school/gym products offered through team sales channels (B2B2C). The leader must partner with Varsity Spirit leadership to create an omnichannel strategy to drive ecommerce sales before, during, and after event-based retail opportunities. External Partner Event-Based Retail The role will oversee outsourced event retail operations with Varsity Spirits current and future partners. The individual will manage relationships with existing/future third parties to drive mutual success and collaborate to grow product sales through partner channels. This includes a strategic assessment of which events should be owned/operated vs outsourced and collaboration with Varsity Spirits Corporate Partnerships team. In addition to leading Retail and D2C, the Head of Retail & D2C will oversee products across traditional cheer, dance, and band categories, as well as emerging categories (e.g., lifestyle, activewear). Candidates should have experience leading a holistic D2C business, including merchandising, product selection, pricing, and promotions. Core Capabilities
This role requires proven expertise in core retail and direct-to-consumer areas: D2C Brand Expertise and Merchandizing / Product Strategy:
Lead efforts to source (design or buy) new products and create a revamped merchandising strategy, offering products that directly appeal to Varsity Spirits consumers. Lead design, sourcing, sampling, procurement, and pricing in collaboration with apparel functions. Event-Based / Pop-up Retail Operations:
Leadership of existing teams and future growth for all operations of Varsity Spirits on-site retail functions. Focus on growing same-store sales and maximizing per-capita sales through innovative products, enhanced customer experience, and loyalty. Ecommerce Strategy & Operations:
Drive overall ecommerce strategy and operations. Expand ecommerce sales by upgrading the online shops UI/UX, improving product selection, and enhancing the overall consumer experience. Omnichannel Management:
Cultivate a self-reinforcing omnichannel Retail & D2C ecosystem across Varsity Spirits event footprint and team apparel sales. Leverage event touchpoints to drive event-based and ecommerce-driven sales. Executive Influencing:
Serve as a senior partner to the Chief Transformation Officer and other leaders to champion retail & D2C initiatives across Varsity Spirit. Build relationships, earn trust, and implement initiatives with event-based partners.
Qualifications
KNOWLEDGE/ SKILLS/ ABILITIES Ability to make decisions utilizing a data-driven approach, with a strong understanding of retail / D2C KPIs to drive engagement and customer loyalty Strong retail operations expertise, including inventory management and pricing, and teams focused on store operations Experience with retail inventory management systems and ecommerce tools (e.g., Shopify, Commerce Tools) A direct orientation to problem solving and a bias to taking concrete actions Deep curiosity and humility to quickly learn the nuances of the Varsity Spirit business Exceptional interpersonal and collaboration skills for relationship building at all levels of the organization Experience in live events / sports / media & entertainment preferred, but not required No prior experience in cheerleading, dance, or performing arts required
Education / Experience
At least 15 years experience within retail / retail sales & store operations, ecommerce, merchandising, event-based / pop-up retail, and/or a direct-to-consumer retail sales function Ecommerce management experience; deep understanding of D2C / ecommerce, with skills across merchandising, creative, UI/UX, marketing/advertising, and sales Bachelors degree; an MBA degree is preferred, but not required
Physical Requirements
This job operates in a professional office environment. Largely a sedentary role with some filing requiring the ability to lift files, open filing cabinets and bending or standing on a stool as necessary. The ability to sit or stand for long periods through meetings and while operating office equipment is required. During events, the ability to stand and walk for long periods (5 hours plus) is required. The ability to lift, bend, push, pull and manipulate equipment up to 30 lbs is required. Join the Best Team in Sport & Spirit
Varsity Brands is committed to helping students succeed and educators make a difference. Through our two divisions BSN SPORTS and Varsity Spirit and our network of 6,000+ employees and independent representatives, we partner with educational institutions and clubs to transform the student journey in SPORT and SPIRIT. Our Values
Service -
We lead with heart. We champion community. Passion -
We love what we do. It fuels our purpose. Integrity -
We do what we promise. We own our actions and decisions. Respect -
We earn it by giving it. Because everyone deserves it. Innovation -
We never stop striving to be better. For ourselves and our community. Transparency -
We are committed to openness and honesty in everything we do.
Benefits
Comprehensive Health Care Benefits HSA Employer Contribution/ FSA Opportunities Wellbeing Program 401(k) plan with company matching Company paid Life, AD&D, and Short-Term Disability Generous My Time Off & Paid Holidays Varsity Brands Ownership Program Employee Resource Groups St. Jude Partnership & Volunteer Opportunities Employee Perks including discounts on personal apparel and equipment
Varsity Brands companies are equal opportunity employers. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, veterans status, age or disability. Seniority level Executive Employment type
Full-time Job function
Sales and Business Development Industries
Retail Apparel and Fashion
#J-18808-Ljbffr