Director of Operations - Fashion

Director of Operations – Fashion

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and results-driven Director of Operations – Fashion to lead and optimize all operational aspects of a fast-growing fashion retail business. The successful candidate will be responsible for driving operational excellence across stores, supply chain, inventory management, customer experience, sales performance, and business profitability while ensuring alignment with the company's strategic objectives.

The role requires a strong commercial mindset, exceptional leadership capabilities, and extensive experience managing multi-site retail operations within the fashion industry.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and execute operational strategies that support business growth and profitability.
• Translate corporate objectives into actionable operational plans and performance targets.
• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, productivity, and customer satisfaction.

Retail Operations Management

• Oversee day-to-day operations across all fashion retail stores and sales channels.
• Ensure consistent implementation of operational standards, policies, and procedures.
• Drive store performance through effective execution, resource allocation, and operational discipline.
• Monitor sales performance and implement corrective actions to achieve revenue targets.

Supply Chain & Inventory Management

• Lead inventory planning, allocation, replenishment, and stock optimization initiatives.
• Collaborate with merchandising, buying, and logistics teams to ensure product availability and minimize stock shortages.
• Improve inventory accuracy, turnover rates, and stock productivity.

Commercial Performance

• Analyze operational and sales performance metrics to identify growth opportunities.
• Support promotional campaigns, seasonal launches, and business initiatives to maximize revenue.
• Drive operational initiatives that enhance profitability and reduce operating costs.

Customer Experience

• Ensure delivery of an exceptional customer experience across all retail locations.
• Develop and implement service excellence standards.
• Monitor customer feedback and implement improvement initiatives.

People Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and develop regional and store management teams.
• Build a high-performance culture focused on accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Support succession planning, talent development, and workforce optimization.

Financial & Compliance Management

• Manage operational budgets and ensure cost control measures are effectively implemented.
• Monitor operational KPIs and financial performance indicators.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, regulatory requirements, health and safety standards, and retail best practices.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Retail Management, Supply Chain, or a related field.
• MBA or relevant postgraduate qualification is preferred.
• Minimum 10–15 years of progressive experience in retail operations, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role within the fashion retail industry.
• Proven experience managing multi-store retail operations and large operational teams.
• Strong understanding of retail KPIs, inventory management, merchandising principles, and supply chain operations.
• Demonstrated success in driving sales growth, operational efficiency, and profitability.

Key Competencies

• Strategic Leadership
• Retail Operations Excellence
• Commercial Acumen
• Supply Chain & Inventory Management
• Financial Management
• Performance Management
• Customer Experience Management
• Change Management
• Stakeholder Management
• Data-Driven Decision Making
• Team Leadership & Talent Development

What Success Looks Like

• Achievement of sales and profitability targets.
• Improved operational efficiency across all retail locations.
• Optimized inventory productivity and stock availability.
• Enhanced customer satisfaction and brand experience.
• Development of high-performing operational teams.
• Consistent execution of company standards and business objectives.