Director of Retail Operations

About the Role

Join to apply for the Director of Retail Operations role at melin
. At melin we set out to create the most premium, highest quality headwear in the world. We believe that with more thought, time, and care invested in how we make our products we can extend the life of our hats and the adventures we take them on. We are looking to expand our internal family and are seeking an incredible human capable of excellence in a fast-paced work environment and eager to join an elite, yet small team of “A Players”.

• Full ownership of maximizing retail sales & profitability, ensuring the channel delivers a healthy and scalable ROI.
• Frequently report on financial performance to Executives, Investors, and Directors.
• Take a data-driven approach to management including KPI reporting weekly, monthly, seasonally.
• Hire and train District Managers, Store Managers, and teams to execute a best-in-class consumer and staff experience that aligns with the DNA of the Melin brand and ensures long-term brand loyalty.
• Build budgets inclusive of thoughtful organizational growth and new role clarity to maintain excellence in a rapid growth environment.
• Develop an elevated store experience in collaboration with design and support new store layout improvements.
• Partner with the retail operations team to drive efficient and consistent operations so District and Store Managers can fully own their business.
• Maintain optimized inventory positions in all stores at all times based on company product initiatives.
• Collaborate with the eCommerce team on customer acquisition initiatives and online-to-offline and omni-channel processes.
• Collaborate with the buying team to seasonally plan inventory, store assortments, and manage in-season allocations.
• Work with marketing to develop and execute annual marketing strategy and host on-brand community events.
• Partner with the wholesale department to ensure positive relationships between owned retail and local wholesale partners.
• Create development plans for new retail stores, outlining timelines, budgets, and resource allocation.
• Assist in site selection, design, proforma financial analysis, and merchandising layout to optimize sales and operational efficiencies.
• Oversee the store operational transition from construction to opening, ensuring fully trained staff and smooth grand opening.
• Assist with managing MCEL trailer activations and other retail pop-up opportunities.

• A people person and natural leader with a strong culture orientation.
• Entrepreneurial and comfortable in a high-growth environment.
• Strategic yet willing to roll up sleeves and work hands-on.
• Consumer-centric, data-driven approach to solving challenges.
• Detail-oriented and organized.
• Active, energetic, and enthusiastic.
• Confident in presenting results to executive teams.
• Identifies growth opportunities while managing downside risk.

• Has results-oriented experience leading retail field teams.
• Experienced with HR in developing employees and performance improvement plans.
• 8+ years as Store Manager, District Manager, or Director of Retail for a lifestyle brand with more than 50 doors.
• Hands-on experience with four-wall economics.
• Owned visual merchandising with reporting tying VM decisions to sales performance.
• Developed and led sales training programs for retail associates.
• Turned around underperforming stores successfully.

• Bachelor’s Degree required.
• 10-14 years of direct hands-on experience in retail leadership roles.
• 5+ years working for a brand with an expanding retail footprint.
• Proficiency in MS Office, G Suite, and project management software (Asana, Basecamp, ).
• Strong verbal and written communication; strong analytical and critical thinker.
• Frequent overnight travel and occasional weekends/holidays as needed.
• Willingness to take on additional responsibilities and special projects.
• Reports directly to the CEO and other top executives.

When not in retail stores, this position is an in-office role five days a week in San Clemente, CA, subject to change based on business needs.

The salary range for this position is $150,000 - $170,000 plus opportunity for annual bonus; salary is based on the experience that you bring to the position.

Director

Full-time

Sales and Business Development