Clothing Retail Operations Manager

Head of Retail Operations Location: Chicago metropolitan area Job Type: Full-time Compensation: Base Salary + Bonus opportunity. About the Opportunity A privately held, multi-location retail business is seeking an experienced executive to lead daily operations, strengthen its management team, and improve overall business performance. Reporting directly to ownership, the Head of Retail Operations will oversee stores, warehouse and distribution operations, staffing, financial performance, and operational support functions. This position requires a hands-on leader who can set clear expectations, hold managers accountable, and turn business priorities into measurable results. Key Responsibilities Lead company-wide operations and ensure consistent execution across all locations. Direct and develop senior managers, district leaders, store managers, and support teams. Take responsibility for sales performance, profitability, labor costs, productivity, and operating expenses. Establish clear performance standards and regularly review results with management. Visit stores and operational facilities to identify issues, evaluate leadership, and ensure corrective action. Oversee hiring, staffing plans, management development, performance reviews, and succession planning. Improve merchandise processing, inventory flow, distribution, and store presentation. Partner with human resources to ensure consistent policies, effective employee relations, and appropriate follow-through. Strengthen customer service, loss prevention, safety, and operational controls. Evaluate systems, vendors, and business processes to improve efficiency and reduce unnecessary costs. Provide ownership with clear reporting, recommendations, and timely updates on significant issues. Lead expansion initiatives and other strategic projects as needed. Qualifications Significant leadership experience in a multi-location retail business. Experience as a president, chief operating officer, vice president of operations, or comparable senior leader. Demonstrated responsibility for financial results, budgets, and operational performance. Proven ability to manage managers, build effective teams, and address underperformance. Strong understanding of retail staffing, labor planning, inventory management, and customer service. Experience overseeing warehouse, distribution, or high-volume merchandise processing operations is preferred. Excellent judgment, communication, organization, and follow-through. Ability to work effectively with ownership in a privately held business. Willingness to travel regularly between locations throughout the Chicago metropolitan area. The Ideal Candidate You are a decisive, practical leader who stays close to the operation. You are comfortable discussing financial performance with ownership, coaching a manager, and identifying problems on the sales floor. You establish expectations clearly, make thoughtful decisions, and follow through until issues are resolved. You understand how to improve performance while maintaining a professional, respectful workplace. Position Details This is an on-site executive leadership position with regular travel to company locations. Schedule flexibility, including occasional evenings and weekends, is required based on business needs. More info on Company identity and additional details will be shared with qualified candidates during the interview process. Job Type: Full-time Pay: $90,000.00 - $150,000.00 per year Benefits: Health insurance Paid time off Education: High school or equivalent (Preferred) Experience: Management: 3 years (Preferred) Language: Spanish (Preferred) English (Required) Ability to Commute: Chicago, IL 60642 (Required) Work Location: In person

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