WHO WE ARE 

Let Our Journeys Enrich Life

Carry essentials exist to make movement a worry-free experience, allowing us to focus on the bigger picture of our journeys. Today's industry brands are exhibiting a growing disconnection from the deeper purpose of movement, seen in standard-fare products that neither challenge norms nor present new solutions that facilitate better mobility.

LOJEL is about refocusing on how people move, but more importantly, why: connection. Putting the purpose of our journeys at the forefront of the discussion opens up opportunities for innovation. This process of discovery is what lets us empower people to move better and focus on what truly matters.

LOJEL is an international carry essentials brand—founded in Japan in 1989, currently headquartered in Hong Kong with teams in North America, Europe, and the Asia Pacific—and is sold in 15 territories across the globe. We are Intentional By Design, Driven By Diversity, and Purposely Positive—core values upholding our vision to empower life's journeys with innovative, sustainable carry essentials that offer transformative experiences, inspiring mindful travel and connections worldwide.

Sustainability at LOJEL

At LOJEL, we're committed to driving positive change. We recognize the challenges our world faces, particularly with the looming climate crisis. The future is uncertain, and as a forward-thinking brand, we're dedicated to taking action. 

Sustainability is at the core of our mission. By 2026, we aim to achieve B Corp certification, becoming climate neutral, and ensuring that 50% of our products are crafted from recycled or sustainable materials. To achieve these goals, we're building a team that's ready to take on this challenge head-on. Join us in making a meaningful impact on our planet while embracing a rewarding career at LOJEL.

ABOUT THE ROLE

2023 was a record year for LOJEL. After launching LOJEL USA in 2018 and LOJEL Canada in 2023, we opened up our North American office in Vancouver, BC. We are set to open our first North American retail store in Vancouver, BC later this summer, 2024. We’re looking for a rockstar with a strong background in the retail industry to take on our Retail Operations and Expansion Manager on the North American team; someone self-motivated, driven, and seasoned in everything-retail. This role will have a robust scope across retail operations and business expansion. As LOJEL grows within North America, you can expect this role to evolve overtime. This role will involve travel across North America.This is a great opportunity if you’re excited about joining a brand in the early days of its growth and expansion in the North American market. The Retail Operations and Expansion Manager will report to the General Manager, North America. You’ll work alongside our North American team in Vancouver, BC and cross-functionally with our Headquarters in Hong Kong.

RESPONSIBILITIESRetail Operations:

• Create and continuously improve standard operational procedures (SOPs), guidelines, and training materials for retail operations, including new store development and regular store operations
• Manage and lead Store Managers; provide coaching and mentorship to foster a high-performing and motivated work environment;
• Oversee training and development for retail employees, with succession planning at all levels;
• Provide performance feedback and conduct employee evaluations with positive and constructive feedback along with a focus on coaching and development;
• Motivate retail store staff to drive store sales results to achieve company targets;
• Regularly visit and audit LOJEL retail locations and aspirational / competitor brands;
• Support retail stores when needed with no task being too small;
• Develop and own all retail key performance indicators (KPIs), including sales targets and retail P&L ownership.

Business Expansion:

• Develop and implement retail programs including our North American pop-up and brick-and-mortar store models, including short-term and long-term leases;
• Create strategic planning focused on B2B and corporate opportunities to build new North American partnerships aligned with LOJEL’s core values;
• Execute on strategic plan with focus on increasing brand awareness, market share, and revenue;
• Secure retail opportunities, including events, pop-ups, and stores, that are aligned with our expansion goals and in partnership with our Marketing Manager and General Manager;
• Review and negotiate contract terms ensuring internal requirements are met along with adherance to local laws and guidelines;
• Source and manage suppliers and vendors, including construction companies, and ensure budgets and timelines are met as required;
• Manage new and ongoing client and external relationships;
• Stay updated with industry trends, market conditions, and competitor activities;
• Provide updates and recommendations for business expansion through reports and presentations;
• Work on sales and operations planning (S&OP) alongside our Logistics and Demand Planning Manager;
• Track expansion progress through KPIs and ensure regular alignment with our General Manager.

Other:

• Maintain strong product knowledge of the brand;
• Ensure company policy and procedures are adhered to;
• Other responsibilities as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• 5 years of experience in retail operations and business development with 2-3 years of experience in directly managing Store Managers and overseeing a regional P&L;
• Undergraduate Degree or related experience;
• Driven, self-motivated and comfortable working in changing environments;
• Must be willing to travel locally and across North America;
• Excellent leadership and communication skills with a global mindset, being able to work with a multicultural team as well as empathize with the needs of consumers in a broad spectrum of cultures;
• Big picture thinker and KPI-driven with the ability to see through projects from ideation to execution;
• Ready to take on new challenges and able to juggle priorities with competing timelines;
• Deep local knowledge and informed of trends in retail with strong connections in the industry;
• Passionate about sustainability, bonus if you’ve worked in the space;
• Experience with and willing to learn G-Suite, Slack, POS systems, Metorik, and CRM software etc.;
• Flexibility to work outside regular business hours as needed (considering retail needs);
• Fluency in English, bonus if you speak other languages;

WORKING AT LOJEL

• Competitive Salary, eligibility for bonus
• Medical/Dental Health Benefits
• 20 Days Vacation
• Parental Leave Policy
• LOJEL Employee Discount