Director of Retail

DIRECTOR of RETAIL

San Diego FC (San Diego FC) is the newest member of the MLS family. As part of the unique Right to Dream model and the Sycuan Tribe’s deep roots, we are proud to be building a San Diego-centric soccer organization that honors our history and celebrates emerging excellence.

POSITION:

The Director of Retail at San Diego FC will lead the club’s omni-channel retail strategy, overseeing product assortment, merchandising, inventory management, and operations across all sales channels, including brick-and-mortar, e-commerce, mobile retail, and stadium activations.

This role is responsible for driving revenue growth and fan engagement through data-driven decision-making, strategic buying, and operational excellence. By building strong relationships with MLS licensees and vendors, optimizing inventory levels, and enhancing the overall retail experience, this leader will ensure San Diego FC sets new benchmarks in sports retail. The ideal candidate is highly analytical, organized, and passionate about delivering record-setting results in a fast-paced, professional sports environment.

RESPONSIBILITES:

Retail Strategy & Business Performance:

• Develop and execute a data-driven retail strategy that aligns with the club’s brand vision and revenue targets.
• Help build and manage financial plans, including sales forecasts, open-to-buy, and margin optimization strategies.
• Utilize analytics and business intelligence tools to track sales performance, inventory turns, and market trends.
• Continuously refine merchandising strategies to balance newness, core product, and replenishment needs.
• Set and track KPIs for each retail channel, ensuring growth and profitability.

Buying & Merchandising

• Partner with MLS licensees to develop exclusive, fan-centric product capsules.
• Oversee product assortment planning for in-store, e-commerce, mobile, and stadium retail to maximize revenue and fan engagement.
• Develop a seasonal buying calendar aligned with club events, promotions, and league-wide initiatives.
• Ensure a seamless, engaging, and conversion-driven merchandising experience across all digital and physical retail spaces.
• Optimize product presentation, ensuring clear messaging and storytelling through merchandising.

Retail Operations & Inventory Management

• Oversee inventory planning, allocation, and replenishment across all sales channels, ensuring stock levels align with demand.
• Implement best-in-class inventory control processes to minimize shrinkage, reduce excess stock, and improve turnover.
• Manage logistics for inbound and outbound inventory, ensuring timely delivery and efficient warehouse operations.
• Partner with internal teams to ensure seamless fulfillment for both in-store and online purchases, including BOPUS (Buy Online, Pick Up in Store) execution.
• Collaborate with the SVP of Retail Operations to build operational efficiencies that enhance customer experience and drive sales.

Fan Experience & Engagement

• Develop innovative retail activations that enhance fan experience on matchdays and beyond.
• Ensure all retail touchpoints reflect the club’s brand values and provide an elevated shopping experience.
• Leverage CRM and loyalty program data to personalize offers and promotions for fans.
• Drive stadium retail performance, ensuring game-day operations are optimized for high-volume transactions.

Team Leadership & Cross-Department Collaboration

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing retail team to execute strategy and drive results.
• Work closely with Marketing, Finance, and Operations to align retail initiatives with broader business goals.
• Partner with Creative and Digital teams to optimize e-commerce visuals, promotions, and marketing campaigns.
• Collaborate with the SVP of Retail Operations to establish guidelines for league-wide club merchandise.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Candidates can meet the requirements with a combination of experience in the following areas:

• 3 years of experience in inventory management, logistics, or retail operations.
• Strong leadership skills with experience managing a small team.
• Excellent organizational and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, game-day-driven environment.
• Proficiency in inventory management systems and Microsoft Excel.
• Strong communication and relationship management skills, especially with warehouse partners.
• Ability to lift and move inventory as needed.
• Preferred: Experience driving a trailer for inventory transportation.
• Must have a valid driver’s license to operate mobile retail units.

ABOUT SAN DIEGO FC:

We value community, diversity, and acting with purpose. We are looking for leaders at all levels to co-create the culture of a new organization that is built on the premise that you can discover, understand, and re-define excellence by nurturing talent and creating opportunity anywhere – specifically though soccer.

This is an opportunity to be a part of a great team building something meaningful for San Diego. We offer excellent benefits including health coverages with generous company contributions, over 30 days of paid time off, and a 4% company match on your 401(k).

We encourage all individuals who share our commitment to community and soccer to apply. Soccer is humanity and together, we can make a meaningful impact both on and off the field, fostering a culture that embraces excellence and equal opportunities. SDFC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.