Director of Retail, North America

VEJA NORTH AMERICA

Director of Retail, North America

ABOUT VEJA

Since 2005, VEJA has been creating sneakers in a different way, mixing social projects, economic justice, and ecological materials. VEJA uses Brazilian and Peruvian organic cotton for the canvas and laces, Amazonian rubber for the soles, and various innovative materials from recycled plastic bottles or recycled polyester. VEJA sneakers are produced in high-standard factories in Brazil.

Job Description:

We are currently looking for a Director of Retail to join our growing team in North America.

The Director of Retail will oversee the business, operations and planning of VEJA's retail locations across multiple states. This role is crucial for driving store growth, developing store leadership, and ensuring that VEJA’s brand standards are consistently upheld. The Director of Retail will act as a strategic leader, promoting a culture of excellence in customer service, visual merchandising, and team development while managing operational efficiency across all stores.

This role duly reports to the COO of North America and the Global Head of Retail based in Paris.

Our North America office is based in New York City and offers a hybrid work environment.

Main Responsibilities:

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of all retail locations, ensuring adherence to company standards in customer service, visual merchandising, inventory management, and overall store performance.
• Lead and mentor store leadership and retail operations teams.
• Foster a collaborative environment that encourages communication and alignment between store teams, North America corporate office, and Global HQ based in Paris.
• Conduct regular store visits to assess performance, identify areas for improvement, and implement necessary changes to enhance operational efficiency and profitability.
• Oversee the recruitment, onboarding, and development of store teams, ensuring that staff are well-trained and aligned with VEJA’s mission and values.
• Collaborate with Global and North America teams to ensure that stores operate in alignment with VEJA’s global retail strategy.
• Drive sales initiatives by identifying and promoting key products, while ensuring that stores meet or exceed their sales targets.
• Monitor and report on financial metrics, including sales targets, revenue growth, and cost management, to the COO on a regular basis; identifying and recommending, when necessary, adjustments in strategy.
• Manage budgets, payroll, and staffing levels to optimize profitability across all store locations.
• Work closely with the North America and Global Communications teams to plan and execute in-store events and community partnerships that increase VEJA’s brand visibility and customer engagement.
• Build and maintain strong relationships within the local communities to enhance brand presence and drive traffic to VEJA stores.
• Ensure compliance with all company policies, safety standards, and legal requirements across all retail locations.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements, innovative approaches to customer engagement, and strategies to enhance the overall shopping experience.
• Stay updated on retail industry trends and best practices to ensure that VEJA remains competitive in the market.
• Partner with the Head of People and the HR Business Partner to ensure that HR practices support business objectives and foster a positive workplace culture.
• Management of North America Retail team, direct reports include Store Managers, and Retail Operations team.

Role Requirements:

• Commitment to the VEJA Project and vision; passionate about fair-trade brands with the ability to speak confidently about the VEJA Project both internally and externally.
• 8 years of experience in retail management, with at least 2 years overseeing multiple store locations and new retail store development. Candidates with experience working with a Global HQ strongly preferred.
• Proven track record in driving retail sales growth, enhancing store profitability, and building brand awareness.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire and develop high-performing teams.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and communication skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt to changing business needs.
• Proficiency in retail technology systems, including sales reporting and inventory management tools.
• Strong network within retail communities with a proven ability to foster brand visibility and engagement.
• Demonstrated enthusiasm for contributing to the growth of a dynamic brand.
• Strong dedication to delivering outstanding customer service and fostering a collaborative team environment.
• Responsible for managing the North America retail department budget.
• Willingness to travel regularly to store locations and flexibility to work a variable schedule, including evenings and weekends as needed.
• Physical capability to perform tasks that require movement and lifting, alongside comfort with heights and ladder use.
• Bachelor’s degree in business, fashion merchandising or retailed field. Foreign language skills are a plus (French, Spanish and/or Portuguese).
• Estimated annual compensation is $160,000-$170,000 to align with experience plus a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, 401K and more.