Head of Retail

About the Company

J Grennan & Sons is an established family-run agri-business headquartered in Rath, County Offaly, with manufacturing operations and nationwide distribution capabilities. The business operates across animal feed and fertiliser production, as well as retail and wholesale channels supplying farm inputs, hardware, and building materials. As a member of the United Hardware Homevalue Group and Acorn Independent Merchants, the company is actively investing in the growth and redevelopment of its retail network.

Role Overview

An experienced and commercially focused Head of Retail is required to lead a multi-site retail operation spanning seven locations in County Offaly. This senior leadership role reports to the Owner and Board of Directors and carries full responsibility for driving commercial results, operational performance, customer experience, and team development across the retail division.

Key Responsibilities

The position involves setting the direction for retail performance and ensuring strong execution across every branch and online channel. The role also includes oversight of stock, suppliers, standards, systems, and future store growth.

• Own the retail division’s sales, profitability, and overall operating performance.
• Lead, support, and develop teams across all retail sites.
• Grow revenue, improve margins, and strengthen commercial outcomes.
• Maintain consistently high customer service standards in-store and online.
• Manage purchasing, inventory control, and stock turnover effectively.
• Build strong relationships with suppliers, the United Hardware buying group, and other industry partners.
• Protect margins through disciplined pricing and cost control.
• Standardise merchandising, store presentation, and customer experience practices.
• Plan and deliver promotions, seasonal trading activity, and category development initiatives.
• Oversee warehouse, dispatch, and online retail operations for efficiency and service quality.
• Improve retail systems, reporting, technology, and core operating processes.
• Strengthen management capability and succession planning across the division.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety rules, company procedures, and internal policies.
• Track market trends, customer behaviour, and new opportunities in hardware, home improvement, and agri-retail.
• Contribute to store planning, redesigns, refurbishments, and expansion projects.
• Prepare and present performance updates and business reports to senior leadership.

Candidate Profile

The employer is looking for a hands-on retail leader with strong commercial judgement and broad multi-site experience. The successful candidate will be confident in leading teams, improving performance, and bringing structure and accountability to a growing retail network.

• Substantial senior retail management experience, ideally in hardware, builders’ merchants, agricultural retail, or multi-site retail.
• Demonstrated success in leading large-format or multi-location retail operations.
• Strong commercial awareness and a track record of improving sales and profitability.
• Experience handling budgets, margins, stock investment, and day-to-day operational results.
• Excellent leadership and people management abilities.
• Solid understanding of merchandising, stock control, buying, and customer service.
• Experience introducing retail systems, reporting frameworks, and process improvements.
• Clear communication, organisation, and decision-making skills.
• A practical leadership approach with the ability to work effectively at all levels.
• Relevant experience in hardware, builders’ merchants, home improvement, or agri-retail is a strong advantage.
• Ambition, energy, and a continuous-improvement mindset within a family-owned business.

What’s on Offer

• A senior leadership opportunity with one of Ireland’s respected independent agri and retail businesses.
• A chance to help shape the company’s future growth and development.
• High levels of autonomy, responsibility, and organisational influence.
• A competitive pay package based on experience.
• Performance-linked bonus potential.
• Pension provision.
• A supportive family-business environment with long-term progression prospects.
• The opportunity to lead a retail division that is receiving significant investment and expanding further.

Application Information

Applicants are asked to send a CV and cover letter by email. All submissions will be handled in the strictest confidence.