Head of Retail

About the Role

TALA is a women's activewear brand launched in 2019, known for its digital-first multichannel approach and strong growth via social media. As part of its expansion strategy, including a flagship store on London’s Carnaby Street, TALA seeks an accomplished Head of Retail to lead its physical retail operations. Reporting to the Commercial Director, this senior role involves driving commercial performance, crafting retail strategy, and leading store openings and team development across the expanding store network.

Key Responsibilities

• Accountable for all commercial metrics across TALA stores including sales, revenue, conversion rates, average order value, units per transaction, and profitability.
• Foster a customer-centric sales culture with a strong focus on building meaningful customer connections.
• Interpret store trading data, footfall patterns, stock movement, and local market factors to identify and act on growth opportunities.
• Collaborate with the Commercial Director and head office to establish budgets, targets, and trading plans optimized for revenue maximization.
• Lead retail teams through peak sales periods and launches with precise planning and communication.
• Devise and own a long-term retail growth strategy spanning three to five years that defines TALA’s physical retail presence and scale-up.
• Create and maintain the TALA Retail Playbook outlining operational standards, customer service protocols, stock management, and brand compliance.
• Continuously evaluate and refine retail processes for simplicity and effectiveness.
• Lead all new store openings including recruitment, onboarding, training, stock and operational preparations, ensuring high standards and alignment to brand and commercial goals.
• Manage post-launch stabilization to embed operational consistency from day one.
• Inspire, guide, and develop retail operational leaders and store teams, fostering accountability and brand pride.
• Establish leadership routines such as regular store visits, performance evaluations, coaching, and succession planning.
• Support hiring and talent retention strategies to attract top retail professionals during growth phases.
• Ensure an exemplary customer experience that reflects TALA’s values and community spirit across all stores.
• Utilize customer feedback and team insights to continuously enhance the in-store experience.
• Maintain high standards of visual merchandising to support launches and marketing campaigns.
• Relay commercial and customer feedback on products to head office to inform availability and demand insights.
• Maintain operational excellence, including health, safety, security, risk management, and regulatory compliance across all outlets.
• Coordinate stock allocation and replenishment with Merchandising and Logistics teams to unlock business potential.
• Serve as the key communication link between retail stores and head office, ensuring clear and timely information flow.

Requirements

• Extensive senior retail leadership experience with demonstrable success boosting commercial results in multisite retail environments.
• Customer-focused approach with a passion for cultivating a sales-driven culture centered on genuine customer engagement.
• Strong operational skills including playbook creation, scalable process development, and attention to detail.
• Proven history in managing comprehensive new store openings from planning to post-opening success.
• Inspirational leadership ability with a record of developing talent, building culture, and ensuring accountability.
• Excellent analytical competency capable of interpreting retail data, key performance indicators, and profit and loss statements to guide quick commercial decisions.
• Exceptional communication and influence skills adaptable to both frontline teams and senior executives.
• Primary HQ location with readiness to travel nationally for store visits, store openings, and critical retail events.
• Genuine enthusiasm for TALA’s mission and community and for elevating physical retail experiences.

Benefits

• Annual entitlement of 25 days leave plus public holidays.
• Generous employee discounts following probation.
• Special Friends & Family discounts.
• Allowance for clothing purchases.
• Access to fitness memberships such as Class Pass or Gym Flex.
• Health Shield medical coverage.
• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay.
• Charity fundraising matched contributions up to £1,000.

About TALA

TALA is a female-led activewear brand focusing on sustainability, versatile functional design, and premium materials. It aims to provide inclusive and consciously crafted active and casual wear without compromising performance or aesthetics. Founded by Grace Beverley in 2019, TALA strives to offer sustainable alternatives that did not previously exist in activewear.