Vice President Retail

SEE, a heritage optical brand, was founded in 1998 by a spirited optical pioneering family that plays by its own rules. They created the most disruptive and revolutionary concept in optical retailing, developing an exclusive and original collection of high-quality, limited edition fashion eyewear that can only be found in SEE stores.  Voted “Best Eyewear” 84 times in readers’ polls in major publications from coast to coast, SEE is known for its diverse workforce, exceptional customer service, leading edge fashion and lively in store vibe.

We are looking for a team leader who exemplifies the SEE attributes: Thoughtful, Passionate, Accountable and Cutting Edge.  The Vice President of Stores is an executive position responsible for providing strategic direction, leadership, and oversight to SEE Eyewear’s 42 stores nationwide. This role requires a seasoned retail professional (optical experience preferred) with strong business acumen, exceptional leadership skills, and a proven track record in driving operational excellence and financial performance. Reporting directly to the founder and CEO of the company, this executive role will elevate the organization and drive sales to the next level.  

Key Responsibilities:

Retail Strategy and Planning: Develop and execute the company's overall retail strategy in alignment with the organization's goals and objectives. Identify market trends, customer preferences, and competitive landscapes to drive growth and maximize profitability.

Store Operations Management: Oversee the end-to-end operations of all retail stores, ensuring consistent execution of policies, procedures, and operational standards. Collaborate with regional or district managers to optimize store performance, drive sales, control costs, and enhance the customer experience.

Financial Performance: Develop and monitor financial targets, including sales goals, profit margins, and expense budgets. Analyze financial data and key performance indicators (KPIs) to identify areas of improvement and implement strategies to increase sales, reduce costs, and maximize store profitability.

Talent Management: Build and lead a high-performing team of regional or area managers, store managers, and store staff. Provide coaching, mentorship, and guidance to develop talent, foster a culture of excellence, and ensure succession planning within the organization.

Customer Experience Enhancement: Drive a customer-centric culture throughout the retail organization. Implement strategies to enhance the overall customer experience, including store layout, visual merchandising, product assortment, and customer service initiatives.

Store Expansion and Development: Collaborate with the real estate team to identify potential store locations and evaluate market opportunities. Oversee the planning, design, and execution of new store openings, remodels, and relocations to ensure brand consistency and operational efficiency.

Cross-functional Collaboration: Partner with other departments, such as marketing, merchandising, operations and human resources, to align strategies, leverage resources, and achieve company-wide objectives. Foster strong relationships with internal stakeholders to drive collaboration and achieve shared goals.

Performance Analysis and Reporting: Monitor and analyze store performance metrics, including sales, conversion rates, traffic patterns, and inventory levels. Provide regular reports and presentations to the executive team, highlighting key insights, trends, and recommended action plans.

Industry and Competitive Analysis: Stay abreast of industry trends, market developments, and competitive landscape to identify opportunities for innovation and improvement. Recommend strategies to maintain a competitive edge in the retail market.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, retail management, or a related field (advanced degree preferred).
• Extensive experience in senior-level retail management roles, including oversight of multiple stores and regions.
• Demonstrated success in driving operational excellence, financial performance, and customer satisfaction within a retail environment.
• Strong leadership and people management skills, with the ability to motivate and inspire teams.
• Excellent strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Proven track record in driving sales growth and achieving financial targets.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships and influence at all levels of the organization.
• In-depth knowledge of retail operations, including store management, visual merchandising, inventory management, and customer service.
• Familiarity with retail industry trends, emerging technologies, and omni-channel strategies.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and manage multiple priorities effectively.