Director of Retail Operations

KREWE is an independent high-fashion eyewear company inspired by the creativity and spirit of New Orleans, our hometown. Since launching in 2013 the brand has continued to grow and evolve with an extensive offering of unique, hand-crafted sun and optical frames designed in New Orleans and crafted with the utmost attention to detail. In addition to four brick & mortar locations, 12 “Tiny House” concept stores, and a robust ecommerce business the brand is also available at many notable retailers such as Bloomingdales, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, and shopbop. KREWE’s unique approach to eyewear has created a cult-following amongst consumers and influencers alike. Our frames have appeared in publications from GQ to VOGUE and on celebrities such as Beyonce, Gigi Hadid, Meghan Markle, Carrie Underwood, Hailey Bieber, Zayne Malik, Scott Disick, Adam Huber, among others.

As the business grows, we are seeking smart, creative, and experienced individuals to join our talented team! Key attributes and qualities we are looking for in candidates for all open roles: Entrepreneurial spirit, innovative and solution-oriented, adaptable and resilient, best-practices methodology, team-oriented with a lean-in attitude, highest standards for execution, and a high level of accountability.

We are seeking a highly experienced and motivated Director of Retail Operations to join our In-Person team. The Director of Retail Operations will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of our operations, ensuring efficiency, productivity, and continuous improvement. This role will play a pivotal role in driving operational excellence and implementing strategies to optimize processes, streamline workflows, and enhance overall performance.

Key Responsibilities:

• Retail Operational Excellence:  Identify areas for improvement in operational processes and systems to level-up overall performance. Lead initiatives to streamline workflows, increase efficiency, and reduce costs while maintaining quality standards.
• Strategic Planning: Develop and implement strategic plans to optimize operations and achieve company objectives. Collaborate with executive management to define and track goals, KPIs, and performance metrics.
• Team Leadership: Provide strong leadership to the operations team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Mentor, train and develop team members to enhance their skills and capabilities.
• Procurement + Budget Management:  Develop and manage budgeting and forecasting for in-person operations, ensuring efficient allocation of resources and adherence to financial targets. Monitor expenses and identify opportunities for cost savings and optimization.
• Inventory Management:  Partner with store teams and cross functional departments to ensure accurate inventory processes are followed and discrepancies are accounted for and adjusted timely 
• Systems + IT Management:  Act as In-Person expert with regards to a variety of systems and IT needs.  Partners with IT channel head to provide both needs of IP channel and feedback on current and future technologies.
• Project Management:  Ensure In Person operational projects are vetted, costed and managed through the T+A process to completion.
• Vendor Management: Manage relationships with external vendors and suppliers to ensure timely delivery of goods and services. Negotiate contracts, monitor performance, and address any issues or concerns.
• Risk Management: Identify potential risks and vulnerabilities in operations and develop strategies to mitigate them. Establish contingency plans and protocols to ensure business continuity.
• Compliance Verification: Ensure compliance with relevant regulations, industry standards, and company policies. Stay abreast of regulatory changes and update procedures as necessary to maintain compliance.
• Communication:  Develop and optimize best practices across the In-Person channel, and cross functionally, to ensure speed and effectiveness to productively grow the business.  Provide executive level summary on all operational activities and report KPI’s
• Customer Experience: Champion a customer-centric approach to in-person operations, striving to exceed expectations at every touchpoint. Implement strategies to enhance the overall customer experience and drive customer satisfaction and loyalty.
• Visual Brand Standards:  Implement improvements to visual brand standards to elevate both store and product presentations to improve the customer experience and sales.  Track and measure results.

Requirements:

• Based in New Orleans
• Minimum 7 years proven successful experience in retail  operations management with 3 years in a comparable role with a track record of success in driving operational excellence and process improvement.
• Experience using ERM systems (NetSuite a plus), IT related 
• Experience opening retail stores with success setting up back of house operations 
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire and motivate teams.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in project management and change management methodologies.
• Knowledge of relevant industry regulations and compliance requirements.
• Experience with Lean Six Sigma or other continuous improvement methodologies is a plus.
• Excellent Excel and Google Suite skills is a must

Benefits and Perks:

• Competitive wage
• Group health plans: health, vision and dental insurance
• Welfare benefits: life, ad&d, supplemental voluntary coverage 
• FSA Plan & HSA Program 
• 401(K) Investment Options
• Adoption Assistance, EAP, Commuter Benefits
• Paid Parental Leave 
• Quarterly Cultural Spend
• Ongoing Training & Development, an Educational Allowance
• 10 paid holidays & Paid Time Off accrual
• KREWE employee frame discount (of course!)

Diversity & Inclusion: 

KREWE believes in providing an inclusive workplace where all individuals have the opportunity to succeed. We are proud to provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants without discrimination or retaliation because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetics, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, pregnancy or any other protected characteristic as established by applicable local, state, or federal law.