General Manager, Retail Operations – Melbourne

An exciting opportunity to shape the future of retail across one of Australia's leading multi-brand retail groups. Brand Collective is seeking an experienced General Manager - Retail Operations to lead the strategic direction, commercial performance and future growth of its portfolio of 12 brands, spanning fashion apparel, footwear and licensed brands. With 300+ stores across Australia and New Zealand, this is a significant leadership opportunity to influence the future of a diverse retail portfolio, drive sales and profitability, optimise the store network and deliver exceptional customer experiences.

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, you will lead through the Heads of Retail and Retail Operations, working closely with Brand Managing Directors and senior business leaders to shape strategy, drive performance and unlock opportunities across the group.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING

• Develop and lead the group retail strategy, aligning business objectives with individual brand strategies, commercial priorities and growth ambitions.
• Drive sales growth, profitability and financial performance across the portfolio, setting clear expectations and accountability for results.
• Shape and optimise the store network, identifying opportunities across new stores, relocations, refurbishments, rationalisation and alternative retail concepts.
• Lead Retail and Retail Operations, driving operational excellence, productivity, consistency and continuous improvement across the network.
• Elevate the customer experience, ensuring each brand's store environment reflects its positioning and delivers a compelling, connected customer journey.
• Lead and develop a high-performing leadership team, strengthening capability, succession and accountability across the organisation.
• Partner with the COO, Brand Managing Directors and senior business leaders to influence strategic priorities and deliver sustainable business outcomes.

ABOUT YOU

You are an accomplished senior retail leader with a strong track record of leading large-scale, multi-brand and multi-site retail operations. Commercially astute and strategically minded, you understand how to balance the unique needs of individual brands while driving performance and consistency across a broader portfolio.

You will bring:

• Extensive Senior Retail Operations leadership experience within a large-scale, multi-brand retail environment, ideally across fashion apparel, footwear or lifestyle.
• A proven track record of developing and delivering retail strategies that drive sales growth, profitability and business performance.
• Strong commercial and financial acumen, with experience managing large P&Ls, budgets, capital investment and operating costs.
• Experience shaping and optimising store networks, including new store development, relocations, refurbishments and rationalisation.
• The ability to lead through senior leaders, building high-performing teams, developing capability and driving accountability.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence Brand Managing Directors, executive leaders and cross-functional teams.
• A genuine passion for the customer experience, brand proposition and the evolving role of physical stores within an omnichannel retail environment.

You are a confident and collaborative leader who brings commercial focus, strategic perspective and the ability to turn opportunity into action. Melbourne-based role. Applicants must have full Australian working rights.

JUST SOME PERKS WE OFFER

• Pet-friendly workspace - Yes, your furry friend can join you at work!
• Product allowance & Generous discounts - Up to 50% off top brands like Reebok, Superdry, and Elka Collective!
• Exclusive LK Group discounts - Treat yourself to savings at Daniel’s Donuts, Hommey, Snooze & more!
• Access to sample sales - Exclusive to Brand Collective team members only.
• Leave when it matters - Celebration Leave, Paid parental leave, Volunteer leave.
• Novated leasing - Drive your dream car with ease.
• Loyalty rewards - We celebrate your milestones with generous service awards!
• Well-being matters - Corporate Discount on Health Cover, Free access to Mental Health Professionals through our Employee Assistance Program.

READY TO MAKE AN IMPACT?

This is an opportunity to play a significant role in shaping the future of retail at Brand Collective, influencing strategy, leading a substantial portfolio and delivering results across some of Australia's most recognised retail brands.

We are Brand Collective. We Create Extraordinary.

ABOUT BRAND COLLECTIVE

Brand Collective is one of Australia's most prominent apparel, footwear & sport groups, operating our omnichannel offer across 300+ stores with over 3,000 team members, a comprehensive online business and an extensive wholesale network. Our portfolio ranges from iconic heritage to timeless contemporary, from street culture to considered craftsmanship, and from private label to international luxury fashion brands. We bring brands to life! At Brand Collective our customers come from all walks of life, and so do we! We value diversity and inclusion in all forms, thus hire based on capability and performance.