VICE PRESIDENT, RETAIL

Job Description

Job Description

POSITION SUMMARY STATEMENT

The Vice President of Retail Stores is a senior field leadership role responsible for driving profitable growth, delivering world-class service, and strengthening client relationships across a network of approximately 35 boutique retail stores across the US. This leader will oversee multiple field leaders and store teams, serving as the primary conduit between the stores and the corporate office. The role requires a hands-on, client-centric executive with deep luxury retail experience who leads from the floor, partners cross-functionally, and ensures brand standards, merchandising, operational excellence, and talent development at scale. The role is accountable for the stores financial results, client experience, event execution, compliance, execution of strategic priorities, maintaining effective and professional communication with all internal and external stakeholders.

This role reports to the Chief Executive Officer; based in Orange County, CA with significant travel.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Business Strategy & Financial Performance

• Own full P&L responsibility for the retail store portfolio, driving sales, profitability, productivity, expense control and inventory management
• Lead annual budget development, forecasting, and long-range planning in partnership with Finance and executive leadership
• Analyze store-level and regional performance, identifying opportunities and risks and implementing action plans to drive results
• Ensure achievement of sales plans, productivity goals, and profit targets across all locations
• Monitor market trends, competitive activity, and client behaviors, translating insights into actionable strategies for the field and corporate teams
• Leverage CRM analytics and client insights to identify growth opportunities, inform strategic decision-making, and drive sales and profitability across the retail portfolio

Retail Leadership & Field Execution

• Lead, develop, and inspire a high-performing team of field leaders and store leadership across multiple markets
• Establish clear expectations, accountability, and performance standards aligned with brand values and luxury service expectations
• Maintain strong field presence through regular store visits, embodying a “walk the floor” leadership philosophy
• Partner with field leaders to create tailored business and clienteling strategies by store, market, and product category
• Provide hands-on support during key business moments, leadership transitions, store openings, and peak selling periods

Client Experience & Brand Excellence

• Ensure consistent delivery of a world-class luxury client experience across all stores
• Champion deep client connection, relationship-building, and personalized service strategies
• Utilize CRM tools to support personalized clienteling strategies, deepen high-value client relationships, and elevate the luxury service experience
• Resolve escalated client issues with discretion, urgency, and a brand-first mindset
• Partner with Marketing and Retail Experience teams to support events, private appointments, and local activations
• Ensure all stores reflect brand standards in visual merchandising, store environment, and overall presentation

Product, Merchandising & Operations

• Collaborate cross-functionally with Merchandising, Buying, Planning, and Visual teams to ensure optimal product assortment and flow
• Provide feedback on product performance, client demand, slow movers, and local market needs
• Oversee execution of merchandising standards, store layouts, and visual updates
• Ensure operational excellence across inventory control, loss prevention, back-of-house efficiency, and compliance with company policies
• Ensure consistent execution of operational initiatives, systems, and processes

Talent Development & Organizational Leadership

• Build a strong leadership pipeline through intentional recruiting, onboarding, coaching, and succession planning
• Partner closely with Human Resources on talent reviews, performance management, and leadership development
• Coach field leaders and store directors to elevate decision-making, people leadership, and business acumen
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, inclusivity, and continuous improvement
• Act as a trusted advisor and thought partner to peers across the organization

Corporate Partnership & Communication

• Serve as the voice of the field, providing clear, timely feedback to corporate partners
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Finance, HR, Merchandising, Marketing, Operations, Ecommerce and Supply Chain
• Communicate effectively with executive leadership, presenting insights, risks, and opportunities with clarity and confidence
• Share best practices across regions and ensure consistent execution of company initiatives

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - The following are the minimum qualifications needed to successfully perform the duties and responsibilities of the position.

• Minimum 10+ years of progressive retail leadership experience, with significant luxury retail experience in the field
• Proven success leading large, multi-store, multi-leader organizations
• Strong strategic planning, financial acumen, and P&L ownership experience
• Deep understanding of luxury client service, merchandising, and store operations
• Track record of translating CRM analytics into actionable strategies that elevate client engagement and sales outcomes
• Demonstrated ability to develop, coach, and retain high-performing leaders
• Data-driven decision-maker with strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills
• Ability to operate both strategically and hands-on in a fast-paced retail environment
• Strong dedication to delivering outstanding customer service and fostering a collaborative team environment
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and retail reporting systems and inventory management tools
• Willingness to travel approximately 50-75%, domestically
• Ability to meet physical demands of the role, including extended time on the selling floor and lifting up to 25 lbs

Compensation: $200,000+

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Communication: Ability to effectively communicate with employees, clients, and corporate partners. Ability to accurately process and complete documentation, reports, and financial data.
• Mobility: Frequent standing, walking, and moving throughout the retail floor and stockroom for extended periods (majority of shift).
• Manual Dexterity: Ability to handle garments, operate point-of-sale systems, and manage physical inventory.
• Lifting: Ability to move or lift merchandise and packaging up to 25 pounds.
• Physical Activity: Regular bending, squatting, and reaching. Ability to safely navigate stairs or climb ladders to access inventory (dependent on store design).

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

• Travel: Significant travel (50–75%) to various store locations, including regional and occasional national travel.
• Schedule: Ability to work a flexible schedule, including days, evenings, weekends, and holidays, to meet the needs of a luxury retail business.
• Setting: High-engagement retail environment with constant client and team interaction.

Our Commitment: St. John is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

At-Will Employment: Employment with St. John is at-will. The Company reserves the right to modify job responsibilities or reassign positions at any time to meet the evolving needs of the business.

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