POSITON:
The VP of Retail will lead the development and execution of strategic initiatives across the organization. This key role will drive business growth, enhance fan engagement, and maximize revenue through data-driven decision-making, innovative product plans, and strategic market analysis.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Primary responsibility is to oversee all retail channels, including stadium, brick-and-mortar, mobile retail, and digital retail, ensuring product selection represents SDFC’s brand vision, aligns with customer preferences and market trends.
- Develop and execute a comprehensive retail strategy across all channels.
- Own end to end merchandising strategy, including line planning, product architecture, pricing, and lifestyle management.
- Lead buying and assortment planning using data, trend, and fan insights to optimize depth, breadth, size grid, and category mix.
- Lead merchandise collabs including SDFC Playmakers and the local licensing program.
- Oversee merchandise and product development with MLS licensees and SDFC Brand Team.
- Lead site UI/UX to ensure seamless online navigation.
- Build and own the retail financials to ensure metrics across revenue, costs, and expenses are met.
- Identify growth opportunities at retail through innovation and creative opportunity development.
- Oversee the warehouse, logistics, and inventory integrity.
- Lead marketing initiatives/plan to drive sales at retail.
- Innovate experiential retail experience at all points of sale.
- Implement and own retail analytics and reporting, including dashboards, KPIs, sell-through, size performance, channel productivity, and fan segmentation insight.
- Manage Adidas relationship and jersey development process alongside the Brand Team.
- Manage relationship with MLS CP Team.
- Build, lead, and develop the high performing Retail Team by setting goals, accountability, following the Mission & Vision, and helping build professional development paths.
- Lead retail events that present additional revenue opportunities.
- Manage asset creation needs for e-com, marketing, and social.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- 10+ years experience of Retail Leadership experience (strategy, operations, execution of plans...)
- 10+ years of experience in developing and executing long-term strategic plans, including market analysis, competitive assessments, and identification of growth opportunities.
- 10+ years of experience leveraging data and analytics to inform business decisions, including customer segmentation, market research, and performance analysis.
- Strong Leadership & Management Skills: 10+ years of experience leading and managing high-performing teams, setting goals, and driving results.
- Excellent Communication & Presentation Skills: Proven ability to effectively communicate complex information to diverse audiences, including senior leadership, stakeholders, and the broader organization.
- Excellent Excel and Microsoft skills.
- E-Com experience preferred.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Experience in the Sports & Entertainment Industry: 5+ years of experience in the sports and entertainment industry, including key trends, competitive landscapes, and best practices.
- Revenue Generation & Business Development: 10+ years of experience in driving revenue growth, including experience in areas such as ticket sales, sponsorship sales, and partnership development.
- Customer Engagement & Fan Development: 10+ years of experience in developing and implementing strategies to enhance fan engagement, drive customer loyalty, and build strong brand relationships.
COMPANY
This is an opportunity to be a part of a great team building something meaningful for San Diego. We offer excellent benefits including health coverages with generous company contributions, over 30 days of paid time off, and a 4% company match on your 401(k).
San Diego FC is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We strongly value student athlete safeguarding and do background screening and training for certifications.
