Head of Retail

Equals One; St Helens; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A sports club in St Helens is looking for a Head of Retail to lead their merchandising strategy and manage the retail operations. In this full-time role, you will drive revenue growth while ensuring an exceptional supporter experience. Required qualifications include senior retail leadership experience, proficiency in multi-channel retail including e-commerce, and strong budget management skills. Join a proud organization dedicated to enhancing brand visibility and engagement with their passionate supporter base.

Benefits

Performance-related bonus

Additional club benefits and matchday perks

Qualifications

• Proven senior retail leadership experience in a vibrant environment.
• Experience in managing budgets and full retail P&L.
• Background in multi-channel retail, including e-commerce.

Responsibilities

• Lead the club's retail strategy across all channels.
• Drive revenue and manage the retail P&L.
• Oversee buying, merchandising, and stock management.

Skills

Commercial mindset

Leadership ability

Stakeholder management

Analytical skills

Exceptional communication

Job description

Head of Retail

Salary £35-40k per annum (dependent on experience)

The Totally Wicked Stadium, St Helens

Full-time, Permanent

Benefits

• Performance-related bonus available
• Additional club benefits and matchday perks

About St Helens R.F.C.

St Helens R.F.C. is one of the most successful and historic clubs in British rugby league, with a proud heritage, a passionate supporter base, and a strong community presence.

The club operates in a modern, commercially driven environment, with retail and merchandise playing a key role in revenue generation, brand visibility, and supporter engagement. With continued ambition both on and off the field, St Helens R.F.C. is investing in its commercial operations to ensure sustainable growth and an exceptional experience for fans, partners, and players alike.

Role Purpose

The Head of Retail & Merchandise will lead the end-to-end retail and merchandise strategy for St Helens R.F.C., ensuring a high-performing, commercially focused retail operation that strengthens the club’s brand, drives revenue growth, and delivers an outstanding supporter experience.

This is a senior leadership role with full accountability for all retail channels, including stadium retail, matchday operations, e-commerce, and product development. The role also plays a critical part in supporting the professional teams through the provision of performance‑critical apparel and equipment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver the club’s retail and merchandise strategy across stadium, matchday and e-commerce channels.
• Drive revenue, margin and profit growth, with full ownership of the retail P&L, budgets and forecasts.
• Oversee buying, merchandising, pricing and stock management to maximise sales and availability.
• Manage key relationships with kit manufacturers, suppliers, licensors and distribution partners.
• Develop and grow the club’s online store, using data and insight to improve performance and customer experience.
• Ensure all retail operations deliver a high‑quality, on‑brand supporter experience.
• Ensure the professional teams’ apparel, kit and equipment requirements are fully met, working closely with Performance, Coaching and Operations teams.

Person Specification

Essential Experience

• Proven senior retail leadership experience (Head of Retail / Senior Retail Manager level desirable).
• Experience in multi‑channel retail, including e‑commerce.
• Strong understanding of buying, merchandising, stock management and supplier negotiation.
• Experience managing budgets and full retail P&L responsibility.
• Background in sports, leisure or branded consumer products desirable.

Skills & Attributes

• Highly commercial, results‑driven mindset.
• Strong leadership and people management capability.
• Confident communicator with excellent stakeholder management skills.
• Analytical, organised and comfortable working in a fast‑paced environment.
• Passionate about supporter experience and brand quality.

Additional Information

• Some evening and weekend work will be required, particularly on matchdays.
• Occasional travel for supplier meetings and events.

Interested? If you feel that you possess the relevant skills and experience then please send your cv and cover letter by return.