Head of Retail and Licensing

WRU - Welsh Rugby Union; Cardiff; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) in Cardiff is seeking a Head of Retail & Licensing to lead the next phase of its retail and merchandise strategy, creating opportunities for commercial growth, product development and fan engagement. You will own the WRU's retail strategy, partnering with suppliers and operating partners to maximise revenue across physical stores, stadium retail and e-commerce.

Reporting to the Chief Commercial Officer, you will shape licensing strategy, drive product ranges, launches

Qualifications

• Proven experience developing and delivering retail strategies that drive revenue and profit growth.
• Strong commercial mindset with ability to identify opportunities and improve performance.
• Experience managing external retail partners, suppliers or major commercial relationships.
• Solid understanding of retail operations including inventory, forecasting and merchandising.
• Experience across physical and digital channels, with e-commerce awareness.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and delivery of a bold retail strategy.
• Own the WRU's retail operating partner and drive store performance, stadium retail and e-commerce.
• Shape the licensing strategy, exploring new products and partnerships.
• Coordinate product launches with internal teams and suppliers.
• Develop innovative ways to reach fans and strengthen brand engagement.
• Collaborate across functions to ensure delivery of merchandising and stock availability.
• Influence senior stakeholders and lead commercial initiatives with independence.

Skills

Retail strategy

Commercial mindset

Partner management

Retail operations

Digital channels

Financial acumen

Strategic & operational

Stakeholder management

Independent working

Sport branding

Job description

The Welsh Rugby Union is seeking a Head of Retail & Licensing to lead the next phase of its retail and merchandise strategy, creating new opportunities for commercial growth, product development and fan engagement.

This is an opportunity to shape how one of rugby's most recognised brands approaches retail, merchandise and licensing, developing its commercial potential across physical stores, e-commerce and partner-led channels.

Reporting directly to the Chief Commercial Officer, you will take ownership of the WRU's retail strategy, working with key partners to maximise revenue, improve profitability and develop new commercial opportunities.

The impact you'll make:

You will lead the development and delivery of an ambitious retail strategy, identifying opportunities to increase revenue, improve profitability and maximise the commercial value of the WRU brand.

A central part of the role will be managing the WRU's retail operating partner, driving performance across physical stores, stadium retail, e-commerce and other channels. You will provide commercial direction and oversight, ensuring effective delivery across product ranges, pricing, stock availability and major events.

Working closely with the technical kit supplier and internal teams, you will help develop commercially successful merchandise ranges, coordinate product launches and identify opportunities to increase sales.

You will also shape the WRU's licensing strategy, exploring new products, partnerships and revenue streams that extend the brand's reach and strengthen its connection with supporters.

Beyond existing operations, you will have the opportunity to rethink how and where the WRU reaches its customers, using commercial insight and innovation to develop its retail presence and improve the fan experience.

Your skills and experience

To succeed in this role, you will bring:

• Proven experience developing and delivering retail strategies that have generated measurable revenue and profit growth.
• A strong commercial mindset, with the ability to identify new opportunities, develop propositions and improve retail performance.
• Experience managing external retail partners, suppliers or significant commercial relationships, including establishing performance expectations and driving results.
• Strong understanding of retail operations, including inventory management, demand forecasting, product availability and merchandising.
• Experience working across physical and digital retail channels, with an understanding of e-commerce performance and customer behaviour.
• Commercial and financial acumen, including experience managing budgets, analysing performance and making informed commercial decisions.
• The ability to combine strategic thinking with the operational understanding needed to ensure effective delivery.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, with the confidence to influence senior colleagues and work collaboratively across multiple business functions.
• A proactive and independent approach, with the experience and judgement to establish new ways of working and lead commercial initiatives.
• An interest in sport and an appreciation of the relationship between supporters, merchandise and brand identity.

Experience within sport, consumer brands, retail operators or other relevant retail environments would be welcomed.

This role offers an opportunity for an experienced retail professional to take genuine ownership of a developing commercial function, helping shape the future of retail and merchandise at the Welsh Rugby Union.

Location: Principality Stadium, Cardiff

Working arrangements: Primarily office-based, with some flexibility