Head of Retail & Licensing

Welsh Rugby Union (WRU); Cardiff; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The Welsh Rugby Union is seeking a Head of Retail & Licensing to lead the next phase of its retail and merchandise strategy. You will own the development of a revenue-driving program across physical stores, stadium retail and e-commerce, reporting to the Chief Commercial Officer and collaborating with partners and internal teams.

Based at Principality Stadium, Cardiff, this full-time role combines office-based work with some flexibility.

Qualifications

• Proven track record delivering profitable retail strategies.
• Experience managing external retail partners or suppliers.
• Strong understanding of retail operations, including inventory and merchandising.
• Experience across physical and digital channels (in-store and online).
• Commercial and financial acumen with stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver an ambitious WRU retail strategy across stores, stadiums, and online.
• Manage the retail operating partner and drive performance.
• Provide commercial direction on product ranges, pricing, and stock for major events.
• Coordinate launches with kit supplier and internal teams.
• Shape the licensing strategy and explore new products and partnerships.
• Improve fan experience by rethinking reach and accessibility.

Skills

Retail strategy

Partner management

Inventory management

E-commerce

Stakeholder management

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. You will report directly to the Chief Commercial Officer.

The Role

Take ownership of the WRU's retail strategy, working with key partners to maximise revenue, improve profitability and develop new commercial opportunities across physical stores, e-commerce and partner-led channels.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver an ambitious retail strategy to increase revenue and profitability and maximise the commercial value of the WRU brand
• Manage the WRU's retail operating partner, driving performance across physical stores, stadium retail and e-commerce
• Provide commercial direction on product ranges, pricing, stock availability and major events
• Work with the technical kit supplier and internal teams to develop merchandise ranges and coordinate product launches
• Shape the licensing strategy, exploring new products, partnerships and revenue streams
• Rethink how and where the WRU reaches its customers to improve the fan experience

About You

• Proven experience delivering retail strategies that have generated measurable revenue and profit growth
• Experience managing external retail partners, suppliers or significant commercial relationships
• Strong understanding of retail operations, including inventory management, demand forecasting and merchandising
• Experience across physical and digital retail channels, including e-commerce
• Commercial and financial acumen, with strong stakeholder management skills

Key Details

• Location: Principality Stadium, Cardiff (primarily office-based, with some flexibility)
• Contract: Full time, permanent
• Closing date: 16 November 2026