Operations Director: Scale & Optimize Multi-Store Retail

VPZ; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 95,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

VPZ is the UK’s leading vape retailer. We are seeking an experienced Operations Director to lead Retail Operations, Marketing Operations, Property and HR across 200 stores and growing ecommerce.

You will drive sales performance, efficiency, and disciplined execution within a fast-moving retail environment. You will own end-to-end operational strategy, be hands-on when needed, and work closely with leadership to scale profitability.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as an Operations Director or equivalent in a large multi-site retail business with 100+ stores.
• Track record of driving sales performance and P&L outcomes, not just managing processes.
• Strong, practical HR knowledge with experience handling complex employee relations.
• Solid property experience covering leases, negotiations and estate strategy.
• Confidence leading large, layered teams and holding people to account.

Responsibilities

• Own Retail Operations, Marketing Operations, Property and HR with a focus on sales performance, execution quality and discipline.
• Drive revenue, conversion, ATV, UPT and like-for-like growth across 200 stores.
• Analyse shop-floor performance and fix what isn’t working.
• Lead Area Sales Manager structure, build accountability and bench strength.
• Set and enforce customer experience standards across the estate.
• Use data and judgement to identify opportunities, manage risk and drive growth.
• Collaborate with Buying and Marketing to maximise range, availability and in-store execution.
• Oversee marketing campaigns, POS, signage and promotions; manage budgets and suppliers.
• Own the retail estate and lead new store openings end-to-end from site to fit-out.
• Ensure stores and offices are safe, compliant, and well maintained.
• Provide hands-on HR leadership, including handling disciplinary, grievance, redundancy and tribunals.
• Ensure compliance with UK employment law; drive recruitment and workforce planning at scale.
• Shape culture, engagement and performance across 600+ staff.

Skills

Operations leadership

Sales performance

HR knowledge

Property experience

Team leadership

Job description

VPZ is the UK’s leading vape retailer. We are seeking an experienced Operations Director to lead Retail Operations, Marketing Operations, Property and HR across 200 stores and growing ecommerce.

You will drive sales performance, efficiency, and disciplined execution within a fast-moving retail environment. You will own end-to-end operational strategy, be hands-on when needed, and work closely with leadership to scale profitability.