Business Head in the retail fashion, footwear and cosmetics industry is a top‑tier executive responsible for the overall strategic direction, profitability, and operations of the business unit or brand. They lead and manage cross‑functional teams to drive sales, enhance brand positioning, and ensure a seamless customer experience across all channels.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Planning: Develop and execute strategic business plans to achieve sales targets, maximize profitability, and ensure long-term growth in a highly competitive market.
- Leadership and Team Management: Provide strong leadership and guidance to a diverse team, including store managers, buyers, merchandisers, and marketing teams. This includes overseeing recruitment, training, and performance management.
- Market and Trend Analysis: Analyze market trends, customer behavior, and competitor activities to identify new opportunities and guide future decisions on product offerings and marketing strategies.
- Operations Management: Oversee daily operations, including supply chain management, inventory control, and ensuring compliance with operational and safety standards.
- Financial Oversight: Manage budgets, analyze sales data and financial metrics, and provide regular performance reports to executive leadership to make informed decisions.
- Brand and Marketing Strategy: Collaborate with marketing and creative teams to develop and maintain brand identity, plan promotional campaigns, and ensure a consistent brand message across all channels, including e-commerce.
- Customer Relationship Management: Ensure high standards of customer service are maintained, handle escalated complaints, and implement strategies to improve customer satisfaction and loyalty.
- Vendor and Stakeholder Relations: Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, vendors, and suppliers, managing contracts and identifying cost-saving opportunities.
Qualifications and Skills
- Education: A bachelor's degree in Retail Management, Business Administration, Marketing, or a related field is typically required, with a Master's degree often preferred.
- Experience: Significant experience (usually 5+ years) in a senior retail management or leadership role, preferably within the fashion, footwear, or cosmetics sectors. A proven track record of achieving sales targets and driving business growth is essential.
- Leadership Skills: The ability to inspire and motivate large, diverse teams, foster a positive work environment, and make reliable decisions under pressure.
- Business Acumen: Strong business sense, financial literacy, and the ability to understand profit and loss statements and manage budgets effectively.
- Analytical Skills: Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities to interpret sales data, market trends, and performance metrics.
- Communication Skills: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills to articulate a clear vision, manage internal and external stakeholders, and build strong relationships.
- Industry Knowledge: An in-depth understanding of fashion/retail industry trends, customer behavior, and the competitive landscape.
- Digital Proficiency: Familiarity with retail technology, e-commerce platforms, POS systems, and data analytics tools.