General Manager - Business Strategy - Retail

Position Overview:

The General Manager (GM) in a footwear and apparel retail company holds the highest executive position, responsible for leading the organization and driving strategic growth while ensuring operational excellence across all functions. The GM must align the company's business strategies with evolving consumer trends, market dynamics, and financial performance, all while maintaining the company's brand identity and values.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Leadership & Vision:

- Define and execute long-term business strategies that align with market trends, consumer demands, and financial goals.

- Drive the growth of the company by expanding market share, exploring new markets, and developing a strong brand presence.

- Collaborate with the board of directors to set vision, mission, and long-term objectives.

2. Financial Management:

- Oversee financial performance, ensuring profitability, revenue growth, cost optimization, and strong return on investment (ROI).

- Develop annual budgets, forecasts, and financial models to support operational and strategic planning.

- Secure funding for expansion or new initiatives and manage investor relations.

3. Operational Excellence:

- Drive Retail store Business, Multi-channel outlets, Ecommerce, Logistics

- Drive Retail Operations, Merchandising, VM, Training,

- Ensure efficient supply chain management, product development, and inventory control for seamless retail operations.

- Drive process improvements in product sourcing, logistics, and distribution channels to optimize operational efficiency.

- Implement technology and data-driven solutions for enhancing customer experience, operations, and decision-making.

4. Brand Development & Customer Experience:

- Elevate the brand identity through innovative marketing strategies, product differentiation, and customer engagement.

- Foster a customer-centric culture that drives satisfaction, loyalty, and retention across all retail channels (brick-and-mortar, e-commerce, etc.).

- Expand the company's portfolio with new product lines or brand partnerships that resonate with consumers.

5. Talent Management & Culture:

- Attract, retain, and develop top-tier leadership and talent across various functions (marketing, operations, HR, finance).

- Build an inclusive, performance-driven culture that aligns employee efforts with company goals.

- Ensure that succession planning and leadership development programs are in place for long-term stability.

6. Market Analysis & Innovation:

- Stay informed of industry trends, competitor strategies, and market shifts to drive innovation in products and services.

- Lead initiatives for digital transformation and omnichannel retail strategies (online, offline, mobile).

- Promote research and development for innovative materials, sustainable practices, and consumer-centric product designs.

7. Corporate Governance & Compliance:

- Ensure that the company adheres to all legal, financial, and ethical standards.

- Implement corporate governance practices that support transparency, risk management, and regulatory compliance.

- Represent the company in key industry forums, conferences, and public engagements to uphold its reputation.

Expectations from the GM:

- Leadership Qualities: Ability to inspire, lead, and develop a high-performance team.

- Financial Acumen: Expertise in managing budgets, financial forecasting, and P&L management.

- Industry Knowledge: Deep understanding of the retail industry, especially footwear and apparel, with awareness of global and local market trends.

- Consumer Focus: Strong focus on consumer preferences and ability to drive strategies that resonate with target customers.

- Innovative Thinking: Emphasis on innovation, with a forward-thinking mindset to stay ahead of the curve.

- Results-oriented: Proven track record of achieving financial and operational goals.

- Stakeholder Management: Ability to manage relationships with board members, investors, suppliers, and other key stakeholders.

- Adaptability: Agile in decision-making and adept at navigating market volatility or challenges like supply chain disruptions.

This role requires the GM to be a visionary leader who can balance financial performance, operational efficiency, and brand development while steering the company towards long-term growth.

Qualifications & Experience:

- 15+ years of leadership experience in retail, with a strong background in business strategy, brand expansion, and P&L management.

- Experience in Big Brands in Sports Retail is essential.

- Proven track record in scaling retail operations, preferably in the sports or fashion industry.

- Exceptional leadership skills with the ability to build and lead high-performance teams.

- Strong financial acumen and experience driving profitability in a retail environment.

- Passion for employee development, with a focus on creating a people-centric workplace.