VICE PRESIDENT, RETAIL

ST JOHN KNITS INC•Anaheim, CA

1d•$200,000

About The Position

The Vice President of Retail Stores is a senior field leadership role responsible for driving profitable growth, delivering world-class service, and strengthening client relationships across a network of approximately 35 boutique retail stores across the US. This leader will oversee multiple field leaders and store teams, serving as the primary conduit between the stores and the corporate office. The role requires a hands-on, client-centric executive with deep luxury retail experience who leads from the floor, partners cross-functionally, and ensures brand standards, merchandising, operational excellence, and talent development at scale. The role is accountable for the stores financial results, client experience, event execution, compliance, execution of strategic priorities, maintaining effective and professional communication with all internal and external stakeholders. This role reports to the Chief Executive Officer; based in Orange County, CA with significant travel.

Requirements

Minimum 10+ years of progressive retail leadership experience, with significant luxury retail experience in the field
Proven success leading large, multi-store, multi-leader organizations
Strong strategic planning, financial acumen, and P&L ownership experience
Deep understanding of luxury client service, merchandising, and store operations
Track record of translating CRM analytics into actionable strategies that elevate client engagement and sales outcomes
Demonstrated ability to develop, coach, and retain high-performing leaders
Data-driven decision-maker with strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Exceptional communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills
Ability to operate both strategically and hands-on in a fast-paced retail environment
Strong dedication to delivering outstanding customer service and fostering a collaborative team environment
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and retail reporting systems and inventory management tools
Willingness to travel approximately 50-75%, domestically
Ability to meet physical demands of the role, including extended time on the selling floor and lifting up to 25 lbs

Responsibilities

Own full P&L responsibility for the retail store portfolio, driving sales, profitability, productivity, expense control and inventory management
Lead annual budget development, forecasting, and long-range planning in partnership with Finance and executive leadership
Analyze store-level and regional performance, identifying opportunities and risks and implementing action plans to drive results
Ensure achievement of sales plans, productivity goals, and profit targets across all locations
Monitor market trends, competitive activity, and client behaviors, translating insights into actionable strategies for the field and corporate teams
Leverage CRM analytics and client insights to identify growth opportunities, inform strategic decision-making, and drive sales and profitability across the retail portfolio
Lead, develop, and inspire a high-performing team of field leaders and store leadership across multiple markets
Establish clear expectations, accountability, and performance standards aligned with brand values and luxury service expectations
Maintain strong field presence through regular store visits, embodying a “walk the floor” leadership philosophy
Partner with field leaders to create tailored business and clienteling strategies by store, market, and product category
Provide hands-on support during key business moments, leadership transitions, store openings, and peak selling periods
Ensure consistent delivery of a world-class luxury client experience across all stores
Champion deep client connection, relationship-building, and personalized service strategies
Utilize CRM tools to support personalized clienteling strategies, deepen high-value client relationships, and elevate the luxury service experience
Resolve escalated client issues with discretion, urgency, and a brand-first mindset
Partner with Marketing and Retail Experience teams to support events, private appointments, and local activations
Ensure all stores reflect brand standards in visual merchandising, store environment, and overall presentation
Collaborate cross-functionally with Merchandising, Buying, Planning, and Visual teams to ensure optimal product assortment and flow
Provide feedback on product performance, client demand, slow movers, and local market needs
Oversee execution of merchandising standards, store layouts, and visual updates
Ensure operational excellence across inventory control, loss prevention, back-of-house efficiency, and compliance with company policies
Ensure consistent execution of operational initiatives, systems, and processes
Build a strong leadership pipeline through intentional recruiting, onboarding, coaching, and succession planning
Partner closely with Human Resources on talent reviews, performance management, and leadership development
Coach field leaders and store directors to elevate decision-making, people leadership, and business acumen
Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, inclusivity, and continuous improvement
Act as a trusted advisor and thought partner to peers across the organization
Serve as the voice of the field, providing clear, timely feedback to corporate partners
Collaborate cross-functionally with Finance, HR, Merchandising, Marketing, Operations, Ecommerce and Supply Chain
Communicate effectively with executive leadership, presenting insights, risks, and opportunities with clarity and confidence
Share best practices across regions and ensure consistent execution of company initiatives