Director of Retail

ABOUT FILSON

In 1897 C.C. Filson began outfitting prospectors headed for the Gold Rush with tools and apparel strong enough for the toughest spots on earth. More than 100 years later, Filson remains committed to providing pioneers of all fields around the world with unfailing goods made from the highest quality materials available. Filson recognizes that it takes a world-class team to make a world-class product. As we build on the Filson legacy of American craftsmanship, we are looking for individuals who share our dedication to innovation, excellence, and superior customer service. We don’t work in silos but rely on open collaboration. It’s a jackknife mentality – the ability to accomplish more than what’s asked of you – that defines our culture of versatility and perseverance.

Our outfitter mindset is deliberate and strategic. We are a small company, on purpose. We’re the ones doing the work, from product design and marketing, to cutting, sewing, and restoration. With more than 125 years under our belt, we still have a start-up mentality. Driven by an independent spirit and an uncompromising attitude that demands we lead with conviction. 

Director of Retail

Filson is about creating consumer engagement and telling a brand story. We believe in unfailing goods.  We’re a team of thinkers with different backgrounds and points of view – we bring a wide variety of skills and experiences to the table every day. Director of Retail is responsible for providing leadership and executive direction to staff while directing the day-to-day retail operations of Filson stores. 

As Director of Retail, you will be responsible for the overall strategy for retail sales development in the US and Canada. You will develop an innovative approach to retail by establishing sales growth plans in collaboration with CEO, Brand President, Finance, HR, Merchandising and Planning teams. You will be responsible for driving revenue and strategic relationships to our business, developing and guiding the implementation of the specific business plans, achieving profitability and sales targets.

In this role you will innovate and collaborate with your team and peers in corporate HQ. This Seattle based position will play a critical role in driving our retail business as you and your teams create an amazing brand experience. A successful Director will inspire teams to be smart and engaging leaders, expanding our retail footprint to grow this amazing business. 

Responsibilities

• Maximizes store performance through effective coaching & feedback, including effective talent assessment and strategy. Is responsible for the overall direction and leadership of retail store employees in a dynamic retail environment.
• Responsible for translating retail strategy into individual store plans, cascading clear vision of success throughout the teams
• Develops and executes annual business plans based on budget forecasting and industry analysis.
• Responsible for business analysis and monthly financial reforecasting by store.
• Develop and maintain all financial aspects relative to the retail P&L.
• Responsible for the overall development of managers in all aspects of the business including clientelling, brand fit, hiring, performance evaluations and disciplinary actions.
• Participates in seasonal product launch meetings to merchandise the assortment for the retail channel.
• Work closely with Merchandising and Planning teams to ensure stores are merchandised to meet our business plan.
• Work closely with Visual Merchandising team to ensure stores meet brand standards and associates are trained accordingly.
• Develops and implements procedures for purchasing equipment, supplies, etc.
• Interacts with Filson leadership to implement vision, mission and company values.
• Maintains internal monitoring of business goals and objectives.
• Research ongoing marketing trends for the retail store industries to determine pricing and develops and implements plans to maximize sales in order to meet or exceed goals and objectives.
• Reviews operational records and reports on a daily basis and works with managers to analyze and improve projections of sales and profits to meet budget targets.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree or Equivalent
• 5+ years of multi-unit management or equivalent, including P&L responsibility
• Strategic mindset – the ability to see opportunities and translate those into breakthrough action
• Interpersonal savvy – able to relate openly and comfortably with diverse groups of people. Ability to partner with multiple stakeholders both inside and outside of Filson
• Resilience and managerial courage – able to rebound from setbacks when faced with difficult situations; able to handle conflict with a minimum of noise. Ability to lead and direct the work of others in most cases remotely, while managing performance to optimum levels
• Strong analytical and tech skills – comfortable with Excel, dashboards, retail math concepts, POS and CRM systems. Must have working knowledge of computers and software associated with a retail operation and experience Microsoft Office Suite
• Must be well organized with excellent attention to detail and ability to coordinate various projects
• Ability to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the business which may include weekend & evenings
• Must possess a valid state driver’s license
• Must be able to travel at least 50% of time

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to:

• Regularly sit and stand
• Use hands, fingers, and arms to use computers and other office equipment
• Use hands, fingers, and arms to lift, squeeze, pinch, grab products/items/supplies
• Reach up, across, or down to retrieve products and supplies
• See, talk, and hear
• Occasionally required to move or lift up to 20 pounds

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met of any employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform those essential functions.

Note: This job description is not meant to be all-inclusive.  Employee may be required to perform other duties to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Filson and Shinola are equal opportunity employers. We believe that every employee has the right to work in surroundings which are free from all forms of unlawful discrimination.  It is our policy that all decisions involving any aspect of the employment relationship will be made without regard to race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, veteran and military status, genetic information, political ideology or any other status or characteristic protected by local, state or federal law.  Discrimination and/or harassment based on any of those factors are totally inconsistent with our philosophy of doing business and will not be tolerated.

With regard to applicants or employees with disabilities, the company offers what the law refers to as "reasonable accommodation" to enable a person to perform his or her job.