Director Retail Operations

JobsCloseBy Editorial Insights

Scandinavian Tobacco Group seeks a Director of Retail Operations to lead 15 stores, optimize performance, and drive revenue growth by partnering with district and store managers and cross-functional teams. The role requires strategic vision, consistent SOPs, strong P&L discipline, and oversight of inventory and merchandising, with a focus on collaboration and continuous improvement. You will mentor leaders, analyze trends, and advance omnichannel initiatives and major store rollouts while ensuring compliance. To stand out, highlight 7+ years of multi-unit retail leadership (20+ locations), proven P&L results, regulatory experience, and success with cross-functional projects, travel readiness, and proximity to Lehigh Valley PA or willingness to relocate to Houston or Orlando. BA required, MBA preferred; demonstrate tech proficiency with retail systems and BI tools.

ABOUT THE ROLE…

The Director of Retail Operations is responsible for leading and optimizing all aspects of retail store performance, ensuring operational excellence, and driving revenue growth across 15 and growing locations. This role partners closely with district and store managers, as well as cross-functional teams (Marketing, Finance, HR, Business Intelligence, IT, Distribution, Procurement), to deliver a seamless and customer-centric retail experience. The Director will champion innovation, operational consistency and efficiency, and a high-performance culture aligned with company values across the network of stores.

WHAT WILL YOU BE RESPONSIBLE FOR?

• Execute a strategic vision for retail operations, aligning with company goals and market trends.
• Creating, implementing and ensuring adherence to standard operating procedures and company policy consistently across network of stores.
• Drive revenue growth through national and local sales initiatives including events to achieve budget targets and longer-term business cases for newer stores.
• Lead and mentor district and store managers, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Analyze market trends, customer feedback, and performance metrics to inform business decisions and optimize store performance.
• Manage P&L, budgets, and financial performance for all retail locations.
• Oversee inventory management, merchandising, marketing and supply chain processes to ensure optimal stock levels, pricing and visual merchandising.
• Collaborate with HR to recruit, onboard, train, and retain top retail talent; implement performance management and career development programs.
• Champion the adoption of new technologies and best practices to enhance operational efficiency and customer experience.
• Ensure compliance with all company policies, legal requirements, and industry regulations.
• Assist with the rollout of new stores, remodels, and major operational initiatives.
• Partner with Marketing and BI to develop and execute promotional campaigns and data-driven strategies.
• Represent the retail division in cross-functional projects and company-wide initiatives.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• 7+ years of progressive multi-unit (20+ locations) retail management experience, with a proven track record of driving sales and operational excellence.
• Experience operating in a regulated/compliance focused environment.
• Demonstrated ability to build, lead, motivate, and develop high-performing teams.
• Highly collaborative, excellent communicator, strong interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
• Technical proficiency with retail management systems, POS, inventory management, and business intelligence tools.
• Bachelor’s degree in business, Retail or Hospitality Management, Marketing, or related field (MBA preferred).
• Strong financial acumen, with experience managing budgets with P&L responsibility.
• Experience with omnichannel retail strategies and digital transformation is highly desirable.
• Ability to travel as needed.
• Ideally located within commuting distance to Lehigh Valley, PA.  Secondary consideration will be given to candidates in metro Houston, TX and Orlando, FL.

WHAT’S IN AN OFFER?

As a colleague at Scandinavian Tobacco Group, you will receive a comprehensive compensation package as a generous benefits package.

•             Comprehensive Health Care, Vision & Dental Plan

•             Flexible Spending Account

•             Disability Plans

•             Basic & Supplemental Life Insurance

•             Additional Supplemental Benefits

•             Paid Vacation, Paid Time Off (PTO) days, Holidays

•             401(k) Retirement Saving Plan including a generous Company match

Cigars International is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Our company uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees.  To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.e-verify.gov.

*Please be informed that this Direct Search is conducted exclusively by the Scandinavian Tobacco Group. We do not accept applications from agencies, and we will not provide compensation for unsolicited CVs.