VP, Retail Stores

Job Title: VP, Retail Stores

Department: Retail (NA Sales & Marketing)

Reports To: President, NA Sales & Marketing

FLSA Status: Exempt

Location: Nashville, TN (hybrid)

SVP Worldwide, the world's largest consumer sewing machine company, has an immediate full time [JOB TITLE] position available. The company and its four iconic brands - SINGER, HUSQVARNA VIKING, PFAFF, and MySewNet - have delighted consumers for over 170 years. These premium brands and products are regarded as the choice for serious sewists and novice crafters.

The global sewing machine industry is experiencing renewed growth, expected to grow at 6.7% annually. With a product portfolio inclusive of sewing machines, accessories, notions, garment care products, and software, it is an exciting time to join and grow a career with us!

The global corporate headquarters is located in Nashville, TN (USA) and is supported by regional headquarters/sales offices in Milan (Italy), and Mexico City (Mexico). Combined with 140+ US retail stores in 36 states, manufacturing facilities across Asia and Latin America, multiple R&D centers, a software development center in Europe, and a global supply chain with distribution centers in all regions, we are proud to reach consumers worldwide.

SVP Worldwide continues to weave our culture into the fabric of our team members by living out our core values of Integrity, Trust, Teamwork and Customer Focus. As our industry continues to grow, there are vast opportunities for new team members who share our commitment to delivering the world's finest sewing and crafting products, services, software and a frictionless customer experience. Explore current career openings at SVP Worldwide locations around the world, right here and now.

ABOUT OUR OWNED & OPERATED RETAIL LOCATIONS:

This channel within SVP Worldwide was established 25 years ago and has grown from a small operation to its current state of over 150 store locations, employing more than 500 team members across 33 states. SVP Worldwide owns and operates its stores through a "Store within a Store" model and most of our Retail stores are Viking Sewing Galleries located inside JOANN Fabrics & Crafts, however, we have also recently expanded into Michaels with the opening of several Singer Experience Centers. This chain of retail locations contributes substantially to the overall company profits and is strategically important, as it is focused on the most premium/valuable consumers. The chain sells a disproportionate amount of the company's highest margin products (e.g., MSRP>$5,000). Its product portfolio includes the brands of SINGER, HUSQVARNA VIKING and mysewnet covering entry-level sewing machines all the way up to advanced, internet-connected, leading-edge household sewing machines that retail for $20,000+ and all segments in-between. In addition to sewing machines, the product portfolio includes sewing accessories and notions, as well as embroidery software. Services available with the Viking Sewing Galleries include assisted sales through demonstrations, sewing machine repair service, free machine operation classes, consumer classes, events & more.

JOB SUMMARY:

The VP of Retail Stores, reporting to the President of NA Sales & Marketing, will oversee SVP Worldwide's entire retail operation, including sales goals, store formats, merchandising, marketing, promotions, and employee training. This role focuses on delivering exceptional customer service, fostering a "business-minded" and "clienteling" sales culture, and driving financial performance across the retail channel. The VP will lead a team of five, including the Director of Store Operations and four Area Managers. The role also involves collaborating with leaders in other sales channels, as well as teams like Education, Marketing, Operations, Finance, HR, and Legal, to align efforts and achieve company objectives.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• StrategyDevelopment
• Design effective business processes and organizational structure for the Retail channel.
• Define and evaluate the retail strategy, focusing on sales, merchandising, store layout, assortment, and talent management to drive results, while collaborating with executives on broader strategic initiatives.
• Develop and implement plans to strengthen the retail division, elevate the brand, and drive revenue growth.
• Set strategic direction for marketing and promotional calendars in partnership with marketing, eCommerce, and sales teams.
• Establish high customer service standards to enhance the customer experience and reinforce the brand messaging.
• Set clear sales targets for retail employees to boost performance and drive sales across the operation.

• Channel Sales/P&L Management
• Partner with FP&A to manage financial planning, revenue, expenses, and capital expenditures for retail stores.
• Oversee sales forecasting, set performance goals, and align marketing plans to support forecasts.
• Set annual profit goals through budget planning, including sales, margin, and expense targets.
• Analyze business performance to adjust pricing, promotions, and financing offers based on customer needs.
• Use sales data to develop strategies that drive growth and optimize marketing efforts.
• Review product assortment to phase out any unprofitable items.

• Store Operations
• Provide strategic guidance to ensure smooth execution of store openings and closings, with a focus on standardization and alignment of operational processes and tools.
• Lead the development and strategic use of sales reports, forecasting, inventory management, and loss prevention data to support the achievement of sales, margin, and EBITDA targets across the Retail Division.
• Oversee the management and evolution of POS systems, CRM, Loyalty Program, and eLearning platforms, ensuring they meet the division's long-term goals and operational needs.
• Guide the creation and implementation of comprehensive training programs for retail staff and management, focusing on operational efficiency, system use, and procedural consistency.
• Ensure the development, maintenance, and strategic alignment of policies, procedures, and reporting for the Retail Division, fostering seamless communication and collaboration with internal stakeholders like Accounting.

• Marketing & Promotions
• efforts to build brand awareness and foster relationships with key customer groups and local communities through strategic events, outreach, and CSR initiatives.
• Oversee the development and execution of high-level merchandising strategies, including seasonal promotions, in-store events, and flash sales, to enhance customer engagement and drive sales.
• Lead the planning and coordination of integrated marketing campaigns across multiple channels, while overseeing the development and management of customer loyalty programs to strengthen brand loyalty.
• Ensure alignment of in-store visual merchandising with broader marketing strategies and brand trends to optimize the customer shopping experience.

• Oversee the analysis of marketing initiatives using sales data and customer insights, adjusting strategies as needed to optimize performance, drive ROI, and maintain competitive advantage.

We Offer You:

• Full benefits package; medical, dental, vision
• 401k plan
• Competitive PTO accrual as well as additional wellness days
• Hybrid work schedule
• Work environment that harbors a culture of collaboration and community
• Learning and development opportunities

You Bring (requirements, preferred skills):

• Bachelor's degree in a business-related field required; Master's degree preferred.
• 15+ years of leadership experience in retail, with a focus on specialty retail and omnichannel strategies
• Proven ability to manage large teams, drive innovation, and influence senior stakeholders, executives, and board members.
• Deep understanding of US retail markets, customer behavior, market trends, and regulatory requirements.
• Strong ability to leverage data and customer insights to drive strategic decisions, optimize marketing efforts, and solve complex problems.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate across teams and departments.
• Expertise in financial planning, budgeting, P&L responsibility, and analysis.
• Proven track record of driving customer loyalty through positive experiences and measurable results.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to communicate complex ideas effectively at all levels.
• Willingness to travel as required.

You will need to be able to complete all physical requirements of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation, including:

• Occasionally move about inside the office to access file cabinets, meeting rooms, copier/printer etc as well as have the ability to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time
• Communicate effectively with customers through multiple forms of technology, including telephone and computer. Must be able to receive and convey information
• Required to retrieve or reposition products like sewing machines weighing up to 50 pounds
• Any additional physical requirements

The Employer retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.

Work Environment/Location/Flex Arrangement:

SVP Worldwide offers a fast-paced and ever-changing environment. As part of our Flexible Workplace Policy, this position will be hybrid based in our company HQ in Nashville, TN.

Why You Will Love Being a Part of the SVP Worldwide Team:

We take care of our team! We offer a competitive benefit package including: multiple health plan options comprised of vision and dental plans, 401K plan, life insurance, disability insurance, pet insurance, parental leave, generous employee discounts and paid time off benefits including wellbeing days.

At SVP Worldwide, we celebrate diversity, equity, and inclusion and strive to employ a unique workforce that is reflective of our consumers across the globe. That means understanding, respecting and valuing diversity- unique styles, experiences, identities, ideas and opinions - while being inclusive of all people.

SVP Worldwide is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions based on merit and qualifications. SVP Worldwide prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual identity, gender identity, marital status, veteran status, nationality, citizenship, age, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, or any other unlawful consideration.

In The News:

In 2021, SVP Worldwide was acquired by Platinum Equity (www.platinumequity.com), a global investment firm with more than $25 billion of assets under management and a portfolio of approximately 50 operating companies that serve customers around the world. Platinum Equity has committed to fully support SVP Worldwide's continued growth and to bring additional financial and operational resources to help accelerate the company's efforts.

Like what you see? Then come "sew" and grow your career with us!

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