Retail Development Manager – Southampton FC

Location: Southampton, sick UK

Closing date: 27th November 2016

Southampton Football Club is a Premier League club competing at the highest level of professional football with a culture which promotes respect, unity, accountability, creativity and aspiration – this is The Southampton Way.

We look for people with integrity, compassion and support for those around them; people who take pride in what they do with an honest approach, who embrace a challenge while also being accountable for their decisions; people who have the energy and passion to bring an innovative approach to their role and strive to be different from the rest; people with the aspiration to lead the way and become an example to others.

At Southampton Football Club you’ll be given the platform to work in a vibrant, intelligent and challenging work environment with the potential to develop and become the best at what you do. 

We don’t stand still, we are constantly moving forward.

What is the role?

This is an exciting opportunity to join us in the role of Retail Development Manager, delivering the buying plan for the retail business of Southampton Football Club. You will be responsible for driving the successful sale of products, by developing and delivering a comprehensive marketing plan and online strategy to ensure the Southampton FC retail business remains at the forefront of sports retailing. 

You will manage all product development and ordering to deliver the long term growth strategy of Southampton FC. Supplier and industry relationships will need to be managed efficiently, and you will use your strong negotiation skills to reach agreements to procure products. With responsibility for the Retail Administration Apprentice, you will ensure that invoices and regular sales/stock reports are administered effectively in line with KPIs.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for someone with significant experience of retail buying and marketing who will be able to identify future business development opportunities. Excellent communication skills are essential as you will be liaising with store teams to monitor and maximise product sales performance. E-development will be a key focus in this role, so knowledge and involvement in improving online sales will be crucial.

The competencies which are required include:

Experience Essential
• 3 years’ Buyer experience.

Experience Desirable
• Sports Retail Experience.

Qualifications (incl. certifications) Essential
• Educated to Degree level.

Qualifications (incl. certifications) Desirable
• Procurement/Buying qualification.

Skills Essential
• Excellent commercial and financial acumen.
• Strong, proven negotiation skills within a competitive retail market.
• Strong influencing and communication skills.
• Self-starter.
• Entrepreneurial.
• A creative marketing flare.
• E-development experience.
• Customer focused.

Skills Desirable
• Supervisory Experience

What do you get in return?

If you are successful you can look forward to a healthy benefits package;
• A competitive salary.
• Two Season Tickets.
• 26 days’ holiday per year 
• Life Assurance Cover of 2x salary.
• Contributory Pension Scheme.
• Incentivised Private Medical Insurance Scheme.
• Child Care Vouchers.
• Free onsite parking.
• Discounted Southampton Football Club merchandise.

Please click here for the full job description.

Please be aware that a criminal disclosure and identity check will be carried out for this opportunity.

Please click here to apply, and submit your CV and cover letter plus your current salary.