Retail Operations Manager
About the role
Location: Vessi HQ - Hybrid/On-site
Reports to: Director of Retail & Store Development
Salary Range: $80,000 - $95,000 CDN Annual
Vessi is a category-defining footwear and apparel brand. At Vessi, we know that water is a magical ingredient for happiness and peace. Since 2018, we've been on a mission to welcome the water and share it with the world. That’s why we create 100% waterproof products that make experiencing the magic of water easier and more fun. We also believe in protecting water supply and replenishing fresh water for people who need it most through meaningful charity partnerships.
Our community and team are out in the world spreading kindness, cold plunging, cleaning up coasts, and #makingwaves. And now, with our expansion into omni-channel, even more people can experience the magic of water through our products and brand experiences. With bold plans ahead - including innovative new products and expansion into the US market - we’re looking for passionate and driven individuals to join us on this journey.
Overview The Retail Operations Manager is a hands-on builder of how Vessi retail runs day to day. This role connects HQ strategy to what actually happens in stores, creating simple, practical ways for teams to operate at a high level.
You will design and evolve the playbooks, tools, and operating rhythms that help stores deliver consistent, on-brand experiences. You are energized by making things clearer, smoother, and more effective for frontline teams. This role is deeply cross-functional and plays a key part in scaling our retail business, including support for new store openings and store development initiatives.
A Week in the Life Your Weeks Blend Planning, Partnership, And Field Connection
- Reviewing how stores are performing, their efficiency KPIs and where teams may be feeling friction, then setting clear priorities for the week ahead.
- Working with partners across Merch, People, IT, Ecomm, Marketing, Logistics and Creative to shape retail-facing work and make it store-ready.
- Turning complexity into clear, usable guidance, from weekly updates to simple playbooks and tools.
- Staying close to Store and Market Managers to understand what is working, what is not, and where support is needed.
- Stepping back to improve systems, simplify workflows, and remove friction so stores can focus on serving customers.
Responsibilities Support Stores Where It Matters Most
- Build strong working knowledge of Vessi store operations, systems, and policies.
- Act as a trusted partner for Store Managers when questions or challenges come up.
- Spot recurring issues and friction points, and work cross-functionally to solve them.
- Support store maintenance, service requests, and operational problem-solving.
Build How Retail Runs
- Create and refine the processes that help stores run smoothly, from daily routines to inventory flow and back of house standards.
- Develop clear operating guides and standards that make it easier for teams to execute well.
- Support pilots, rollouts, and new store openings with thoughtful planning and follow-through.
- Own and maintain the core tools and resources that stores rely on.
Make HQ Work Store-Ready
- Partner with HQ teams to shape initiatives so they are realistic and easy for stores to implement.
- Create clear, focused communication that helps teams understand what is changing, why it matters, and how to execute.
- Maintain a retail calendar and operating rhythm that gives stores visibility into what is coming.
Create Insight, Not Just Reports
- Build simple reporting that helps leaders see what is happening and take action.
- Surface themes from store feedback and operational data to guide improvements.
- Help Retail Leadership understand what is working in the field and where support is needed.
Enable Teams to Succeed
- Create short guides and practical resources that help teams learn quickly.
- Support onboarding of new store leaders so expectations and ways of working are clear from day one.
- Show up with clarity, consistency, and care in how you work with store teams.
Stay Close to the Field
- Spend time in stores, in person or virtually, to stay grounded in real execution.
- Advocate for the store perspective in HQ conversations so decisions are rooted in reality.
Qualifications
- 3+ years of experience in retail operations, HQ retail support, multi-unit store leadership, or a blend of both.
- Experience building or improving how retail teams operate, including processes, routines, or SOPs.
- Strong organization and prioritization skills in fast-moving environments.
- A proactive, problem-solving mindset with strong follow-through.
About Vessi
At Vessi, we believe in making change from the ground up. We’re an all-weather footwear brand headquartered in Vancouver, BC.
Since our Kickstarter campaign in 2018, we’ve been on a mission to prove that waterproof wear can be both comfortable and stylish. We reimagine classic silhouettes using our proprietary 100% waterproof technology and vegan materials so you can do what you love without worrying about the weather.
We’re guided by the belief that to show up for your community, you need to put your best foot forward. So in 2019, we introduced the Vessi Community Fund, where $5 from every pair of shoes sold goes toward funding community projects at home and around the world.
Over 1 million pairs sold and $500,000 donated, Vessi is continuing to innovate in the footwear space while creating a positive impact on the community.
Named one of North America's fastest growing sneaker start-up, Vessi has been featured in Business Insider (2018) , Forbes (2021), Byrdie (2021), Travel and Leisure (2022), Well + Good (2022) and more.
Learn more about Vessi:
- vessi.com
- instagram.com/vessi
Retail Operations Manager
About the role
Location: Vessi HQ - Hybrid/On-site
Reports to: Director of Retail & Store Development
Salary Range: $80,000 - $95,000 CDN Annual
Vessi is a category-defining footwear and apparel brand. At Vessi, we know that water is a magical ingredient for happiness and peace. Since 2018, we've been on a mission to welcome the water and share it with the world. That’s why we create 100% waterproof products that make experiencing the magic of water easier and more fun. We also believe in protecting water supply and replenishing fresh water for people who need it most through meaningful charity partnerships.
Our community and team are out in the world spreading kindness, cold plunging, cleaning up coasts, and #makingwaves. And now, with our expansion into omni-channel, even more people can experience the magic of water through our products and brand experiences. With bold plans ahead - including innovative new products and expansion into the US market - we’re looking for passionate and driven individuals to join us on this journey.
Overview The Retail Operations Manager is a hands-on builder of how Vessi retail runs day to day. This role connects HQ strategy to what actually happens in stores, creating simple, practical ways for teams to operate at a high level.
You will design and evolve the playbooks, tools, and operating rhythms that help stores deliver consistent, on-brand experiences. You are energized by making things clearer, smoother, and more effective for frontline teams. This role is deeply cross-functional and plays a key part in scaling our retail business, including support for new store openings and store development initiatives.
A Week in the Life Your Weeks Blend Planning, Partnership, And Field Connection
- Reviewing how stores are performing, their efficiency KPIs and where teams may be feeling friction, then setting clear priorities for the week ahead.
- Working with partners across Merch, People, IT, Ecomm, Marketing, Logistics and Creative to shape retail-facing work and make it store-ready.
- Turning complexity into clear, usable guidance, from weekly updates to simple playbooks and tools.
- Staying close to Store and Market Managers to understand what is working, what is not, and where support is needed.
- Stepping back to improve systems, simplify workflows, and remove friction so stores can focus on serving customers.
Responsibilities Support Stores Where It Matters Most
- Build strong working knowledge of Vessi store operations, systems, and policies.
- Act as a trusted partner for Store Managers when questions or challenges come up.
- Spot recurring issues and friction points, and work cross-functionally to solve them.
- Support store maintenance, service requests, and operational problem-solving.
Build How Retail Runs
- Create and refine the processes that help stores run smoothly, from daily routines to inventory flow and back of house standards.
- Develop clear operating guides and standards that make it easier for teams to execute well.
- Support pilots, rollouts, and new store openings with thoughtful planning and follow-through.
- Own and maintain the core tools and resources that stores rely on.
Make HQ Work Store-Ready
- Partner with HQ teams to shape initiatives so they are realistic and easy for stores to implement.
- Create clear, focused communication that helps teams understand what is changing, why it matters, and how to execute.
- Maintain a retail calendar and operating rhythm that gives stores visibility into what is coming.
Create Insight, Not Just Reports
- Build simple reporting that helps leaders see what is happening and take action.
- Surface themes from store feedback and operational data to guide improvements.
- Help Retail Leadership understand what is working in the field and where support is needed.
Enable Teams to Succeed
- Create short guides and practical resources that help teams learn quickly.
- Support onboarding of new store leaders so expectations and ways of working are clear from day one.
- Show up with clarity, consistency, and care in how you work with store teams.
Stay Close to the Field
- Spend time in stores, in person or virtually, to stay grounded in real execution.
- Advocate for the store perspective in HQ conversations so decisions are rooted in reality.
Qualifications
- 3+ years of experience in retail operations, HQ retail support, multi-unit store leadership, or a blend of both.
- Experience building or improving how retail teams operate, including processes, routines, or SOPs.
- Strong organization and prioritization skills in fast-moving environments.
- A proactive, problem-solving mindset with strong follow-through.
About Vessi
At Vessi, we believe in making change from the ground up. We’re an all-weather footwear brand headquartered in Vancouver, BC.
Since our Kickstarter campaign in 2018, we’ve been on a mission to prove that waterproof wear can be both comfortable and stylish. We reimagine classic silhouettes using our proprietary 100% waterproof technology and vegan materials so you can do what you love without worrying about the weather.
We’re guided by the belief that to show up for your community, you need to put your best foot forward. So in 2019, we introduced the Vessi Community Fund, where $5 from every pair of shoes sold goes toward funding community projects at home and around the world.
Over 1 million pairs sold and $500,000 donated, Vessi is continuing to innovate in the footwear space while creating a positive impact on the community.
Named one of North America's fastest growing sneaker start-up, Vessi has been featured in Business Insider (2018) , Forbes (2021), Byrdie (2021), Travel and Leisure (2022), Well + Good (2022) and more.
Learn more about Vessi:
- vessi.com
- instagram.com/vessi