The Director of Retail Sales is responsible for developing and executing strategies to increase revenue and profit margins in a company's retail operations. Key responsibilities include setting sales goals and budgets, managing and coaching retail sales teams, analyzing market trends, overseeing sales processes and best practices, working cross-functionally to ensure strong retail execution in-store, and ensuring high levels of customer satisfaction to meet organizational objectives.

Strategic Planning and Sales Performance:

• Develop long-range retail sales strategies, annual plans, and budgets to capture market share and achieve company goals.
• Set sales targets, monitor sales activities, and analyze performance data to identify areas for improvement and maximize revenue and gross margins.

Market and Sales Analysis:

• Conduct market research and competitor analysis to identify new opportunities, inform area of focus, and adapt to changing market conditions.
• Analyze the effectiveness of marketing activities, direct the implementation of sales policies and processes, and participate in developing marketing campaigns to promote products, services, and the company brand.

Budget Management:

• Monitor and manage retail sales budgets, ensuring targets are achieved, expenses are controlled, and profit margins are maximized.

Customer and Stakeholders Management:

• Implement and maintain high standards of customer service, resolve issues, and ensure customer satisfaction.
• Build and maintain relationships with key clients, partners, and stakeholders, representing the company in industry activities.

Inventory Management:

• Collaborate with the Purchasing and Inventory Management Team to ensure product availability, improve stock efficiency, and reduce markdowns.

Team Leadership:

• Lead, coach, and develop retail sales teams to ensure peak performance and high-quality customer service, and consistency throughout the company.

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration; MBA or equivalent advanced degree preferred.

• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in Retail Sales Leadership.

• Strong financial acumen with experience in budget planning, cost control, and financial reporting.

• Demonstrate success in driving sales growth, implementing change, and managing large teams.

• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills.

• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills

Kent is the largest retail building supply chain in Atlantic Canada. With 48 locations and an ecommerce website, our mission is to be the best source of home improvement products through superior customer service and know-how, quality products, and everyday great prices. We protect our customers and staff by hiring and training associates committed to our safety values. We employ over 3,700 people and work hard to increase our market share through strategic investment in training and technology. We focus on the development of our people and promote a culture of continuous improvement and innovation. In addition to our retail stores, we operate truss manufacturing facilities and a wholesale drywall company. We are a member of Independent Lumber Dealers Co-operative and the ARENA buying group which ensures our great product selection and pricing

Founded in 1882, J.D. Irving, Limited (JDI) has operations in Canada and the United States and are a team of 20,000 dedicated employees. At J.D. Irving, Limited, you are part of a dynamic team of professionals who lead with integrity and are passionate about delivering results. With a culture that nurtures talent and creates an inclusive workplace, you can grow your career across our various operating divisions.

We are committed to creating accessible environments for our colleagues, candidates, and customers. Requests for accommodation due to a disability (which may be visible or invisible, temporary, or permanent) can be made at any stage of application and employment. We encourage candidates to make their accommodation needs known so that we can provide equitable opportunities.

Worried you do not meet all the requirements? Studies have shown that many applicants apply only to job opportunities when they feel they meet 100% of the criteria. We promote an inclusive environment where everyone is appreciated, recognized, and empowered to contribute fully. If you are interested in this position but are worried you did not meet all the requirements, we would encourage you to still apply.

We appreciate your interest in our company however only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.