Head of Retail

About the Company:

Trade Link West Indies, part of West Coast Supply Group, is a specialist distributor operating in the global cruise and ferry retail market. We provide a full-service commercial solution to our brand and retail partners, distributing personal care, spirits, confectionery, and household products to onboard retail spaces across a network of cruise ships and ferry operators. With operational hubs in Europe and the U.S., we combine deep travel retail expertise with logistics reliability, brand development, and category insight.

The Role: Head of Retail – Travel Retail / Cruise Industry

We are seeking a strategic and experienced Head of Retail to lead the operations and commercial growth of our travel retail division. This role is central to our continued expansion within the cruise and ferry channel and requires a strong combination of commercial leadership, team development, and operational execution.

The Head of Retail will oversee a diverse portfolio of international brands and be responsible for performance across sales, inventory, customer experience, and team delivery. You will work cross-functionally with supply chain, marketing, and commercial teams while serving as the key contact for our retail partners and brand suppliers.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Planning

• Define and execute retail strategies aligned with broader business goals

• Analyze market trends, customer behavior, and competitor activity

• Manage brand partnerships and negotiate contracts and pricing

• Drive commercial initiatives and develop new client and supplier relationships

Operational Oversight

• Lead daily operations across sales, supply chain, marketing, and customer service

• Ensure optimal use of resources to drive profitability and efficiency

• Monitor and optimize retail performance through clear KPIs

Team Leadership

• Build and manage a high-performing team across functional areas

• Recruit, coach, and evaluate team members

• Foster a collaborative and accountable culture

Financial Management

• Manage retail budgets, sales forecasting, and cost control

• Analyze financial performance and implement improvements

Customer Experience

• Ensure consistent and high-quality customer experience across all touchpoints

• Implement initiatives to drive customer satisfaction and loyalty

Compliance and Risk

• Ensure all operations adhere to regulatory standards and internal policies

• Identify and mitigate operational risks

Benefits:

• 25 days of leave annually, with the option to purchase an additional days.

• Weekly Socials: Unwind with drinks and snacks every Friday at our in-house bar.

• Exclusive Events: Participate in our renowned Summer and Christmas parties, featuring activities like go-karting and boat rentals.

• Travel Reimbursement: We cover your commuting expenses to and from the office.

• Diversity Celebration: Celebrate our vibrant workplace with over 47 nationalities..

• Employee Referral Program: Earn rewards for referring qualified candidates.

• Industry Engagement: Opportunities to attend trade shows and industry events.

• Dynamic Work Culture: Be part of a young, ambitious, and international team.

• Autonomous Environment: Thrive in an independent and supportive work setting.

• Retirement Plans: Secure your future with our comprehensive pension plan.

• Office Ambiance: Experience

Professional Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Retail Management, or a related field

• Proven experience in retail management, with a successful track record in a leadership role

• Strong understanding of retail operations, merchandising, and customer service

• Financial acumen with the ability to manage budgets and analyse financial reports

• Fluent in English, both written and verbal