Retail Operations Manager - Experiential/Immersive Retail Agency - London (with UK & international travel)
Are you a Retail Operations Manager looking for an exciting opportunity to lead the delivery of ambitious, culture-shaping retail and brand experiences?
DNA Recruit are working for an award-winning experiential agency who are known for creating immersive retail environments and live brand spaces that place brands firmly into culture to find them a Retail Operations Manager. Working across some of the world’s most recognisable names, they blend creativity with operational precision to deliver experiences that make headlines and work flawlessly behind the scenes.
This is a senior, highly visible role for someone who thrives on complexity, scale and real-world execution, taking ownership of flagship retail environments from concept through to live operation.
About the Role
As Retail Operations Manager, you’ll take responsibility for the end-to-end operational delivery of immersive retail and experiential spaces across multiple brands and markets. You’ll work closely with Client Service, Creative and Production teams to turn bold ideas into robust, scalable operational models, ensuring every space opens on time, runs smoothly and delivers an exceptional guest experience.
You’ll lead new store openings, oversee live environments, and continuously refine operational frameworks to support growth, consistency and commercial performance.
Key Responsibilities
Retail & Experiential Operations
* Lead the operational delivery of immersive retail environments across multiple locations and brands
* Ensure each space launches on time, within budget and to exceptional operational and experience standards
* Develop scalable operational frameworks to support multi-site and multi-market rollouts
* Balance global brand standards with local legal, cultural and operational requirements
* Act as the senior operational contact for clients, partners and suppliers
New Store Openings
* Oversee project timelines, budgets, risk management and supplier coordination
* Manage contractors, fabricators, landlords, local authorities and operational partners
* Ensure health & safety compliance and operational readiness across all locations
* Own the transition from build phase to live operation, establishing clear handover processes
* Capture learnings and evolve playbooks for future launches
Live Operations & Optimisation
* Oversee day-to-day performance of live retail and brand environments
* Ensure consistent guest experience, service standards and brand execution
* Implement reporting, governance and issue-resolution processes
* Support seasonal updates, refits and evolving experiential programmes
* Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce cost and elevate experience quality
Financial & Commercial Management
* Own operational budgets for new openings and live environments
* Maintain cost control without compromising creative or experience quality
* Identify opportunities to improve margins through smarter operational planning
* Forecast operational costs and support long-term client investment planning
Leadership & Collaboration
* Lead and motivate internal teams, partners and suppliers
* Build strong cross-functional relationships with Client Service, Creative and Production
* Provide calm, decisive leadership in high-pressure environments
* Share best practice and operational expertise across the agency
Skills & Experience Required
* Proven experience in retail operations, experiential, brand environments or complex physical spaces
* Looking for someone with experience in the hospitality sector
* Strong track record delivering new store openings or multi-site rollouts
* Confident managing budgets, suppliers and senior stakeholders
* Excellent operational planning, problem-solving and decision-making skills
* Comfortable working at pace in fast-moving, creative environments
* A collaborative, solutions-focused leader with strong commercial awareness
Salary & Details
* Salary: Up to £70 -75k per annum
* Location: London (Hybrid, with UK & international travel)
* Job Reference: AW 248885
All applications are viewed and evaluated according to the role requirements. At DNA we aim to contact shortlisted candidates within 2 weeks. As we often receive a high volume of applications, we are unable to reply to everyone. If you have not heard back from us within 2 weeks, please consider your application unsuccessful - best regards the DNA team.
DNA is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community and welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds.
Although we try to respond to all applications, unfortunately, due to the high number we receive, we are unable to respond to all of those who are unsuccessful.
DNA is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community and welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds.
Although we try to respond to all applications, unfortunately, due to the high number we receive, we are unable to respond to all of those who are unsuccessful.
DNA is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community and welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds.
Although we try to respond to all applications, unfortunately, due to the high number we receive, we are unable to respond to all of those who are unsuccessful.
* We offer up to £250 in vouchers for any referrals who pass their probationary period, so if you know anyone who might be interested please forward the link to the job advert to them.
* Be the first to know about our latest roles by following us on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.
DNA Recruit deliver dynamic recruitment, search and talent solutions and provide insight, knowledge, and credible introductions necessary for client-side and agency roles. Areas we specialise in New Business, Account and Project Management, Strategy and Planning, Events, Experiential, Creative and User Experience Design, Technology, Product, Marketing and Data roles in permanent, contract and freelance recruitment, search and selection, talent advisory and consulting across the UK and globally.