This role is ideal for someone with a passion for independent, design-led retail who is excited by the opportunity to help shape the future of a growing, values-driven brand. If this is you, and you are an experienced, commercially minded retail professional who thrives on building teams, shaping strategy and delivering exceptional brand experience, we want to hear from you!
The Role
We’re looking for a National Retail Manager to take ownership of the commercial and operational performance of our UK retail & partnership stores – currently spanning Nottingham to London, with more on the way.
This is a pivotal role focused on leading our store teams, developing retail strategy, and ensuring an exceptional brand experience that aligns with Universal Works’ values. As we continue to grow, this role offers the opportunity to influence and shape the future of our physical retail presence.
This role provides the opportunity for regular travel across the UK, with the potential for international travel in the future.
You will be responsible for:
Leadership & Team Development
* Lead, inspire, and support store managers across 3 (soon to be 4) UK locations (including Nottingham, and London).
* Foster a culture that reflects the Universal Works ethos: inclusive, creative, customer-focused, and community-driven.
* Coach and develop retail teams to meet performance, service, and brand standards.
Commercial Performance
* Own the P&L for all stores; drive sales, profitability, and cost control.
* Analyse performance metrics and trading patterns to inform decisions and exceed commercial targets.
* Develop and implement retail KPIs and benchmarks across locations.
Operational Excellence
* Standardise retail operations and procedures to ensure consistency, efficiency, and compliance.
* Oversee store openings, refurbishments, and ongoing visual merchandising strategy.
* Manage stock control, replenishment processes, and in-store logistics in coordination with HQ.
Customer & Brand Experience
* Champion a customer-first approach, ensuring that in-store experiences embody the Universal Works identity.
* Maintain high standards of presentation, service, and storytelling at every touchpoint.
* Represent the retail business in cross-functional meetings, contributing insights to product, marketing, and e-commerce teams.
Retail Expansion & Strategy
* Collaborate with leadership on store growth plans, global partnership store plans, site selection, and new market opportunities.
* Support the seamless onboarding and setup of future stores, partnership stores and teams.
About You:
* Proven experience managing multi-site retail operations in a fashion, lifestyle, or premium retail environment.
* Strong commercial acumen with experience owning and optimising store P&Ls.
* Track record of building and leading high-performing retail teams.
* Excellent communication and organisational skills; confident presenting to senior stakeholders.
* A hands-on, proactive leader with a strategic mindset and an eye for detail.
* Passion for independent, design-led retail and a strong alignment with the Universal Works ethos.
* Flexibility to travel regularly across the UK (including overnight stays as required).
What’s in it for you
* Competitive salary
* Flexible working policies
* Employee discount and clothing allowance
* Charity volunteering days
* Paid family leave
* Long-service leave
* A people-first, values-driven culture
* Regular UK travel and potential international exposure
* Opportunity to shape the future of retail at Universal Works
Who we are
Universal Works are happy and proud to be an independent, small company, always approaching our work with passion and a sense of humour. We champion skilled, small-scale production. We produce garments in the right place, both in the UK and overseas, working only with factories we trust, admire and are proud to be associated with. The company also gives us an opportunity to collaborate with amazing people from artists to writers and anyone in between, a process that inspires continual growth and education.
Apply via LinkedIn or email jobs@universalworks.com, sending a covering letter and your CV.