We’re Vilgain - a European food and lifestyle brand built on clean ingredients, uncompromising quality, and products that actually make sense. We’ve built a loyal following across Central Europe and now we’re bringing that same energy to the UK.
We’re looking for an Area Manager to take ownership of our first UK stores - their results, standards, and growth. But this isn’t just a management role. We want someone who will help us build UK retail from scratch, grow with the expansion, and take on broader market responsibility over time - with a clear path towards Country Manager for the UK. What matters is the ambition, the mindset, and the drive to grow with us as we expand across London and beyond.
What you will do:
* Own the performance and profitability of your stores - revenue, margins, staffing costs, inventory, and operational expenses.
* Proactively identify opportunities to grow sales, improve processes, and optimize costs.
* Plan and evaluate KPIs, work with data, and deliver regular performance reports.
* Lead and develop Store Managers through coaching, feedback, and personal development plans.
* Identify talent across your stores and build a systematic approach to their growth.
* Ensure operational quality and customer experience consistently meet brand standards.
* Oversee visual merchandising, cleanliness, replenishment, and process compliance.
* Take ownership of inventory results and drive loss reduction across your area.
* Act as a key partner on retail projects - from planning through to launch.
* Support new store openings - staffing, training, and operational preparation.
* Serve as the link between HQ and stores, cascading priorities and changes effectively.
* Collaborate cross-functionally with buying, marketing, HR, logistics, and expansion teams.
* Ensure compliance with internal policies, health & safety, hygiene, and operational standards.
* Represent the brand and foster a positive, high-performing team culture.
What we’re looking for:
* Experience in retail management - whether you’ve run one store brilliantly or managed multiple sites, we’re open to both.
* Strong commercial acumen - you’re comfortable with P&L, KPIs, and data-driven decision-making.
* A natural people leader who develops others and builds trust quickly.
* Highly organized, able to manage multiple priorities across locations.
* Hands‑on and field‑oriented - you lead from the front, not from a desk.
* Based in London or willing to relocate - this role is London‑based.
* Driving licence (category B) and willingness to travel as the business grows.
* Passion for health, food, and the Vilgain brand is a big plus.
What’s in it for you:
* A rare chance to be part of a brand’s very first chapter in the UK market.
* A role that grows with you - start with one store, build towards leading the whole UK market.
* Competitive compensation and employee benefits including discounts on Vilgain products.
* A tight-knit, ambitious team that moves fast and gets things done.
* Monthly credits and employee discounts on Vilgain products.
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