Head of Retail

Location: St Mary's Stadium

Hours: Full Time

Contract Type: Permanent

Criminal Record Check: DBS Basic

Role Overview

This new strategic role will be responsible for leading and developing Southampton Football Club's retail strategy across both stadium and online stores, driving significant revenue growth, whilst also enhancing fan experience. Key duties include managing all retail operations, leading on merchandise buying and improving e-commerce and omnichannel performance, all with real innovation at its core. The position also involves full profit and loss accountability, analysing sales data, managing stock control, and ensuring compliance with all necessary policies and standards.

Responsibilities

This is a fantastic opportunity to shape and lead the Club's retail strategy, driving growth across both the stadium store and online channels. You will spot new commercial opportunities, build exciting product ranges and create a retail offer that keeps pace with trends and delivers for fans. You will lead the development of our e-commerce and omnichannel offer, using data and fan insight to make smart buying decisions, boost sales and maximise profitability. From merchandise buying to promotional planning, you will help ensure our retail range is innovative, relevant and commercially strong. Alongside full commercial accountability, you will oversee day-to-day retail operations, maximise matchday and event opportunities, and lead a high-performing team to deliver outstanding customer experience. This is a hands on leadership role where your commercial instinct, creativity and people skills will make a real impact.

Qualifications

You will be an experienced retail leader with a strong track record of driving performance across both physical and online environments. Commercially minded and full of ideas, you will bring proven experience in building successful product ranges, leading teams and delivering growth in a fast moving retail setting. Essential Skills and Experience:

• Significant retail leadership experience, with the confidence to inspire teams and drive results.
• Strong commercial awareness, with experience of improving profitability through effective stock control and margin management.
• A proven ability to lead, motivate and develop high performing teams within a retail environment.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to build strong relationships with colleagues, suppliers, customers and fans.
• Thrive in a fast paced, ambitious retail environment, including delivering at your best on matchdays.

Benefits

• Access to 2 free match tickets for every home league game
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme and Private Medical Insurance
• Club discounts on Retail, Level1, The Dell and Soccer Schools
• 27 days' holiday per year excluding bank holidays plus your birthday off each year
• Contributory Pension Scheme
• Learning & Development opportunities - supporting you to develop your potential and achieve in your career
• Free onsite parking
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Collaborative & inclusive working culture

Equal Opportunities & Safeguarding

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk and we expect everyone to share this commitment. You will be required to adhere to all relevant policies and uphold the Club's commitment to safeguarding children, young people and adults at risk and to ensure that Southampton Football Club is free from discrimination and harassment. The post holder will demonstrate a strong commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, supporting the organisation's strategic aims to remove barriers and address inequality. You will play an active role in promoting an inclusive, discrimination free environment that ensures fair access to opportunities and resources, fostering a culture of dignity, respect, and belonging where everyone is empowered to contribute, perform, and reach their full potential.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, if a high volume of applicants are received.

Closing date: 17th June 2026