Head of Retail

What makes Underground Printing (UGP) unique is delivering the best customer experience through t-shirts and more!

UGP has experienced rapid growth, ranking in the Inc 5000 fastest growing companies 5 years in a row. We produce the majority of our printed apparel in our production facility in Michigan with 172,000 SF of screen printing and embroidery production and over 300+ employees. We consistently rank in the top 10 largest screen printers by volume in the U.S. and are one of the fastest growing online clothing retailers.

We serve both B2C and B2B customers such as non profits, retailers, and Universities through our store and office locations across the United States. Additionally we help brands and licensors sell online both through company branded and marketplace websites.

This role will be responsible for overseeing the designing and executing Instore and shop.undergroundshirts.com retail sales strategies, optimizing Instore retail operations, training and supporting the sales team, implementing effective merchandising techniques, and evaluating sales performance to enhance customer experiences and drive revenue within the instore and shop.undergroundshirts.com retail channels.

The Head of Retail will be a member of the Leadership Team, working alongside the Sales Vertical Team and reporting to the Director of Revenue. This position is classified as In Person Ad Hoc, reporting to the Underground Printing HQ at 1476 Seaver Way, Ypsilanti, Michigan. 

This position is classified as a fixed work schedule, with responsibility for coordinating with direct manager and/or team members in handling relevant urgent action items as they arise, even during non-work hours. 

Reporting directly to this position is the In-Store Retail Departments, along with the functions deemed relevant to the associated processes.

Possible future path for career advancement: Director of Revenue.

Leadership Team Behaviors 

Purpose - Effective leadership behaviors play a crucial role in driving organizational success, creating a positive work culture. Here are some key leadership behaviors that members of the Underground Printing Leadership Team should strive to demonstrate in order to provide a foundation for effective leadership. 

Strategic Vision: Have a clear vision for the department aligned with the overall company strategic plan and goals, enabling them to guide department level initiatives effectively.

Business Acumen: Understand the business context and industry dynamics, allowing them to provide solutions that support and drive business outcomes.

Strong Communication Skills: Possess excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, enabling them to articulate strategies, policies, and initiatives to diverse audiences. Report relevant information to the Leadership Team and/or Executive Team and overall company health.

Trust and Integrity: Build trust through their consistent ethical behavior, confidentiality, and fairness in dealing with employees, fostering a positive and inclusive work environment. Honesty and trust are non negotiable. 

Emotional Intelligence: Demonstrate empathy, understanding, and the ability to connect with employees at all levels, facilitating effective employee relations and conflict resolution. Ability to reflect on your own opinions as such, consider other people's experiences and perspectives. 

Strategic Influence: Have the ability to influence and persuade key stakeholders, including senior leadership, to drive department initiatives, gain support, and make meaningful organizational changes.

Change Management: Adept at leading and managing organizational change initiatives, providing guidance, support, and communication to employees during periods of transition.

Problem-Solving and Decision-Making: Possess strong analytical and critical-thinking skills, allowing them to analyze complex HR challenges, make informed decisions, and implement effective solutions. Be quick to act when appropriate, with a bias for action.

Collaboration and Team Building: Foster a collaborative culture within the department and across the organization, encouraging teamwork, knowledge sharing, and the development of a high-performing team. Build a top-notch team. Build a top-notch team. Seek input from team members, both above and below your position, when relevant. 

Continuous Learning and Development: Exhibit a growth mindset, staying updated on best practices, industry trends, and emerging technologies to drive innovation and continuous improvement within the functional area.

Results Orientation: Focused on achieving measurable results and outcomes, setting clear performance expectations, and monitoring key department level metrics to drive organizational success.

Resilience and Adaptability: Demonstrate resilience in the face of challenges, adaptability to changing circumstances, and the ability to thrive in a dynamic and fast-paced work environment.

Leaders who embody these behaviors can inspire and motivate their teams, drive organizational success, and create a positive work environment.

Specific responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned. 

• Promote UGPs core values; show up, work hard, be respectful & honest, strive for excellence, do what you say, and promote DE&I. 
• Oversee the product assortment and merchandising to align with UGP's overall business goals determined by the executive team.
• Accountability for Instore Retail and shop.undergroundshirts.com product listings. 
• Collaborate with the Director of Finance to align financial goals with inventory management strategies, including in-store inventory planning and budgeting. 
• Collaborate with the CEO, Director of Revenue and Director of Finance to determine pricing updates and changes for product offerings. 
• Accountable for inventory management of UGP Locations in collaboration with the Sales Managers and online platforms in collaboration with the Director of Revenue and Director of Finance. 
• Collaborate with the Head of Marketing and National Sales Manager to enhance the overall aesthetic and customer experience in UGP locations.
• Work with the Product Merchandising Team to create and innovate new Retail Designs and Products, in alignment with the Underground Printing Strategic Plan. 
• Accountable for the timely and accurate placement Retail Purchase Orders for in-store inventory from both internal production and external vendors. 
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Marketing, Sales, and Operations, to ensure seamless coordination in product launches, promotions, and inventory management strategies.
• Collaborate with Purchasing and the Director of Finance to Strengthen relationships with key suppliers, negotiating favorable terms and conditions to enhance UGP's purchasing power.
• Coordinate with Purchasing and the Director of Finance to negotiate competitive pricing for top selling products with established vendors. 
• Oversee compliance with branding regulations and standards in the selection and merchandising of products as it pertains to brand / license standards both instore and on shop.ugp.
• Oversee analysis of competitive environment and consumer trends. 

How will we measure success?

• Increase company sales performance measured by revenue growth of Instore retail and shop.undergroundshirts.com
• Metrics on the Retail L10 Scorecard vs Goal as set by Exec Team / CEO.
• EBITDA vs Projected goals set by Exec Team / CEO.
• On time completion of Quarterly rocks set by Exec Team / CEO.

Requirements

• Four year degree from an accredited college or university 
• At least five years experience in high-level, multi-store retail management, preferably in a cross-functional role supporting both stores and corporate office
• Proven track record of success executing events to drive business results 
• Prior experience strategically forecasting, tracking, and analyzing data related to inventory 
• Prior experience managing vendor relationships 
• Strong time management skills and the ability to meet deadlines
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and prioritize workload to produce desired results.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with ability to work across all levels of the organization.