Director of Retail Operations

Director of Retail OperationsABOUT YOUNGLAYoungLA is one of the fastest-growing fitness and lifestyle brands in the world. What started in Los Angeles has grown into a global community built around fitness, ambition, and self-expression. Today, millions of customers engage with the brand through our apparel, content, athletes, creators, events, and growing retail presence. We move quickly, challenge convention, and aren't afraid to build differently.Retail is one of the newest and most exciting chapters of the YoungLA story. With our first store now open and future expansion on the horizon, we're focused on creating an in-person experience that reflects the same energy, community, and customer obsession that helped build the brand online. This is an opportunity to help shape what retail looks like at YoungLA from the ground up.ABOUT THE ROLEWith our first store established and future expansion plans already taking shape, we're looking for a retail leader to help build the operational foundation for the next stage of growth. The Director of Retail Operations will be responsible for developing the systems, processes, standards, and team structure that support a scalable retail organization. This role will oversee the day-to-day success of our existing retail operation while helping shape the strategy and execution of future locations, pop-ups, and brand activations.This is a highly visible role that partners closely with company leadership and cross-functional teams including marketing, creative, inventory, ecommerce, and customer experience. Success in this position will come from balancing strong operational discipline with an exceptional customer and brand experience.While this role will play an important part in supporting future retail expansion, the immediate focus is on strengthening and optimizing our existing retail operation, establishing scalable systems and standards, and building the operational foundation necessary to support long-term growth. Success in this role will come from creating a retail organization that performs effectively today while positioning the business for future expansion opportunities.For someone who enjoys building, improving, and scaling retail operations from the ground up, this is an opportunity to play a meaningful role in defining what retail becomes at YoungLAKEY RESPONSIBILITIESOperational FoundationConduct a full operational audit of the existing LA store: POS systems, inventory management, loss prevention, security tagging, and store flowBuild and implement the YoungLA Retail Playbook: store standards, policies, guidelines, and cultural expectations aligned to the brandEstablish and own in-store systems and workflows that create consistency and scalability from day oneOversee daily store operations and serve as the primary operational point of contact between the store and HQTeam Leadership & DevelopmentTrain, develop, and hold the Store Manager accountable, setting clear KPIs, performance expectations, and a structured feedback cadenceBuild a training framework for all store roles that can be replicated as the team growsOwn the hiring framework for future store staff as the business expandsFinancial Reporting & StrategyDevelop and maintain the retail operating P&L framework, providing visibility into store profitability, operating expenses, labor performance, and future expansion opportunities.Develop a weekly and monthly reporting structure that connects store-level performance data to HQ leadership in a clear, actionable formatIdentify and communicate trends, risks, and opportunities to leadership with strategic recommendationsRetail ExpansionLead the planning and operational execution of a YoungLA pop-up store in New York - from site setup and staffing to systems, standards, and close-outOversee operations for YoungLA event pop-up activations, working cross-functionally with marketing and creative to deliver brand-consistent, well-run experiencesBuild a portable, documented Store Launch Packet - the replication toolkit that allows every future location to open on a proven foundationSupport site evaluation and pre-opening planning for permanent Store 2 and beyondMerchandising & Customer ExperiencePartner with a Visual Merchandiser to align in-store presentation with new product drops and brand creative directionDevelop a long-term in-store strategy covering product drops, inventory cadence, seasonal planning, and the overall customer journeyQUALIFICATIONSWhat We're Looking For5-10+ years of retail operations experience, ideally with a DTC, lifestyle, or apparel brandHas owned a store P&L - built it, managed it, and presented it to leadershipProven track record opening or restructuring a retail store from the ground upDeep hands-on experience with POS systems, inventory management, loss prevention, and store-level systemsExperience managing or developing a store manager and frontline retail teamHas built operational playbooks, training frameworks, and SOPs that outlasted their time in the roleComfortable working across functions - collaborating with marketing, creative, and finance to get things doneExperience managing or executing pop-up retail or event-based retail activations is a strong plusWillingness to travel, including time in New York for the planned NYC pop-upWho You AreA builder at heart who can move seamlessly between high-level planning and day-to-day operational executionStrategic and yet hands-on builder mindsetHigh standards, high accountabilityBrand-native - you strive to understand the YoungLA customer, the culture, and why both matter to how the store runsExcited by the early stage, not intimidated by it - you see the opportunity in ambiguitySalary Range: $135,000 - $150,000 DOEIn addition to base salary, YoungLA offers a benefits package including medical, dental, vision, paid time off, employee discounts, and the opportunity to be part of one of the fastest-growing brands in the fitness and lifestyle space