[Hiring] Head of Retail @Boots

Role Description

As Head of Retail, you’ll lead our Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales and Western England estate of Opticians core stores, bringing company strategy to life through clear plans and strong execution. Reporting to the Director of Retail, Operations, Property & Franchise you’ll drive profit, performance and an outstanding customer experience supported by high‑performing teams. You will also lead our Operations functions of Central Operations and Loss.

• Set clear direction for stores and central functions translating strategy into practical plans that deliver strong retail, operations and clinical performance.
• Drive profit in line with budgets, optimise costs, improve central processes and ways of working, and reduce performance variance across key KPIs.
• Create a culture where an exemplary customer experience sits at the heart of everything we do.
• Ensure a consistent customer journey, the highest retail standards, and full compliance with legal, statutory and professional governance requirements.
• Work closely with the Retail Leadership Team and other Head of Retail role, OLT, support office partners, influencing decisions to simplify ways of working, increase agility and ensure a strong “frontline obsession” approach.
• Build effective relationships with key partners including Scottish, Northern Ireland & Welsh Governments, NHS and wider Boots businesses.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in leading large, geographically dispersed retail teams, with direct accountability for senior managers.
• Experience leading support office teams and operations functions.
• Strong commercial capability, with a track record of delivering profit, sales growth and cost control.
• Experience working with and through NHS structures and importantly Government and Optical bodies.
• Experience driving operational excellence while maintaining high customer and professional standards.
• Confident people leader with strong coaching and performance management skills.
• Ability to analyse data, identify trends and reduce performance variance across KPIs.
• Experience working with HR and employee relations processes.
• Comfortable working independently, taking accountability for outcomes and decisions.
• Demonstrated ability to translate strategy into clear actions and measurable results.

Requirements

• Experience in leading transformation or change programmes in retail.
• A background in healthcare or regulated retail settings.
• Strong networking experience with NHS and local or national health organisations.
• Demonstrated success in improving employee engagement and reducing turnover.

Benefits

• Boots Retirement Savings Plan (up to 12% company contribution).
• Generous employee discounts for you and a family member.
• Enhanced maternity/paternity/adoption leave pay.
• Access to free, 24/7 counselling and support through TELUS Health, our Employee Assistance Programme.

Company Description

At Boots Opticians, we're proud to be an equal opportunity employer, creating a place where everyone feels welcome, supported, and free to be themselves. We believe that when our people feel valued and included, they thrive.

What’s Next?

If you’re excited about this opportunity, we’d love to hear from you! Our team will be in touch to let you know the outcome of your application or to arrange next steps.

Be brilliant with Boots.

#SeeWhatsPossible