Head of Retail Stores & Operations

At Backcountry, our mission is to connect people to their passions. Our four online stores—Backcountry, Competitive Cyclist, MotoSport and, SteepandCheap—aim to supply our customers with the gear, knowledge, and inspiration necessary to get out there and chase down life’s greatest moments. We do this by providing the biggest and best assortment of premium outdoor products, superior shopping experience, personalized Gearhead expertise, lightning-fast and accurate fulfillment, and inspirational, informative, and community-centered content.  The Head of Retail Stores & Operations leads Backcountry's retail organization, holding full accountability for store performance, culture, talent, and P&L across all locations. This leader serves as the primary liaison between stores and all corporate functions — championing field needs, driving HQ alignment, and ensuring store teams are equipped to execute at the highest level. They set ambitious goals, drive accountability at every level, and build a high-performing, customer-centric organization that delivers consistent sales growth, profitability, and community connection.  Reports To: Senior Vice President of Stores  Travel: Frequent store visits required, must be based in Utah (Salt Lake City area) Schedule: Flexible, including nights, weekends, and holidays  Physical: Ability to lift a minimum of 50 lbs.  ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic Leadership

Set the vision and standards for retail operations, challenging teams to innovate and execute with discipline

Hold field leaders accountable to goals, timelines, and brand standards across all locations

Partner cross-functionally with Merchandising, Pricing, Marketing, Finance, and HR to align store execution with company strategy

Represent and promote Backcountry's brand and values in local communities, fostering authentic connections with outdoor enthusiasts, local organizations, and brand partners to deepen customer loyalty and regional presence.

Financial Management

Own retail P&L — budgeting, forecasting, payroll, inventory, and operational efficiency

Drive top-line sales growth and bottom-line profitability with a data-informed approach

Monitor and respond to financial performance across the portfolio with urgency and precision

Performance & Customer Experience

Define clear KPIs, equip teams with the right tools, and drive consistent achievement of goals.

Champion a customer-obsessed culture that drives loyalty, conversion, and an exceptional in-store experience

Ensure store execution aligns with broader customer service and sales growth initiatives

Talent & Development

Recruit, develop, and retain top talent with a focus on high performance and succession planning

Build innovative training programs that empower managers to lead effective teams and elevate store performance

Champion diversity and inclusion across hiring, development, and team culture

Communication & Culture

Foster open, transparent communication across all levels of the organization

Encourage feedback loops that drive continuous improvement in operations and experience

Model Backcountry's core values through visible, accessible leadership**

QUALIFICATIONS:

5+ years of multi-unit retail leadership with direct ownership across budgeting, forecasting, and operational efficiency

Proven track record of driving sales growth and profitability across a multi-unit retail portfolio.

Demonstrated ability to lead, develop, and hold remote teams accountable

Clear, concise communicator across all levels of the business

Proficient in Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, SharePoint, Forms) and POS systems; Google Suite a plus

Ability to build and maintain strong internal and external partnerships

Must be based in Utah (Salt Lake City area)