Founded in London in 2010, Glassworks is an independent fashion retailer and ecommerce business built around beautifully designed boutiques, limited-run collections and exceptional customer service. We believe in creating inspiring retail experiences alongside a seamless digital journey, with new collections launching every week. As we continue to scale in the UK and internationally, we are investing in outstanding people, strong operating systems and a culture of continuous improvement.
THE ROLE
We are looking for an exceptional Retail Trading & Development Manager to lead the commercial performance and development of our retail business.
Glassworks has ambitious growth plans, and this role is about building consistently high-performing retail teams and stores by developing outstanding managers, improving commercial execution and creating exceptional customer experiences. You will work closely with the Founder, Senior Operations Manager, HR Operations Lead and Brand team to increase sales, strengthen leadership capability and continuously improve how our stores trade.
This is a hands-on leadership role suited to someone who enjoys coaching people, raising standards, launching new initiatives and turning great ideas into consistent execution. Rather than simply maintaining existing operations, you will play a key role in increasing organisational momentum while reducing founder dependency across retail.
This role is ideal for someone who wants to build something exceptional. You will help shape how Glassworks grows over the coming years, developing future leaders, launching new initiatives and creating one of the strongest independent retail operations in the UK.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Drive retail sales, profitability and trading performance across all stores.
Coach and develop Store Managers and Supervisors, building a strong internal leadership bench and succession pipeline.
Improve management capability around recruitment, performance management, coaching and accountability in partnership with the HR Operations Lead.
Lead the development of Visual Merchandising as a core retail capability. Working closely with the Brand team, you will recruit and develop a dedicated VM function while ensuring stores consistently deliver an exceptional customer experience through visual merchandising, styling, service standards, store presentation and retail communications. You will champion continual improvement in the retail environment while ensuring execution remains aligned with the Glassworks brand.
Identify and launch initiatives that increase retail sales and customer engagement, including new store openings, VIP programmes, personal shopping, community events, partnerships and other initiatives that increase customer engagement and retail revenue.
Carry out regular store visits, providing coaching, setting clear improvement plans and ensuring consistently high retail standards.
Work closely with the Senior Operations Manager, who provides operational support and assurance across the business, while you lead retail execution, management capability and commercial performance.
Protect and increase organisational momentum by identifying opportunities to simplify execution, improve consistency and strengthen the retail operation as the business grows.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
Experience leading multiple retail stores, ideally within fashion, lifestyle or premium retail.
Proven ability to develop high-performing Store Managers and retail teams.
Strong commercial judgement with a track record of improving sales and customer experience.
Confident coaching and performance management skills, with the ability to have clear, honest conversations when standards are not met.
Comfortable making timely people decisions while maintaining a positive, high-performance culture.
A builder's mindset with the energy to improve systems, launch new initiatives and continuously raise standards.
Comfortable working in a fast-moving founder-led business where priorities evolve quickly.
Strong organisational skills and an interest in using AI and technology to improve productivity and execution.
