Head of Retail

Are you a commercially driven retail professional with a passion for football, fan experience, and building a standout brand?

Milton Keynes Dons is seeking a dynamic, can-do focused Head of Retail to lead our retail operations, grow revenue across in-store and online platforms, and deliver an exceptional shopping experience for supporters.

About the Role

This is a senior leadership role at the heart of Milton Keynes Dons. You'll oversee all aspects of our retail strategy, including merchandise planning, ecommerce performance, store operations, licensing partnerships, and fan-facing campaigns, working closely with our Group CEO and Chief Commercial Officer.

You'll lead a high-performing team, make data-driven decisions, and drive innovation in retail experiences. Whether planning a product launch or leading matchday store operations, you'll be hands-on and forward-thinking, aligning retail activities with the Club's commercial goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all retail operations across store and online channels
• Develop seasonal merchandise plans and promotional calendars
• Drive product innovation and manage stock/inventory lifecycles
• Optimize ecommerce performance and digital user journeys
• Deliver exceptional customer service and retail presentation standards
• Oversee licensing, vendor negotiations, and supplier relations
• Recruit, train, and develop a motivated, service-led retail team
• Manage budgeting, forecasting, and reporting for all retail activity
• Align retail strategies with Club-wide commercial campaigns and fan engagement efforts

What We're Looking For

We seek a retail leader with strong commercial instincts, digital expertise, and a deep understanding of fan-first experiences. You should be confident managing profit and loss, driving ecommerce performance, and leading teams and projects with energy and purpose.

• Proven experience in a management retail role (ideally within sport or entertainment)
• Strong commercial acumen and ability to manage revenue targets
• Track record of growing ecommerce and physical store sales
• Leadership and team management skills
• Excellent supplier and stakeholder management abilities
• Hands-on knowledge of POS systems, ecommerce platforms, and merchandising tools
• Flexibility to work matchdays, weekends, and peak sales periods

Desirable:

• Experience within a football club or sports merchandising environment
• Knowledge of fan-led product design and supporter expectations
• Familiarity with retail and ecommerce regulations

About Us: Driving Innovation, Delivering for Supporters

At Milton Keynes Dons, we're more than just a football club. We're building something bold, inclusive, and community-led, raising the bar in fan engagement, matchday operations, and commercial performance.

Retail is central to that vision. From shirts to souvenirs, every product represents our identity. As Head of Retail, you'll lead a key commercial function that fuels revenue, strengthens supporter connection, and advances the Club's brand, on and off the pitch.

What We Offer

This is a key leadership position within a progressive and ambitious football club, offering the opportunity to shape and grow the Club's retail vision. You'll be part of a vibrant, collaborative team, with a competitive salary, bonus, and commission structure, and the chance to make a real impact on how fans experience and engage with our brand.