Director of Retail Sales

JOB DESCRIPTION
As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, the Director of Retail Sales is responsible to help with the strategic direction, performance, and growth of Kent Building Supplies. This role oversees all aspects of retail sales, customer experience, team leadership, and operational excellence, with a strong focus on driving revenue, optimizing profitability, and enhancing brand presence in the market.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic Leadership & Sales Growth

• Develop and execute long-term retail strategies aligned with corporate objectives, market trends, and evolving customer needs.
• Establish annual sales targets and budgets, monitor performance metrics, and implement data-driven strategies to maximize revenue and gross margins.
• Identify emerging market opportunities and competitive advantages to expand market share and strengthen brand positioning.

Market Intelligence & Business Development

• Partner with market research and competitive analysis to inform product selection, pricing strategies, and promotional initiatives.
• Collaborate with Marketing to design and implement campaigns that drive traffic, enhance customer engagement, and elevate brand awareness.

Financial Oversight

• Manage retail budgets with a focus on disciplined cost control and margin optimization.
• Partner with Finance to forecast revenue, analyze profitability drivers, and implement corrective actions to ensure financial targets are met.
• Own the P&L requisition process for the retail division, ensuring accurate tracking, reporting, and alignment with financial objectives.

Customer Experience & Stakeholder Engagement

• Champion a customer-centric culture across all retail locations, ensuring consistent service excellence and loyalty-building initiatives.
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with key clients, partners, and industry stakeholders to support business development and enhance brand reputation.

Operational Excellence & Inventory Management

• Collaborate with Purchasing and Inventory teams to ensure optimal product availability, inventory efficiency, and reduction of markdowns.
• Oversee retail operations to ensure compliance with company standards, policies, and performance expectations.

Team Leadership & Talent Development

• Lead, coach, and develop high-performing retail teams to achieve sales goals and deliver exceptional customer service.
• Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and professional growth across all levels of the retail organization.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or related field; MBA or equivalent advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive leadership experience in retail or consumer-facing operations.
• Proven track record in driving sales growth, managing large teams, and delivering operational excellence.
• Strong financial acumen with experience in budgeting, forecasting, and performance analysis.
• Exceptional strategic thinking, communication, and stakeholder management skills.

ABOUT US
Founded in 1882, J.D. Irving, Limited (JDI) has operations in Canada and the United States and are a team of 20,000 dedicated employees. At J.D. Irving, Limited, you are part of a dynamic team of professionals who lead with integrity and are passionate about delivering results. With a culture that nurtures talent and creates an inclusive workplace, you can grow your career across our various operating divisions.
We are committed to creating accessible environments for our colleagues, candidates, and customers. Requests for accommodation due to a disability (which may be visible or invisible, temporary, or permanent) can be made at any stage of application and employment. We encourage candidates to make their accommodation needs known so that we can provide equitable opportunities.
Worried you do not meet all the requirements? Studies have shown that many applicants apply only to job opportunities when they feel they meet 100% of the criteria. We promote an inclusive environment where everyone is appreciated, recognized, and empowered to contribute fully. If you are interested in this position but are worried you did not meet all the requirements, we would encourage you to still apply.
We appreciate your interest in our company however only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
ABOUT THE TEAM
Kent is the largest retail building supply chain in Atlantic Canada. With 48 locations and an ecommerce website, our mission is to be the best source of home improvement products through superior customer service and know-how, quality products, and everyday great prices. We protect our customers and staff by hiring and training associates committed to our safety values. We employ over 3,700 people and work hard to increase our market share through strategic investment in training and technology. We focus on the development of our people and promote a culture of continuous improvement and innovation. In addition to our retail stores, we operate truss manufacturing facilities and a wholesale drywall company. We are a member of Independent Lumber Dealers Co-operative and the ARENA buying group which ensures our great product selection and pricing