Head of Retail

Head of Offline Retail / Retail Expansion

The Role

We are looking for a senior, hands-on retail leader to build and scale our offline retail business across premium retail chains, large-format retail, multi-brand outlets, modern trade, distribution partners, and store expansion channels.

While familiarity with e-commerce is beneficial, success in this role will be driven by deep expertise in physical retail — securing the right retail partnerships, driving productivity per store, and scaling a profitable retail footprint.

This role is based in Bangalore and has the potential to evolve into a broader country leadership position as the business expands.

Key Responsibilities

• Own and grow offline retail revenue across premium retail, modern trade, large-format retail, distribution, and multi-brand channels.
• Identify, negotiate, and onboard strategic retail and distribution partners.
• Drive store productivity, sell-through, and channel profitability.
• Build and execute the retail growth playbook, including channel economics, merchandising, in-store experience, promoter programs, and expansion strategy.
• Work closely with founders and senior leadership in a high-ownership, fast-paced environment.
• Leverage AI and modern productivity tools as a core part of daily operations and decision-making.

Ideal Candidate Profile

Must-Haves

1. Deep Offline Retail Experience

• Proven experience managing and scaling offline retail channels, including modern trade, large-format retail, premium retail chains, distribution, and retail expansion.
• Candidates whose experience is predominantly focused on e-commerce marketplaces or online key account management will not be considered.

2. Senior Retail Leadership Experience

• Experience in roles such as Head of Retail, Retail Business Head, GM/National Manager – Retail, Modern Trade Leader, Retail Expansion Lead, or Regional/Zonal Retail Head.
• We are looking for operators who actively drive business growth, not administrators managing established processes.

3. Demonstrated Business Impact

• Must have personally driven meaningful growth in revenue, retail footprint, sell-out performance, distribution reach, or store expansion.
• Ability to quantify impact through measurable business outcomes is essential.

4. Premium Consumer Brand Background

• Experience working with premium consumer brands across categories such as consumer electronics, wearables, lifestyle products, luxury goods, premium appliances, audio products, watches, jewellery, or premium D2C brands with a strong offline presence.
• Candidates from highly commoditized mass-market FMCG categories will generally not be a fit.

5. Stable Career Progression

• Strong preference for candidates demonstrating consistent career growth without frequent short-tenure moves.

6. High-Calibre Profile

• Candidates should demonstrate exceptional achievements, strong brand pedigree, significant business impact, or notable leadership credentials.
• Preference for individuals who stand out beyond standard functional experience.

7. AI-Ready Mindset

• Actively uses AI tools and technology in daily work.
• Candidates should be able to demonstrate practical applications of AI that improve productivity, decision-making, or business outcomes.

8. Location

• Based in Bangalore or willing to relocate to Bangalore.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience building retail or distribution networks across international markets (SAARC, MENA, APAC, Europe, or North America).
• Experience with prestigious leadership development programs or accelerated management tracks.
• Proven track record of launching a brand, product category, or retail channel from zero to one.
• Strong industry visibility, thought leadership, or active participation in retail and consumer business communities.