What are the responsibilities and job description for the Head of Retail position at Athletics?
Position: Head of Retail Department: Strategy & Business Reporting Manager: Senior Vice President, Strategy & Business Development Status: Full-Time Job Classification: Exempt Location:
Las Vegas, NV
About the A's:
The A's are a baseball team founded in 1901. They have a rich history, having won nine World Series championships and 15 American League pennants. The A's are known for pioneering the "Moneyball" approach to team-building, which focuses on using statistical analysis to identify undervalued players.
In addition to their success on the field, the A's also have a positive and dynamic work culture. They have been recognized twice as the Front Office Sports, Best Employers in Sports.
The A's are defined by their core pillars of being Dynamic, Innovative, and Inclusive. Working for the A's offers the opportunity to be part of an innovative organization that values its employees and strives to create a positive work environment.
Description:
The Head of Retail will lead the ideation and execution of the A's retail and merchandise vision, shaping the fan shopping experience, creating alignment with the Club's brand, and driving profitability. This role will develop the strategy and oversee performance for the in-market retail business and, if applicable, collaborate with the Club's external retail partners to ensure consistent operations. This is a strategic leadership role that requires a balance of business acumen, partnership management, and an understanding of the intersection between apparel, sports, and culture.
Responsibilities:
Social Impact & Belonging are in our organizational DNA. Our commitment to these values is unwavering – on and off the field. Together, we continue to build an inclusive, innovative, and dynamic culture that encourages, supports, and celebrates belonging and amplifies all voices. Combining a collaborative and innovative work environment with talented team members, we've created a workforce in which every team member has the tools to reach their full potential.
Equal Opportunity Consideration:
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.
Las Vegas, NV
About the A's:
The A's are a baseball team founded in 1901. They have a rich history, having won nine World Series championships and 15 American League pennants. The A's are known for pioneering the "Moneyball" approach to team-building, which focuses on using statistical analysis to identify undervalued players.
In addition to their success on the field, the A's also have a positive and dynamic work culture. They have been recognized twice as the Front Office Sports, Best Employers in Sports.
The A's are defined by their core pillars of being Dynamic, Innovative, and Inclusive. Working for the A's offers the opportunity to be part of an innovative organization that values its employees and strives to create a positive work environment.
Description:
The Head of Retail will lead the ideation and execution of the A's retail and merchandise vision, shaping the fan shopping experience, creating alignment with the Club's brand, and driving profitability. This role will develop the strategy and oversee performance for the in-market retail business and, if applicable, collaborate with the Club's external retail partners to ensure consistent operations. This is a strategic leadership role that requires a balance of business acumen, partnership management, and an understanding of the intersection between apparel, sports, and culture.
Responsibilities:
- Oversee all aspects of the A's retail business, including merchandising, buying, store operations, authentics, and high-level strategy
- Incorporate trends in sports, culture, and fashion into an innovative retail strategy that drives brand value
- Shape a refreshed vision for the A's retail presence in Las Vegas through targeted product offerings
- Develop retail strategies based on market trends to identify growth areas and reach diverse consumer demographics
- Oversee the build-out of ballpark stores that will shape the in-venue retail experience
- Develop and execute a localized retail distribution strategy in the Las Vegas market during the interim period, expanding brand presence and driving revenue through strategic partnerships and alternative channels
- Ensure all merchandise aligns with league and Club licensing requirements and brand standards
- Identify new product opportunities, categories, and collaborations to drive incremental sales
- Leverage data and fan insights to optimize assortment, pricing, and promotions
- Partner cross-functionally with ticketing, sponsorship, and marketing to align retail strategy with overall revenue generation, brand storytelling, and fan experience initiatives.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure merchandise reflects Club identity and organizational objectives
- Track and analyze sales performance, inventory levels, and customer behavior
- Manage executive-level relationships, ensuring alignment on goals, KPIs, and brand standards
- Serve as the primary liaison between Club and potential external retail partners
- Lead and mentor internal merchandising team by providing support, feedback, and coaching
- Other duties as assigned
- Bachelor's degree required
- 8 years of progressive leadership experience in retail and/or merchandising, with a strong preference for experience in sports or entertainment
- Deep understanding of merchandising strategy, retail operations, and licensed products
- Experience creating and leveraging an apparel strategy to shape brand identity and reputation
- Proven experience managing employees, vendors, and external partners
- Excellent business and financial acumen, with a track record of driving innovation and top- and bottom-line growth
- Strong communication, negotiation, and relationship-management skills
- Strong analytical skills with an ability to extract actionable insights from consumer data
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-visibility environment
- Passion for sports and fan engagement preferred
- Willingness to travel occasionally, as needed
- On-call availability, including some weekends, evenings, and holidays
- Must possess a valid drivers license with a safe and verifiable driving record
Social Impact & Belonging are in our organizational DNA. Our commitment to these values is unwavering – on and off the field. Together, we continue to build an inclusive, innovative, and dynamic culture that encourages, supports, and celebrates belonging and amplifies all voices. Combining a collaborative and innovative work environment with talented team members, we've created a workforce in which every team member has the tools to reach their full potential.
Equal Opportunity Consideration:
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.