What are the responsibilities and job description for the Retail & E-Commerce Manager & Buyer position at Bitter End Yacht Club?
Shape the Future of a Caribbean Lifestyle Brand
Bitter End Yacht Club is seeking an exceptional retail leader to oversee our on-property retail experience while driving the continued growth of Bitter End Provisions, our lifestyle and e-commerce brand. This is a rare opportunity to combine luxury retail buying, merchandising, product development and design, e-commerce, and brand partnerships within one of the Caribbean's most recognized hospitality brands. The location of this position is flexible, and can be in the corporate office in Stamford, CT, remote, or based in the BVI.
Role Description The Retail & E-Commerce Manager & Buyer
The successful candidate will be equally comfortable styling a retail floor, negotiating with vendors, developing new product collections, analyzing inventory performance, launching products online, and creating memorable guest retail experiences that reflect the Bitter End lifestyle. Working closely with executive leadership, this individual will help shape the future of both the resort's retail operations and the Bitter End Provisions brand.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Lead all retail buying for Bitter End Yacht Club's on-property stores, including Reeftique and The Market.
- Drive annual revenue growth and profitability across retail, e-commerce, and proprietary product development.
- Oversee the strategic direction and day-to-day management of the Bitter End Provisions lifestyle brand and e-commerce business.
- Manage the product catalog, launches, collections, pricing, inventory accuracy, and overall merchandising strategy.
- Develop seasonal buying plans aligned with guest demand, merchandising strategy, financial objectives, and e-commerce growth.
- Source and negotiate with vendors to secure unique, premium products and favorable commercial terms.
- Attend key industry trade shows and identify emerging product and retail trends.
- Lead the development of Bitter End Provisions products from concept through design, sourcing, pricing, production, and launch.
- Establish pricing strategies for retail and e-commerce that maximize profitability while maintaining brand positioning.
- Coordinate product photography, copywriting, digital assets, inventory, and fulfillment to ensure best-in-class product presentation online.
- Partner closely with the Marketing team to develop promotional calendars, product launches and marketing campaigns
- Develop initiatives that increase retail revenue, e-commerce revenue, average transaction value, and customer lifetime value.
- Create elevated visual merchandising and store presentations that reflect the Bitter End aesthetic.
- Manage inventory planning, forecasting, replenishment, and product lifecycle across retail and e-commerce channels.
- Partner closely with executive leadership and finance to ensure inventory accuracy, profitability, and operational excellence.
- Develop engaging retail programming including tastings, workshops, seasonal events, exclusive product launches, and brand activations.
- Provide strategic direction, coaching, and support to on-property retail team
Qualifications
- 5 years of experience in luxury resort retail, merchandising, buying, hospitality retail, and e-commerce.
- Experience with Shopify and e-commerce operations.
- Strong experience in product development, vendor management, and inventory planning.
- Strong visual merchandising skills and an exceptional design eye.
- Strong analytical, financial, and project management skills.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced entrepreneurial environment.
- Passion for hospitality, sailing, travel, or luxury lifestyle brands.
Company Description Bitter End Yacht Club, founded in 1969, is a fourth-generation family-owned island destination known for its historic charm and vibrant maritime culture. Accessible only by sea, it has welcomed travelers and yachting enthusiasts from around the world for over 50 years. Located on the protected waters of North Sound, Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands, it offers exceptional year-round sailing conditions, sunshine, and crystal-blue waters. Bitter End celebrated an epic reopening in 2021 and continues to grow its hospitality, maritime, and retail offerings to their global audience.
Location: The location of this position is flexible, and can be in the corporate office in Stamford, CT, remote, or based in the BVI.