What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Retail Operations position at Stu's Home Improvement Outlet?
Director of Retail Operations
Stu’s Home Improvement Outlet – Dubuque, IA
Full-Time • On-Site • Leadership Role
Who We Are
Stu’s Home Improvement Outlet is the fastest-growing home improvement discount retailer in the tri-state area. We’ve built a community-centered business that provides unbelievable value on appliances, furniture, flooring, tools, and home goods — while using our success to support veterans, families in need, and individuals rebuilding their lives.
We’re now preparing for our next major phase:
expanding to 4–5 new retail locations a central distribution center.
To support this growth, we’re hiring a Director of Retail Operations — a right-hand leader who can build structure, lead teams, improve processes, and prepare the company for multi-unit expansion.
The Opportunity
This role is ideal for a big-box, district, or high-performing general manager who loves building systems, leading people, and scaling operations.
You will work directly with the Founder/CEO to transform a rapidly growing retail business into a scalable, multi-location brand.
This is a hands-on leadership role with major influence over the company’s direction and expansion strategy.
What You’ll Lead
Operational Excellence
• Own daily store operations end-to-end
• Implement SOPs and operational systems
• Optimize warehouse → pricing → floor flow
• Improve customer experience and store presentation
Team Leadership
• Recruit, train, and develop store-level and warehouse teams
• Build a positive, accountable culture
• Establish KPIs, reporting standards, and performance reviews
Sales & Inventory Execution
• Support pricing, merchandising, inventory flow, and discount strategy
• Improve sales processes, conversions, and communication between teams
Growth & Expansion
• Assist in site selection, planning, and new store setup
• Build staffing models for future locations
• Support the development of a centralized distribution model
Who Thrives Here
• Leaders who love building and improving
• People who embrace fast-paced environments
• Strong communicators and strategic thinkers
• Operators who can balance high-level strategy with day-to-day execution
• Leaders who want to leave a mark on a growing brand
Experience We’re Looking For
• 5 years in Retail Operations, Store Management, District Management, or General Manager roles
• Experience with staff development, multi-department leadership, and operational systems
• Strong warehouse/inventory/merchandising background
• Experience scaling, opening stores, or transforming operations is a plus
• Must be willing to work on-site in Dubuque, IA
What We Offer
• Competitive salary performance bonuses
• Clear growth path toward COO-level leadership
• Direct partnership with the Founder/CEO
• Opportunity to influence the future of a rapidly expanding retail brand
• Benefits after probationary period
How to Apply
If you’re a builder, a leader, and someone who thrives in fast-moving environments — we’d love to meet you.
Stu’s Home Improvement Outlet – Dubuque, IA
Full-Time • On-Site • Leadership Role
Who We Are
Stu’s Home Improvement Outlet is the fastest-growing home improvement discount retailer in the tri-state area. We’ve built a community-centered business that provides unbelievable value on appliances, furniture, flooring, tools, and home goods — while using our success to support veterans, families in need, and individuals rebuilding their lives.
We’re now preparing for our next major phase:
expanding to 4–5 new retail locations a central distribution center.
To support this growth, we’re hiring a Director of Retail Operations — a right-hand leader who can build structure, lead teams, improve processes, and prepare the company for multi-unit expansion.
The Opportunity
This role is ideal for a big-box, district, or high-performing general manager who loves building systems, leading people, and scaling operations.
You will work directly with the Founder/CEO to transform a rapidly growing retail business into a scalable, multi-location brand.
This is a hands-on leadership role with major influence over the company’s direction and expansion strategy.
What You’ll Lead
Operational Excellence
• Own daily store operations end-to-end
• Implement SOPs and operational systems
• Optimize warehouse → pricing → floor flow
• Improve customer experience and store presentation
Team Leadership
• Recruit, train, and develop store-level and warehouse teams
• Build a positive, accountable culture
• Establish KPIs, reporting standards, and performance reviews
Sales & Inventory Execution
• Support pricing, merchandising, inventory flow, and discount strategy
• Improve sales processes, conversions, and communication between teams
Growth & Expansion
• Assist in site selection, planning, and new store setup
• Build staffing models for future locations
• Support the development of a centralized distribution model
Who Thrives Here
• Leaders who love building and improving
• People who embrace fast-paced environments
• Strong communicators and strategic thinkers
• Operators who can balance high-level strategy with day-to-day execution
• Leaders who want to leave a mark on a growing brand
Experience We’re Looking For
• 5 years in Retail Operations, Store Management, District Management, or General Manager roles
• Experience with staff development, multi-department leadership, and operational systems
• Strong warehouse/inventory/merchandising background
• Experience scaling, opening stores, or transforming operations is a plus
• Must be willing to work on-site in Dubuque, IA
What We Offer
• Competitive salary performance bonuses
• Clear growth path toward COO-level leadership
• Direct partnership with the Founder/CEO
• Opportunity to influence the future of a rapidly expanding retail brand
• Benefits after probationary period
How to Apply
If you’re a builder, a leader, and someone who thrives in fast-moving environments — we’d love to meet you.
Salary : $75,000 - $125,000