Organisation Charlton Athletic Football Club Salary Competitive Location Charlton Athletic Football Club, Floyd Road, London Contract type Permanent (Full time) Closing date 10 December 2025 Job Description JOB PURPOSE
The Head of Retail & Licensing will lead and grow Charlton Athletics’ retail and licensing operations, driving long-term strategic development while maximising short-term commercial opportunities. This role requires an innovative, data-driven leader with strong attention to detail who can oversee stock, finances, and brand partnerships, as well as deliver on both UK and global licensing potential. The successful candidate will grow the club’s retail revenue and licensing footprint while establishing best-in-class operations.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Retail Operations & Strategy
•Own the full P&L for the retail business, including physical stores (currently 2) and e-commerce
• Develop and implement a retail strategy that aligns with the club’s commercial objectives, including merchandising, pricing, and product mix.
• Ensure robust inventory management system is in place, including forecasting, stock replenishment, minimising stock risk etc.
• Identify and deliver quick-win revenue opportunities while also planning for sustainable growth.
• Implement strategies to ensure a seamless in-store and online experience, optimising customer journey and conversion.
• Work with Finance to ensure compliance with financial controls, margin targets, and reporting processes.
• Lead the retail team and build a performance-driven, fan-first culture.
• Potential to identify and work with third party operators if deemed best for the business
Licensing & Brand Partnerships
• Develop and execute an innovative licensing strategy that expands Charlton Athletic’s brand visibility, both in the UK and internationally.
• Identify, negotiate, and manage licensing partners, including manufacturers, retailers, and brand collaborators.
• Create licensing agreements that protect the club’s brand and revenue.
• Oversee the design, development, and launch of new licensed products.
• Monitor market trends and competitor activity to ensure the club remains ahead of industry developments.
• Serve as the internal expert on licensing, advising the Commercial Director and wider leadership team.
Commercial Leadership & Growth
• Set retail and licensing revenue targets and lead delivery against them.
• Build business cases for new product lines, markets, retail channels and/or operations
• Lead growth initiatives such as new store openings, partnerships, and international distribution.
• Develop and run regular performance reporting to the Commercial Director and senior leadership.
• Create processes and frameworks for forecasting and budgeting.
• Lead on seasonal planning, including new merchandise rollouts, promotions, and licensing activations.
Collaboration & Cross-Functional Leadership
• Work with Marketing to create compelling retail and licensing marketing collateral.
• Collaborate with the digital team to optimise e-commerce platforms.
• Liaise with events, hospitality, and commercial teams to integrate retail and licensing into matchday and non-matchday strategies.
• Support the Commercial Director in managing key stakeholders including partners, suppliers, and licensees.
Essential Experience
• Proven senior experience in retail operations, merchandising, or commercial retail management in highly pressurised environments
• Strong P&L management experience, including forecasting, budgeting, and delivering against revenue and margin targets.
• Demonstrable success in e-commerce operations, including platform optimisation, conversion improvement, and online product strategy.
• Experience managing stock and inventory systems at scale, with strong analytical capability and exceptional attention to detail.
• Track record of delivering sales growth, both through strategic planning and rapid commercial decision-making.
• Experience developing and launching retail product ranges, including seasonal planning and critical path management.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence senior leadership.
Desirable Experience
• Experience working in professional football or elite sport, understanding fan behaviour, matchday operations, and club brand dynamics.
• Licensing experience, ideally with consumer brands, entertainment businesses, sports clubs, or apparel companies.
• Background in apparel, sportswear, or lifestyle retail (on the buying or merchandising side).
• Familiarity with retail analytics platforms, EPOS systems, or e-commerce CMS tools.
• Experience developing brand collaborations or special-edition merchandise ranges.
• Understanding of digital marketing, including product photography, campaign planning, and online content optimisation.
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