Head of Retail

Organisation: Stadium MK
Salary: £40,000 per annum plus bonus scheme
Location: Milton Keynes
Contract type: Permanent (Full time)
Closing date: 25 August 2025
Job Description: Are you a commercially driven retail individual with a passion for football, fan experience, and building a standout brand?

Milton Keynes Dons is seeking a dynamic, can-do focused Head of Retail to lead our retail operations, grow revenue across in-store and online platforms, and deliver an exceptional shopping experience for every supporter.

About Us: Driving Innovation, Delivering for Supporters
At Milton Keynes Dons, we’re more than just a football club. We're building something bold, inclusive, and community-led, raising the bar in fan engagement, matchday operations, and commercial performance.

Retail is central to that vision. From shirts to souvenirs, every product represents our identity. As Head of Retail, you’ll lead a key commercial function that fuels revenue, strengthens supporter connection, and pushes the Club’s brand forward, on and off the pitch.

About the Role
This is a senior leadership role at the heart Milton Keynes Dons. You’ll oversee all aspects of our retail strategy, from merchandise planning and ecommerce performance to store operations, licensing partnerships, and fan-facing campaigns, working closely with our Group CEO and Chief Commercial Officer.

You’ll lead a high-performing team, make data-led decisions, and drive innovation in retail experiences. Whether you’re planning a product launch or leading matchday store operations, you’ll be hands-on and forward-thinking, aligning retail activity with the Club’s commercial goals.

Key Responsibilities
• Lead all retail operations across store and online channels
• Develop seasonal merchandise plans and promotional calendars
• Drive product innovation and manage stock/inventory lifecycles
• Optimise ecommerce performance and digital user journeys
• Deliver exceptional customer service and retail presentation standards
• Oversee licensing, vendor negotiations, and supplier relations
• Recruit, train, and develop a motivated, service-led retail team
• Own budgeting, forecasting, and reporting for all retail activity
• Align retail strategies with Club-wide commercial campaigns and fan engagement efforts

What We’re Looking For
We are looking for a retail leader with strong commercial instincts, digital know-how, and a deep understanding of fan-first experiences. You’ll be confident managing profit and loss, driving ecommerce performance, and leading both people and projects with energy and purpose.

Essential:
• Proven experience in a management retail role (ideally within sport or entertainment)
• Strong commercial acumen and ability to manage revenue targets
• Track record of growing ecommerce and physical store sales
• Leadership and team management expertise
• Excellent supplier and stakeholder management skills
• Hands-on knowledge of POS systems, ecommerce platforms, and merchandising tools
• Flexibility to work matchdays, weekends, and peak sales periods

Desirable:
• Experience within a football club or sports merchandising environment
• Knowledge of fan-led product design and supporter expectations
• Familiarity with retail and ecommerce regulations

What We Offer
This is a key leadership position within a progressive and ambitious football club, offering the opportunity to shape and grow the Club’s retail vision. You'll be part of a vibrant, collaborative team culture, with a competitive salary, bonus, and commission structure, and the chance to make a real impact on how fans experience and engage with our brand.

Ready to lead the retail transformation at Stadium MK?
Apply now with your CV and a cover letter outlining your experience and why you're the perfect fit for MK Dons.
How to apply: Visit: Stadium MK Careers (https://www.stadiummk.com/careers/) to view the full job description and apply.