Head Of Retail - Epic The Irish Emigration Museum

At EPIC, we tell the story of how the Irish shaped the world and our retail offering brings that story to life in a tangible way. From beautifully crafted Irish products to thoughtful, story-led displays, our gift shop is a key part of the visitor experience and a driver of commercial success.

We’re looking for a Head of Retail who can combine creative merchandising, strong commercial thinking, and people leadership to deliver an exceptional in-store and online experience..

About the Role

As Head of Retail, you will combine strong commercial leadership with creative vision to deliver a retail experience that is both commercially successful and deeply connected to EPIC’s story. You will use data, insight and instinct to shape product, drive performance, and lead a team to create a shop that feels as engaging and memorable as the museum itself.

This is a leadership role, balancing strategic vision with hands-on operational excellence. Success in the role depends on strong commercial judgement, data-led decision making, and the ability to lead people and partners to deliver sustainable revenue growth.

This is a unique opportunity to shape a retail experience at one of Ireland’s leading cultural attractions - bringing Ireland’s story to life in a way visitors can take with them.

Key Areas of Impact

Commercial Acumen & Decision-Making

• Lead and shape the overall commercial performance of retail, including revenue growth, margin optimisation, and average transaction value
• Interpret sales data, visitor trends, and product performance to inform commercial decisions
• Strong budgeting, forecasting and KPI management, with clear reporting to senior leadership
• Identify and unlock new revenue opportunities across both in-store and online retail channels

Data Analysis & Stock Control

• Maintain a strong and disciplined approach to inventory management, stock turns and pricing strategy
• Use data-led insights to guide purchasing decisions and optimise product performance
• Leverage retail systems and reporting tools to continuously refine range planning and stock mix
• Oversight of efficient fulfilment and stock accuracy across in-store and online operations

Purchasing, Buying & Supplier Management

• Strategic ownership of buying, product development and supplier relationships
• Curate a distinctive product range that reflects Irish culture, craft and storytelling
• Build strong supplier relationships and negotiate effectively to deliver commercial value
• Develop long-term partnerships aligned with EPIC’s brand and sustainability values

Team Leadership & Performance

• Lead, inspire and develop a high-performing retail team
• Set clear goals and support the team through coaching, feedback and development
• Create a collaborative, commercially aware culture focused on sales, service and visitor experience
• Oversee rostering, training and capability building to support a consistently strong shop floor

Retail Experience & Brand Alignment

• Shape a retail experience that enhances and extends the EPIC visitor journey
• Ensure the shop’s look, feel and merchandising reflect the EPIC brand and storytelling
• Work closely with Marketing, Visitor Experience and Sales to align retail with exhibitions, campaigns and events
• Champion responsible and sustainable retail practices

What you bring

Experience

• Significant experience in a retail leadership role (typically 5+ years), ideally within a premium, cultural or visitor-focused environment
• Track record of driving sales growth and managing retail performance
• Experience in buying, merchandising and product development

Skills & Strengths

• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to translate data into action
• Creative eye for merchandising, branding and retail presentation
• Confident leader who can inspire, coach and develop a team
• Excellent organisational and planning skills
• Comfortable working with retail systems, reporting tools and online platforms
• Passion for Irish culture, storytelling and delivering exceptional visitor experiences

If you’re excited by the opportunity to shape a retail experience that connects people to Ireland’s story and stays with them beyond their visit - while driving commercial success - we’d love to hear from you!