Head of Retail and Enterprise

Head of Retail and Enterprise

Job Description Title: Head of Retail and Enterprise Responsible to: Director of Fundraising, Marketing and Communications Responsible for: Six direct reports and a total team size of over 75 people (excluding shop volunteers) Established in 1897, Blue Cross has grown to be one of the largest and best loved pet welfare charities in the country. It is known for its wide and holistic services which include rehoming, education, veterinary care and behavioural advice. Blue Cross is also known for the deep care and professionalism shown by its 700 strong staff team and more than 3,000 volunteers. In recent years the organisation has undergone significant change including the introduction of stronger management systems, a refreshed Board and a high calibre executive team which includes the appointment of Sally De La Bedoyere as Chief Executive and Julia McKechnie-Burke as Director of Fundraising, Marketing and Communications. Sally is an experienced leader having worked as Managing Director of the Evening Standard, Director of Income Generation at the RSPCA and Chief Executive of the Public Fundraising Regulatory Association. Julia had a successful corporate career becoming Head of Strategy, Planning and Performance for Barclays. Her charity experience includes working at Oxfam initially as Director of Corporate Communications and later as Fundraising and Supporter Marketing Deputy Director. Current Developments This is an exciting time of change. Sally has been working to develop a leadership culture of openness and trust, which is creating the space for an effective integration of the varied operations. At the same time, Blue Cross is widening its service accessibility. To do this, the organisation is breaking the mould of traditional clinical service delivery, exploring new and innovative ways to better serve people and their pets. Some of these developments include: Expanding its innovative Home Direct and Fostering Schemes (which is freeing up space at its centres so that these can be allocated to abandoned pets or those which need behavioural help) Geographical expansion through partnerships with private veterinary practices, allowing Blue Cross to provide access to its services to even more low-income pet owners, while avoiding the capital investment required for new centres Campaigning with sector partners, politicians and the Government who are increasingly calling on Blue Cross because of its reputation as experts in pet behaviour and care. 2

Context of this role The other major development is the very significant investment to raise the profile of the organisation. Having not invested in marketing for many years, Blue Cross is now investing significantly to raise its profile for the next five years. As part of this move, Blue Cross is bringing together the fundraising, marketing and communications functions (total team of 75) as well as the retail business (a further 75) to create a single, joined-up department. With the full support, expertise and empowering courage of the CEO, this newly formed role will support the Director of Fundraising, Marketing and Communications (FMC) to deliver a step-change in profile, public influence and income generation. In summary, this is a time of great aspiration and considerable opportunity for Blue Cross. The Head of Retail and Enterprise will be pivotal in realising these opportunities and making Blue Cross fit for the next stage of its development. To that end, the new Head of Retail and Enterprise will be strategic, entrepreneurially-minded, delivery-oriented and ambitious for the organisation. Main purpose To lead and manage Blue Cross retail operations, including our portfolio of 53 shops and our range of branded products to deliver increased income and brand awareness as well as leading e-commerce initiatives and new product development ideas from inception through to delivery. 3

Key Accountabilities Work with the Director of Fundraising, Marketing and Communications (Director of FMC) to further develop and implement plans for Blue Cross retail, including product mix and buying in support of Blue Cross strategic objectives Lead the retail teams to inspire each individual to provide an excellent customer experience and achieve objectives and profit budgets Oversee the infrastructure of Blue Cross retail, warehousing and fulfilment operations and the overall retail portfolio to continuously improve its fitness to achieve objectives Working closely with the Deputy Director of Marketing and Communications, devise and lead the development of e-commerce in helping to achieve retail and wider charitable objectives Working closely with the Deputy Director of Fundraising, champion product innovation in conjunction with corporate partnerships where achievable and desirable across Blue Cross which align with our brand proposition and values Ensure effective and efficient systems are in place to routinely monitor and evaluate performance across Blue Cross retail operations Monitor trends in Retail within both the commercial and charity sector and identify emerging opportunities and gaps that Blue Cross could capitalise on As a member of the senior management team for Blue Cross, work closely and collaboratively across both the FMC Directorate and with colleagues across Blue Cross to contribute to the achievement of all Directorate and the organisation's objectives. 4

People Management Lead the Retail and Enterprise team within the FMC directorate, focusing on delivery of plans against targets and budgets, applying clear and consistent Performance Management in line with our policies and values Manage direct reports, acting as professional role model and coach, encouraging individuals to identify new opportunities to substantially grow income Work with the Health and Safety Business Partner to ensure compliance with relevant health and safety and employment legislation. Financial Management Develop, manage and review the annual Retail and Enterprise budget and forecast for the Director of FMC, ensuring that all activities are delivered on time and within budget Help to devise and implement business planning with relevant key performance indicators, taking appropriate corrective action if required Ensure latest knowledge and compliance with relevant legislation, especially data security and protection. General Support and advise the Director of FMC in decision making as required Contribute to the active management of risk. 5

Person Specification Experience A strong track record in successfully managing a profitable retail and e-commerce business, ideally gained in both a commercial environment and in the charity sector Proven experience of successfully taking ideas from inception to delivery in the commercial or charity sector A minimum of five years' experience of leadership, line management and development of teams Demonstrable experience of maintaining effective relationships and managing third party suppliers Experienced in the development of budgets, establish procedures for monitoring progress against plans and objectives and for ensuring best use of financial and other resources. 6

Working Hours The role will ideally be based in Carterton, Oxfordshire. However, consideration will be given to candidates who are based in London who are willing to spend at least two days per week in Carterton. The role will also require regular travel. The Standard hours are from 9.00am to 5.00pm, Mondays to Fridays. However, due to the nature of the work of Blue Cross and this post in particular, it may be necessary to vary these hours when the work load demands. The package will be circa 55,000 dependent on qualifications and experience and will include pension contribution and health insurance. How to Apply Applications should be sent by email to Sam Stephens at sam.stephens@macaulaysearch.com The closing date for applications is 16th March 2016. Your application should comprise of: a full CV, including educational and professional qualifications, a full employment history showing the more significant positions, responsibilities held, relevant achievements and latest remuneration including any benefits; a covering note of not more than 1.5 pages (total) summarising your motivation and interest in the role, your experience of retail/ecommerce management, team development and identifying and developing new business opportunities; daytime, evening and/or mobile telephone numbers (to be used with discretion). Process Macaulay Search has been engaged as the executive search advisor on this appointment. A selection of candidates will be invited to a first round of interviews on 4th or 5th April. A second round of interviews is planned for 12th April. You can expect to hear from us by 30th March. THIS JOB DESCRIPTION IS NOT EXHAUSTIVE 7