Senior Vice President of Stores

Senior Vice President of Global Stores  

Location(s): Stamford, CT or New York City preferred 

Reports to: President, Global Retail 

Organization: Global Retail – DWR, Herman Miller, Knoll Brands  

 
About the Opportunity: 
We are seeking a dynamic and visionary Senior Vice President of Global Stores to lead the strategic direction and operational excellence of our global retail portfolio, encompassing iconic brands such as Herman Miller, Knoll, and Design Within Reach (DWR) across full-price and outlet formats. This executive will be responsible for shaping the future of premium retail experiences, driving profitability, and scaling a high-performing global store network. 

As the steward of the global retail P&L, the SVP will champion innovation, elevate brand equity, and deliver exceptional customer experiences through a seamless omnichannel strategy. This role demands a seasoned leader with deep expertise in retail operations, customer engagement, and cross-functional collaboration. 

Key Responsibilities 

Strategic Leadership & Vision 

• Define and communicate a bold, future-forward vision for global retail, aligning brand experiences with long-term business goals and market dynamics. 

• Inspire and lead a high-performing global sales and operations team, fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and accountability. 

• Drive enterprise-level strategies that ensure brand consistency, operational efficiency, and elevated customer engagement across all store formats. 

• Partner with C-suite and senior leaders in marketing, merchandising, product, and digital to ensure strategic alignment across all channels. 

• Establish best-in-class practices in retail operations, customer experience, and talent development to support scalable growth and sustained profitability. 

• Communicates effectively with associates at all levels, inclusive of the MillerKnoll Leadership Team and Board of Directors 

Financial Management & Growth Strategy 

• Oversee budgeting and resource allocation to optimize store performance and meet financial targets. 

• Drive revenue growth through a luxury selling focused organization, strategic product placement, upselling, and loyalty initiatives. 

• Monitor profitability and cost management to ensure alignment with financial objectives. 

Global Expansion & Innovation 

• Lead the expansion of a growing fleet of 80+ stores, with aggressive plans for global growth. 

• Oversee new store openings and renovations, ensuring alignment with brand standards and customer expectations. 

• Collaborate with digital teams to deliver a seamless omnichannel experience. 

• Guide real estate strategy and cross-functional execution for store development. 

• Analyze global retail trends and competitive landscapes to identify new opportunities for innovation and expansion. 

Operational Excellence & Performance Management 

• Oversee day-to-day operations across all store formats, ensuring adherence to policies, procedures, and industry standards. 

• Own and manage the global retail P&L, including Herman Miller, Knoll, DWR, and outlet stores. 

• Analyze performance metrics and business results, providing strategic insights and recommendations to leadership. 

• Lead the implementation of initiatives to optimize inventory, visual merchandising, and store design. 

Customer Experience & Brand Stewardship 

• Champion a differentiated customer experience strategy that reflects brand values, builds client lifetime value, and delivers a consistent, premium experience across all touchpoints. 

• Influences innovative clienteling and engagement programs to deepen customer relationships and drive loyalty. 

• Collaborate with marketing and brand teams to create immersive in-store storytelling and personalized customer journeys. 

• Leverage data and insights to continuously refine the retail experience in alignment with evolving consumer expectations. 

Talent Development & Organizational Growth 

• Build and scale a world-class retail leadership team, emphasizing collaboration, accountability, and performance. 

• Mentor leaders to maximize impact and leadership effectiveness. 

• Partner with HR to drive strategic talent initiatives, including recruitment, development, and retention. 

• Implement succession planning and performance-based incentives to recognize and reward top talent. 

Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in business, retail, or a related field preferred. 

• 15+ years of senior leadership experience in retail, product, marketing, or general management. 

• 5+ years leading a premium retail organization. 

• Ability to develop short- and long-term operational plans (e.g., 3–5 years) in support of an integrated retail strategy. 

• Proven success in scaling retail businesses and launching new stores. 

• Data-driven mindset with a passion for customer insights and behavioral analytics. 

• Strategic thinker with a hands-on approach to execution and problem-solving. 

• Deep understanding of the U.S. retail landscape and global market dynamics. 

• Strong financial acumen and results-oriented mindset. 

• Strategic thinker with a bias for execution and agility. 

• Strong relationship-building skills with direct reports and cross-functional partners; able to maintain credibility and presence across the business. 

• Exceptional people leadership skills; adept at coaching and developing team members. 

• Willingness to travel up to 50% of the time