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!
