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Director Retail Operations Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

PetSmart

Retail Operations Lead

Valparaiso, IN · On-site

$13.25 - $16.25/hr

Retail Operations Lead About Life at PetSmart Our associates are the heart of Team PetSmart ... No direct reports, however, are expected to guide and support the development of other associates.

PetSmart

Retail Operations Lead

Orland Hills, IL · On-site

$15 - $18.50/hr

Retail Operations Lead About Life at PetSmart Our associates are the heart of Team PetSmart ... No direct reports, however, are expected to guide and support the development of other associates.

PetSmart

Retail Operations Lead

Orland Hills, IL · On-site

$15 - $18.50/hr

Retail Operations Lead About Life at PetSmart Our associates are the heart of Team PetSmart ... No direct reports, however, are expected to guide and support the development of other associates.

PetSmart

Retail Operations Lead

Countryside, IL

$15.25 - $18.50/hr

Retail Operations Lead About Life at PetSmart Our associates are the heart of Team PetSmart ... No direct reports, however, are expected to guide and support the development of other associates.

PetSmart

Retail Operations Lead

Valparaiso, IN

$13.25 - $16.25/hr

Retail Operations Lead About Life at PetSmart Our associates are the heart of Team PetSmart ... No direct reports, however, are expected to guide and support the development of other associates.

PetSmart

Retail Operations Lead

Countryside, IL · On-site

$15.25 - $18.50/hr

Retail Operations Lead About Life at PetSmart Our associates are the heart of Team PetSmart ... No direct reports, however, are expected to guide and support the development of other associates.

PetSmart

Retail Operations Lead

Wheaton, IL · On-site

$15.25 - $18.75/hr

Retail Operations Lead About Life at PetSmart Our associates are the heart of Team PetSmart ... No direct reports, however, are expected to guide and support the development of other associates.

PetSmart

Retail Operations Lead

Chicago, IL · On-site

$16 - $19.50/hr

Retail Operations Lead About Life at PetSmart Our associates are the heart of Team PetSmart ... No direct reports, however, are expected to guide and support the development of other associates.

PetSmart

Retail Operations Lead

Chicago, IL

$16 - $19.50/hr

Retail Operations Lead About Life at PetSmart Our associates are the heart of Team PetSmart ... No direct reports, however, are expected to guide and support the development of other associates.

PetSmart

Retail Operations Lead

Valparaiso, IN

$13.25 - $16.25/hr

Retail Operations Lead About Life at PetSmart Our associates are the heart of Team PetSmart ... No direct reports, however, are expected to guide and support the development of other associates.

PetSmart

Retail Operations Lead

Chicago, IL

$16 - $19.50/hr

Retail Operations Lead About Life at PetSmart Our associates are the heart of Team PetSmart ... No direct reports, however, are expected to guide and support the development of other associates.

PetSmart

Retail Operations Lead

Wheaton, IL

$15.25 - $18.75/hr

Retail Operations Lead About Life at PetSmart Our associates are the heart of Team PetSmart ... No direct reports, however, are expected to guide and support the development of other associates.

PetSmart

Retail Operations Lead

Countryside, IL · On-site

$15.25 - $18.50/hr

Retail Operations Lead About Life at PetSmart Our associates are the heart of Team PetSmart ... No direct reports, however, are expected to guide and support the development of other associates.

PetSmart

Retail Operations Lead

Chicago, IL · On-site

$16 - $19.50/hr

Retail Operations Lead About Life at PetSmart Our associates are the heart of Team PetSmart ... No direct reports, however, are expected to guide and support the development of other associates.

PetSmart

Retail Operations Lead

Wheaton, IL

$15.25 - $18.75/hr

Retail Operations Lead About Life at PetSmart Our associates are the heart of Team PetSmart ... No direct reports, however, are expected to guide and support the development of other associates.

PetSmart

Retail Operations Lead

Wheaton, IL · On-site

$15.25 - $18.75/hr

Retail Operations Lead About Life at PetSmart Our associates are the heart of Team PetSmart ... No direct reports, however, are expected to guide and support the development of other associates.

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All JobsRetail Operations JobsDirector Retail Operations JobsDirector Retail Operations Jobs in Chicago, IL

Director Retail Operations information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$23.2K

$104.7K

$190.6K

How much do director retail operations jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for director retail operations in Chicago, IL is $104,677.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,000.00 and $123,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a director of retail operations do?

A Director of Retail Operations oversees the daily operations and overall performance of retail stores within an organization. They are responsible for setting sales goals, developing strategies to improve store efficiency, managing budgets, and ensuring high levels of customer satisfaction. This role often involves supervising store managers, analyzing market trends, and implementing company policies across multiple locations. Directors of Retail Operations play a key role in driving business growth and maintaining brand consistency.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a director of retail operations?

To thrive as a Director of Retail Operations, you need in-depth knowledge of retail management, inventory control, and business strategy, typically supported by a bachelor’s degree in business or a related field and several years of retail leadership experience. Familiarity with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, point-of-sale (POS) platforms, and data analytics tools is essential for optimizing operations. Exceptional leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills help drive team performance and manage change effectively. These competencies are vital for achieving sales targets, ensuring operational efficiency, and maintaining a positive customer experience across multiple retail locations.

What are the main challenges a director of retail operations typically faces when managing multiple store locations?

A Director of Retail Operations often encounters challenges such as maintaining consistent customer experiences, ensuring operational efficiency, and adapting quickly to market trends across various locations. Balancing corporate goals with the unique needs of each store requires strong communication and effective delegation skills. Additionally, overseeing staff training and performance, managing supply chain logistics, and implementing new technologies are common responsibilities that demand strategic planning and problem-solving abilities.

What is the difference between Director Retail Operations vs Retail Store Manager?

AspectDirector Retail OperationsRetail Store Manager
ResponsibilitiesOversees multiple stores, develops strategies, manages regional teamsManages daily store operations, staff, and sales at a single location
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree, experience in retail management, leadership skillsHigh school diploma or equivalent, retail management experience often preferred
Work EnvironmentCorporate offices, regional meetings, travel between storesOn-site at individual retail stores
Industry UsageCommon in large retail chains and corporationsCommon in all retail store settings, from small to large chains

The main difference between a Director Retail Operations and a Retail Store Manager lies in scope and responsibilities. The Director oversees multiple stores and develops strategic initiatives, while the Store Manager focuses on daily store operations and staff management. Both roles require retail experience, but the Director position typically demands more leadership and strategic planning skills.

What are the most commonly searched types of Retail Operations jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Retail Operations jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Director Retail Operations jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Director Retail Operations job openings:

Director Retail Operations jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Retail Operations job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,237 per year, or $50.6 per hour.

Retail Operations Manager

Blick Art Materials

Highland Park, IL • On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago

Blick Art Materials rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 27 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

28th of 739 rated retailers

Job description

Your Role...
By exhibiting exceptional teamwork, boundless curiosity, and the utmost care, the Retail Operations Manager is to support the Director of Stores and District Managers as liaison between the stores and retail support departments. Secondary responsibility of the position is to execute the directives, policies and procedures of the company to ensure customer service, product sales and profitability.
Responsibilities:
  • Works directly with the Director of Stores to execute strategies and action plans to ensure business plan objectives are met.
  • Work with department managers to "gate keep" projects for the retail stores. Collaborate with department managers to ensure processes and timing of projects fit into the retail calendar and positively impact the business.
  • Regular scheduled travel to Blick offices in Galesburg and Highland Park to attend/facilitate meetings. Some travel to stores to work with store teams to identify areas of opportunity to positively impact the business.
  • Oversee updates to Loss Prevention audits working with our Loss Prevention partner, manage Store Visit Review compliance and updates as required to meet business needs.
  • Attend strategic meetings and collaborate with department managers to execute leadership initiatives.
  • Support the District Managers by being a liaison between the retail field and the office staff.
  • Partner with the Director of Stores to communicate initiatives to the stores.
  • Monitors progress of all training initiatives and regularly communicate with the Store Manager, Human Resources and senior management on progress and needs of the field team.
  • Update and develop policies and procedures to meet changing business needs.
  • Ensure appropriate information is communicated to all field employees in a timely and appropriate manner including; directives, initiatives, general information, feedback, etc.
  • Create tracking to monitor progress of Ops initiatives execution.
  • The position includes all other duties assigned by the supervisor.

Requirements for the position include:
  • Bachelor's degree in business or a related field recommended.
  • 3-5 years' progressively responsive retail management experience.
  • 3+ years' experience managing multiple stores.
  • Basic computer skills, including email, experience with Microsoft office products, etc.
  • Ability to break down complex problems into organized, succinct terms and communicate effectively to cross functional team members.
  • Extensive experience and ability to excel in delivering a high level of customer service in a brand image retailer.
  • Retail operations, budgeting, planning, customer service, sales and people management experience.

General Requirements:
  • Ability to work onsite in Highland Park office and travel monthly to the Galesburg office. Overnight travel on an occasional basis 20% of the time.
  • Self-motivating with an entrepreneurial spirit.
  • Excellent time management skills to complete time sensitive projects while adapting to changing circumstances.
  • Available to work day/evening shifts, weekends, and holidays as needed.
  • Prolonged walking and standing.
  • Ability to lift and carry up to 40 lbs. using appropriate lifting techniques and adhering to all safety rules.

Pay Rate:
The pay range below is provided in compliance with state/city specific laws. This pay range applies to this location. Pay ranges may be different in other locations.
  • $60,000 - $70,000 per year + Incentives

Benefits Include:
  • Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance
  • 401K & Profit Sharing Plan
  • Incentive Bonus Plans
  • Paid Holidays & Paid Time Off
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Short-Term/Long-Term Disability
  • Training Opportunities
  • Basic & Optional Life Insurance
  • Employee Discount

Who We Are...
Founded in 1911, Blick Art Materials is in its third generation of family ownership, and is the largest and oldest provider of art supplies in the United States.
Our Mission...
At Blick Art Materials, our family owners and dedicated staff support the Visual Art Community by providing the widest selection of art supplies at the lowest prices. With extraordinary service and integrity, we strive to provide artists, educators, students, and our employees with the tools, assistance, and training they need to grow, innovate, and reach their creative potential.

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