Retail Strategic Associate

## About the Role The Retail Strategic Associate plays a pivotal role at Rowan, operating at the nexus of strategy and execution to drive revenue growth, streamline operations, and foster strong communication across the company's extensive studio network. This position, reporting to the Chief Revenue Officer and dotted line to the Chief of Staff, is essential for synthesizing field insights, developing structured problem-solving approaches, and ensuring data-driven initiatives align with broader business priorities. The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment, bringing structure to complex problems and driving tangible impact on field performance and growth.

Rowan, with its joyful approach to ear piercings and commitment to safety through its team of licensed nurses, prioritizes offering a fun, celebratory, and safe experience for all customers. The company's mission, 'piercing for all,' reflects its inclusive and customer-centric ethos. As part of the Rowan team, the Retail Strategic Associate will be integral in supporting this mission through strategic and operational excellence.

The retail landscape is evolving, with consumer behaviors shifting towards experiences and personalized interactions. In this context, Rowan's innovative approach to ear piercings, coupled with its expanding network of studios, presents a compelling opportunity for a professional looking to contribute to a dynamic and growing company.

## What You Will Do - Support the Chief Revenue Officer and retail team in projects aimed at driving revenue and margin expansion, focusing on increasing attachment rates and expanding basket size.

• Facilitate retail contests and create visuals for submissions on the company's internal retail communication platform.
• Monitor and analyze key performance metrics across studios to identify trends, opportunities for optimization, and areas for improvement in revenue, operations, and overall studio health.
• Develop and maintain structured approaches to recurring business challenges, ensuring consistency and scalability across the field.
• Organize and streamline communication with Studio Managers, including weekly updates, alignment meetings, and best practice sharing to ensure consistency across the studio fleet.
• Assist in planning and executing leadership summits for alignment, training, and goal achievement among Studio Managers, Regional General Managers, and District Managers.
• Collaborate closely with the Chief of Staff to synthesize feedback from studios on product performance, seasonal trends, and operations, informing continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support the development of strategic frameworks and analysis to drive business performance, translating insights into actionable recommendations.
• Maintain and update training documents in partnership with the Chief of Staff, ensuring content is structured, scalable, and aligned with business priorities.

• Excellent organizational skills, with a strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in Excel and experience with data analysis and interpretation to inform business decisions.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and studio managers.
• Ability to bring structure to complex problems and develop data-driven solutions.
• Experience working in a collaborative environment, with a strong ability to build and maintain relationships across different levels of the organization.
• Understanding of retail operations and the importance of customer experience in driving business success.
• Passion for the retail industry and a keen interest in staying updated on the latest trends and technologies.

• Knowledge of visual design principles and the ability to create engaging visuals for internal communications.
• Familiarity with project management tools and methodologies to support structured approaches to problem-solving.
• Basic understanding of marketing principles and how they apply to retail operations.
• Experience working with licensed professionals, such as nurses, in a retail environment.

• Opportunities for professional growth and development within a dynamic and expanding company.
• Collaborative and supportive work environment that values innovation and creativity.
• Access to cutting-edge retail technology and tools, enabling the development of new skills and expertise.
• Flexible working arrangements, including remote work options, to support work-life balance.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement planning, and paid time off.
• Professional development opportunities, including workshops, training sessions, and conferences to stay updated on industry trends.

- Develop a Strong Understanding of Retail Operations: Before applying, ensure you have a solid grasp of retail operations, including key performance metrics, customer experience principles, and the role of data in driving business decisions.

• Highlight Analytical and Communication Skills: In your application, emphasize your analytical prowess, especially with Excel, and your ability to communicate complex insights effectively to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Prepare Examples of Problem-Solving: Be ready to provide specific examples of how you've brought structure to complex problems in previous roles, including your approach, the data you used, and the outcomes achieved.
• Show Passion for the Industry: Demonstrate your interest in the retail industry and your awareness of current trends and challenges, showcasing how your skills and experience align with Rowan's mission and goals.
• Ask About Growth Opportunities: During interviews, inquire about opportunities for professional growth and development within the company, demonstrating your long-term commitment and ambition.