Retail Industry Advisor

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced Retail Industry Advisor with over 12 years of expertise from major retail organizations. This specialized role focuses on domain knowledge and strategic guidance rather than technology development. The advisor will serve as a credible voice representing retailers' perspectives to guide product creation, identify appropriate buyers, and support market entry.

Core Responsibilities

• Assess product ideas, features, and workflows to ensure alignment with real-world retail operations.
• Offer honest critiques on demos, prototypes, and user experience designs from the standpoint of a retail operator.
• Identify overlooked or inaccurately simplified workflows within product development plans.
• Utilize your network to connect potential pilot customers, retail chains, or decision-makers.
• Assist engagement with retail industry organizations, associations, or conferences as applicable.
• Advise on the key stakeholders within retail organizations, such as IT heads or category managers, and their technology procurement processes.
• Help refine messaging, positioning, and sales materials to appeal effectively to retail decision-makers.
• Share knowledge on typical retail technology sales cycles, procurement procedures, and evaluation standards.
• Act as a knowledgeable industry representative in investor meetings, partnerships, and media interactions.
• Contribute to quarterly or scheduled advisory board reviews to provide ongoing counsel.

Candidate Profile

• Minimum of 12 years in leadership or senior management roles within the retail sector.
• Experience as CIO, COO, VP Operations, VP Technology, Head of Supply Chain, Head of E-Commerce, or similar positions at reputable retail brands or chains.
• In-depth understanding of retail operations including stores, supply chain, merchandising, POS systems, inventory management, and customer experience.
• Hands-on experience with evaluation, purchase, or implementation of retail technologies such as ERP, WMS, OMS, POS, and analytics tools.
• Extensive professional connections within the Indian and/or global retail ecosystems.

Desirable Qualifications

• Exposure to direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands, quick commerce, or multi-channel retail transformations.
• Prior advisory, board membership, or consultancy roles with startups or tech firms.
• Familiarity with the retail tech market, including vendors, platforms, and current challenges faced by the industry.