Store Operations Specialist - Workforce Management

About us

Talbots is a leading omni-channel specialty retailer of women's clothing, shoes and accessories. Established in 1947, we are known for modern classic style that's both timeless and timely, fine quality craftsmanship and gracious service. At Talbots relationships are the key to our business, we hire individuals who bring new ideas to the table, understand smart risk taking and can enhance an already thriving culture. With a commitment to offer modern classic style for every body type, through a full range of sizes, inclusive to every woman in your life.

Store Operations Specialist - Workforce Management

About the role

The Store Operations Specialist - Workforce Management plays a critical role in supporting Talbots Store Operations by optimizing labor planning, forecasting, and reporting across our retail fleet. This role serves as the primary reporting and analytics partner for Store Operations leadership and owns the development, maintenance, and delivery of executive-level business updates for stores.

This position partners closely with Store Operations, Finance, HR, and Field Leadership to ensure labor plans align with business priorities, payroll targets, and service expectations. The Analyst will leverage Dayforce to deliver accurate, actionable insights that drive productivity, compliance, and informed decision‑making.

This role is in-person at our Hingham, MA headquarters and includes occasional weekend work to support executive reporting and business updates.

The impact you can have

Workforce Management & Labor Planning

• Support labor forecasting, budgeting, and optimization across Retail and Outlet stores.
• Analyze schedules, payroll spend, productivity, and compliance to identify risks and opportunities.
• Partner with Store Operations and Finance on seasonal and monthly labor planning and reforecasting.
• Maintain and monitor key labor drivers including sales trends, wage rates, and productivity metrics.
• Recommend actions to protect payroll targets while supporting service and execution standards.

Strategic Business Planning (Retail & Outlet)

• Serve as the sole owner of monthly Strategic Business Planning (SBP) documents for Retail and Outlet stores.

• Develop and maintain SBP materials that clearly communicate:

• Business performance and trends

• Labor strategy and guardrails

• Execution priorities for the month ahead

• Key risks, opportunities, and focus areas for Store Managers

• Partner cross‑functionally with Finance, HR, Planning, Marketing, and other corporate teams to gather inputs and align messaging.

• Ensure SBP documents are accurate, consistent, and easy for Store Managers to understand and execute.

• Continuously evolve the structure and clarity of SBP documents to improve field effectiveness and reduce store noise.

Reporting, Analytics & Executive Business Updates

• Act as the main reporting contact for Store Operations, supporting recurring and ad hoc reporting needs.
• Prepare executive‑level business update presentations for stores, including content used in a monthly leadership video.
• Translate complex data into clear narratives and visuals that support leadership decision‑making.
• Produce regular reporting on labor performance, productivity, payroll spend, scheduling compliance, and store impacts.
• Ensure timely, accurate reporting delivery, including weekend preparation as required by business cadence.

Systems & Technology Support

• Support configuration, documentation, and ongoing enhancements for Dayforce Workforce Management and reporting.
• Participate in system upgrades and enhancements, including requirements gathering, testing, and post‑implementation support.
• Develop and maintain custom reports and tools to support evolving Store Operations needs.
• Serve as a subject matter expert for WFM reporting and analytics within Store Operations.

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Partner closely with Store leadership to support effective labor execution in the field.
• Collaborate with Finance, HR, IT, and other teams to align labor strategy, reporting, and system capabilities.
• Provide clear insights and recommendations that balance service, productivity, and financial outcomes.

You'll bring to the role

• 3-5+ years of experience in workforce management, labor analytics, store operations analysis, or a related role.
• Experience supporting multi‑unit retail operations preferred.
• Hands‑on experience with Dayforce WFM required; Workday experience strongly preferred.
• Experience preparing executive‑level reporting and strategic planning materials.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with the ability to synthesize data into clear business insights.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel; strong PowerPoint skills required.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a focus on clarity and storytelling.
• Strong understanding of retail labor models, scheduling practices, and payroll drivers.
• High attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.
• Comfortable owning deliverables end‑to‑end with minimal oversight.
• Able to work in a fast‑paced, deadline‑driven environment.
• Willing to support occasional weekend work tied to executive business updates.
• Collaborative, proactive, and field‑focused mindset.
• Willingness to work in person at the Hingham, MA office.

Benefits

• You will be eligible to receive a merchandise discount at select KnitWell Group brands, subject to each brand's discount policies.
• Support for your individual development plus opportunities for career mobility within our family of brands.
• A culture of giving back - local volunteer opportunities, annual donation and volunteer match to eligible nonprofit organizations, and philanthropic activities to support our communities.*
• Medical, dental, vision insurance & 401(K).*
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Time off - paid time off & holidays.*
• The target salary range for this role is: $65,000 - 80,000*
• Any job offer will consider factors such your qualifications, relevant experience, and skills. Eligibility of certain benefits and associate programs are subject to employment type and role.

This position works on-site at least 4 days per week consistent with the needs of the business at our Talbots office location in Hingham, MA.

Applicants to this position must be authorized to work for any employer in the US without sponsorship. We are not providing sponsorship for this position.

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Location:

Corporate Office-Talbots-Hingham, MA 02043

Position Type:

Regular/Full time

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Company is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from diverse candidates. Hiring decisions are based upon a candidate's qualifications as they relate to the requirements of the position under consideration and are made without regard to sex (including pregnancy), race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, genetic information, military status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other category protected by applicable law. The Company is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for job applicants with disabilities. If you require an accommodation to perform the essential duties of the position you are seeking or to participate in the application process, please contact myHRSupport@knitwellgroup.com. The Company will make reasonable accommodations for otherwise qualified applicants or employees, unless such accommodations would impose an undue hardship on the operations of the Company's business. The Company will not revoke or alter a job offer based on an applicant's request for reasonable accommodation.