Head Retail Business

About the Company

The company's direct-to-consumer Smart Console proposition is designed to deliver a premium console and PC gaming experience across Smart TVs, laptops, tablets and smartphones without requiring expensive traditional gaming hardware. The offering includes a Smart Console, Pro Controller and access to premium games through its cloud gaming platform. It launched on a leading Indian e-commerce marketplace in June 2026 as the company's entry into India's console gaming market.

About the Role

We are looking for a dynamic Head - Retail & Distribution to build and scale the Smart Console's physical retail business across India.

This is a build-from-the-ground-up leadership role where you will own the retail go-to-market strategy, distribution, channel partnerships, commercial negotiations, retail visibility, demonstrations, conversion and sell-through.

You will play a critical role in taking the Smart Console from an emerging gaming proposition to a strong retail presence across modern trade, regional retail, electronics and gaming channels.

What You'll Do

Strategy, Distribution & Channel Partners

• Build and execute the national retail and distribution strategy for the Smart Console across modern and regional retail channels.

• Establish and manage strategic relationships with leading retailers and other relevant retail partners.

• Develop the distribution roadmap, including store expansion, market prioritisation and retail coverage.

• Build and manage relationships with distributors and channel partners, and other strategic partners.

• Develop retailer partnerships and co-funded growth and activation programmes.

Commercials & P&L

• Own commercial negotiations, including margins, terms of trade, schemes, MDF, promotions, visibility and retailer investments.

• Own the retail P&L and channel economics, driving profitable and sustainable growth.

In-Store Execution & Activation

• Drive store-level visibility, merchandising and product placement to maximise consumer awareness and conversion.

• Build and manage promoter and product demonstration programmes across priority stores.

• Design and execute retail activations, experiential programmes and gaming-led consumer engagement initiatives.

Reporting & Growth

• Establish robust sell-through reporting, retail dashboards and channel performance reviews.

• Identify and develop new opportunities across consumer electronics, gaming, technology and emerging retail formats.

• Work closely with Marketing, Product, Supply Chain, Finance and Sales teams to ensure strong retail execution and availability.

What We're Looking For

• 10-15 years of experience in consumer electronics, consumer technology, gaming, mobile devices or adjacent consumer categories.

• Strong experience managing modern retail and regional retail channels across India.

• Proven relationships with leading electronics and consumer retail chains.

• Strong track record in commercial negotiations, distributor management and channel development.

• Demonstrated experience managing retail P&L, margins, trade investments and inventory economics.

• Strong understanding of in-store execution, merchandising, promoter programmes and sell-through management.

• Passion for gaming, consumer technology and emerging products with the ability to translate market opportunities into commercial growth.

Nice to Have

• Experience building or scaling a new category, product or retail business would be highly valuable.

What You'll Get

• Flexi Work Hours

• Employee Stock Options

• Industry best Insurance Coverage

• Leave Entitlements

Please note: This position is for one of Playdawn's clients, and successful candidates will be hired directly by the client, not by Playdawn.

Our client is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. They are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and have equal access to opportunities, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, age, disability, or other protected characteristics. They believe that diversity fuels innovation and creativity, and they strive to create an environment where everyone can thrive and contribute to shared success.