Retail Lead - Chicago, IL
Posted on October 24, 2025
Hudson is North America's leading travel retailer with a rich history spanning over 30 years. The company operates more than 1,000 duty-free, duty-paid, and food and beverage stores across various high-traffic locations throughout North America, including airports, commuter hubs, and tourist destinations. As a market leader in travel retail, Hudson prides itself on delivering exceptional service to travelers by providing a wide range of products and conveniences tailored to meet the unique needs of its customers. Through its dedication to quality, innovation, and customer experience, Hudson has established a trusted presence within the travel retail sector, continually evolving to embrace new trends and technologies to enhance traveler satisfaction and operational efficiency. The company is widely recognized for its commitment to employee growth and development and offers a dynamic work environment that fosters learning, collaboration, and advancement.
The Retail Lead role at Hudson, located at the bustling Chicago O'Hare International Airport, presents an exciting opportunity for individuals passionate about leading teams and driving outstanding guest experiences in a fast-paced retail setting. This is a full-time position requiring flexibility to work any shift, any day of the week, including weekends and holidays. The role offers a highly competitive hourly rate of $19.10 and includes a variety of benefits such as daily pay options, generous employee discounts, paid time off, medical, dental, and vision insurance, and opportunities for career growth within the company.
As a Retail Lead, the successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing shift operations while also performing team member duties to ensure seamless service delivery. This position requires a hands-on leader who can effectively coach and motivate a diverse team, maintain strict brand and safety standards, manage inventory, and uphold cash handling procedures. The role plays a critical part in supporting the Operations/General Manager to meet operational goals and optimize the overall efficiency of the store. The Retail Lead is also tasked with communicating shift priorities clearly and effectively, providing timely feedback, and ensuring a smooth transition between shifts through effective communication with incoming leaders.
This position is ideal for individuals who enjoy working in a highly interactive environment, possess strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills, and thrive in settings that require adaptability and a commitment to excellence. The Retail Lead at Hudson not only helps facilitate excellent guest service but also drives team performance through coaching, training, and recognition initiatives. The company fosters a positive work culture where respect, diversity, and equal opportunity are core values, and employees are empowered to reach their full potential through continuous training and advancement opportunities.
Joining Hudson as a Retail Lead means becoming part of a well-established organization that values its people, promotes from within, and offers a supportive environment where innovative ideas and leadership talents are nurtured. This role offers the chance to make a tangible impact on both customer satisfaction and team success in one of the country's busiest airports, providing a rewarding experience for those dedicated to retail leadership and operational excellence.
- high school diploma or equivalent
- previous leadership experience in retail, restaurant or hospitality preferred
- ability to work any shift any day of the week including weekends and holidays
- ability to stand for extended periods
- ability to perform repetitive motions including bending, stooping and reaching
- good communication skills
- basic computer proficiency
- must be guest focused
- positive attitude and integrity
- ability to coach and motivate others
- willingness to learn and adapt