CELINE is a fast-growing French and Leather-Goods Couture House that belongs to the LVMH Fashion group, which ambition is to become one of the most iconic luxury brands worldwide.

To make this vision a reality we are looking for enthusiastic, passionate and agile personalities who are eager to evolve in a demanding environment.

YOUR WORK ENVIRONMENT

Based in the New York Corporate Office and reporting into the President, North America, this position is responsible for the overall business development of directly operated retail stores, including free- standing, concessions and outlets. This role is responsible for managing & achieving sales objectives, profitability goals, and the highest operational standards. This role develops strategies via strong cross-functional teamwork and leadership skills.

YOUR IMPACT

Business Vision:

Partner with Sr. Management in setting direction for long range business strategies and/or opportunities for stores(e.g., brand, market share growth, profitability)
Partner with Sr. Management to translate the values of the maison and create the vision and tone for stores while driving a highly successful and profitable business
Work with Regional and Store Leaders to develop market specific business plans that will drive traffic and develop client base for stores
Be knowledgeable of the local market and business environment trends to include competitors’ business activities
Partner with Sr. Management and all corporate partners to support expansion and all key elements of new store openings
Remain up to date on the retail property market in the region. Make recommendations to the President for store renovations/upgrades/expansion to increase sales of existing markets and develop new ones

Leadership:

Develop store management teams to deliver superior customer experiences in all stores
Plan, identify, communicate, and delegate key responsibilities and practices to store management team to ensure smooth flow of operations
Manage with integrity, honesty, fairness, and knowledge promoting the culture, values, and vision of Celine & LVMH
Review store environments and key business indicators to identify problems, concerns, and opportunities for improvement and provide coaching to store management team to take action and achieve operational goals

Sales Management/ Store Performance

Performance monitoring by reviewing sales weekly
Continuously motivate and coach teams to meet assigned sales and productivity goals
Build and nurture relationships with department stores across the network
Work with store management team on strategies to capitalize on sales and improve customer experience within Celine guidelines (displays, traffic patterns, etc.)

Client Focus

Ensure the highest level of customer service is being provided across network
Partner with Regional Directors & Store Leaders to achieve sales goals
Provide feedback to VP, Retail Merch on product assortment, buying trends and customer requests
Serve as a role model of knowledge for behaviors for customer service

Job Responsibilities

Staff Development & Teambuilding

Work on staffing and recruiting in close cooperation with Human Resources
Build a bench to secure an effective management and sales succession
Ensure consistent management, operational practices and customer service in all stores in area
Mentor and coach Store Leaders on identifying solutions and adapting to respective store and to develop their managerial skills
Partner with Regional Directors and Human Resources to identify skill gaps and opportunities for staff development

Store Visuals

Ensure visual merchandising standards are maintained as set forth by corporate visual department
Work with Visual team to achieve goals of proper window installation and display boards

Product Management

Understand and explain stores’ performance by category as well as its mix (lines, functions, collections, etc.)
Keep all product support tools well organized and ensure all team members have access to the information
Oversee maintenance of accurate inventory records in partnership with Operations Manager/ HQ partners

Human Resources:

Implement retention initiatives and collaborate with Human Resources to provide developmental opportunities
Work on career path initiatives to promote from within and provide mobility opportunities for staff. Develop strategies for entire network with Regionals
Exhibit strong interpersonal skills in dealing with staff, peers, supervisors and the NY corporate office
Communicate corporate initiatives and directives to field management and teams through daily or weekly meetings and bulletin
Assess, coach and develop teams in all areas of performance

Collection Previews:

Propose and develop event format in close cooperation with Sr. Management and Marketing

Store Appearance:

Adhere to Grooming and Styling standards, lead by example and enforce the standards within the entire team
Monitor the general appearance of the stores: cleanliness, store maintenance, organization and tidiness of sales area and back-of-house

Profile

KEYS FOR SUCCES Experience: Minimum of 15 years prior experience in a retail environment, preferably in luxury 7-10 years’ experience in retail leadership with a focus on management & operations; professional experience in a leading network expansion is a plus Product experience in luxury or high end retail is highly desirable and specifically Leather Goods (LG), Ready-to-Wear (RTW) and/or shoe experience is preferred Competencies: Outstanding interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively Ability to drive the business of Celine independently in order to achieve superior growth rates compared to our competitors, as well as in collaboration with retail leadership and HQ departments to assure compliance of general company policy and rules Acute sense of North American luxury market and diverse luxury consumer behaviors Ability to motivate sales teams with a clear set of challenging objectives Exceptional organization skills Must have strong computer skills Candidate is required to spend approximately 70% traveling to stores The compensation for this position ranges from $230,000- $295,000. The rate of pay offered will be dependent upon candidate’s relevant skills and experience. In addition, there is a comprehensive benefits package including: medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, various paid time off programs, employee discount/perks, and a retirement plan with employer contribution. OUR ENGAGEMENT CELINE is an equal opportunity employer. We want to offer an inclusive environment of mutual respect where we welcome diversity and all our employees feel included, developed, and heard. We are committed to the prevention of all discrimination, providing equal opportunities to all applicants irrespective of gender, gender expression, disability, origin, background, religious beliefs or sexual orientation or any other basis protected by law. CELINE recruits and recognizes all types of talent and singularities.