Head of Retail UK & Ireland- Hermès Parfums & Beauté

Work with the Managing Director and Head of Commercial to set the vision, strategy and sales target within the retail remit for each retail partner, outlining the ambitions to improve sales and profit, and initiatives needed to achieve those ambitions. Regularly review progress to ensure objectives are on track and set action plans as appropriate.

Team Development & Management: Lead, coach and motivate the retail team to deliver great results and create a high performing retail workforce by working closely with the Regional Managers. Develop the skills and capabilities of the team at both a group and an individual level, and build a succession plan for long term development. Work closely with the Head of Commercial, National Training Manager and HR on areas around recruitment, engagement, salary reviews, performance management and training and development for the retail population.

Retail Operations: Work closely with the Marketing and Operations team, ensuring a consistent brand image on counter and self select through retail excellence, driving retailer engagement, and cascading this information to the Regional Managers. Drive operational efficiency and effectiveness on counter and self select, through in store implementation, follow up and innovation. Ensure implementation of training guidelines throughout the retail estate. Ensure consistently high VM standards are maintained.

Targeting, Analysis & Forecasting: Prepare timely, accurate and meaningful sales reporting highlighting risks and opportunities for growth. Set up, monitor and adjust individual Retail Targets and KPI’s by store, working with the Regional Sales Managers to oversee those set for his/her region. Manage the process of setting and reviewing HPGB overall retail sales targets with the Head of Commercial and Managing Director as well as store targets. Recommend, monitor and analyse animation and launch targets. Drive the use of Happy Retail in store to deliver business targets.

Productivity: Work with the Regional Managers to measure, track and enhance retail sales productivity in all stores, via recommendation of optimum staffing levels, stock levels, assortment and tactical sales action plans. Recommend levels of temporary staffing and efficiently manage relevant budget and agencies. Prepare and implement exciting and cost effective incentives for key launches to maximise retail performance. Turn business insights into action plans to deliver retail growth; identify on an ongoing basis opportunities to enhance and resolve issues which are affecting retail performance. Define, monitor and prepare KPIs reporting to ensure continued improvement and growth.

Business: Review the Distribution Strategy together with the Head of Marketing, Head of Commercial and Managing Director. Produce ad-hoc reports and support the team for key negotiations with retail partners.

Training: Partner closely with the National Training Manager to ensure the BA and BC population have 5* product knowledge and expertise. Coach the team to achieve Service Excellence targets. Liaise with Education and HR to deliver the Business Manager Development programme. Actively support and participate in the delivery of BA Seminars held bi-annually. Support with account and store trainings in stores with direct reports.

This is a London Office based role with approximately 60% of time spent out on the field.

Education and Experience required: Degree or industry related qualification. Minimum of 7 years’ retail management experience ideally within the luxury space. Excellent understanding of retail principles and practice. Genuine affinity with the luxury goods industry. Results and KPI driven. Strong project and time management with the ability to manage complex cross functional projects. Commercially savvy. Effective problem-solving skills, with a constant quest to improve the status quo and overall effectiveness through identification of and recommending solutions to resolve issues and maximise opportunities. Strong presentation skills: with the ability to translate analysis findings into recommended action plans to senior management and retailers. Effective communication skills across a range of stakeholders.

Technical Skills: Analytical skills with a keen attention to detail. Strong IT skills including MS Office, particularly Excel and Power Point.