At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a luxury boutique, drive sales, and deliver exceptional client experiences.
- Company: Join Abel Richard, an ultra-luxury brand redefining modern refinement.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a prestigious brand and make a real impact in luxury retail.
- Qualifications: 5-7 years in luxury retail with leadership experience and strong client relationship skills.
- Other info: Flexible hours required; immerse yourself in the London luxury scene.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
About Abel Richard
Abel Richard is an ultra-luxury Maison redefining modern refinement. With operations rooted in craftsmanship, design excellence, and elevated client experience, the brand specializes in exceptional luxury handbags and fine writing instruments, including Montegrappa, one of the world’s most storied and respected luxury pen houses, alongside rare and limited-edition creations that blend technology, high-tech material innovation, personality, and purpose.
Through its partnership with Montegrappa, Abel Richard brings forward a legacy of Italian craftsmanship, precision engineering, and artistic expression, celebrating writing instruments as objects of culture, heritage, and design. Each piece reflects an uncompromising commitment to quality, individuality, and timeless sophistication. At Abel Richard, every detail matters. Every interaction is intentional. Every product is designed to leave a lasting impression.
Position Summary
The Boutique Assistant Director plays a key leadership role in supporting the day-to-day management of the London boutique. This position partners closely with the Boutique Director to drive commercial performance, deliver an exceptional client experience, uphold brand standards, and lead the team with professionalism and accountability.
The ideal candidate is a polished luxury retail leader with strong sales instincts, deep clienteling capability, operational discipline, and the ability to inspire a high-performing boutique environment. This individual must be comfortable working with high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth clientele while maintaining the highest level of discretion, service, and brand representation.
Key Responsibilities
- Sales and Business Performance
- Support the Boutique Director in achieving and exceeding sales targets, KPIs, and boutique performance goals.
- Lead by example on the sales floor through exceptional client engagement, storytelling, and closing ability.
- Identify opportunities to grow revenue, improve conversion, increase average transaction value, and strengthen repeat business.
- Monitor daily, weekly, and monthly performance metrics and help implement action plans to drive results.
- Support the execution of local business development initiatives, partnerships, and private client outreach.
- Client Experience and Clienteling
- Deliver a world-class luxury experience that reflects the standards and values of Abel Richard.
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with new, existing, and VIP clients.
- Build a robust client book through proactive outreach, follow-up, appointment setting, and personalised service.
- Support the planning and execution of boutique events, trunk shows, private appointments, and other client engagement opportunities.
- Handle client concerns with professionalism, urgency, and a solutions-oriented mindset.
- Leadership and Team Development
- Act as a visible leader on the sales floor and serve as a role model for service, appearance, behaviour, and performance.
- Coach team members on sales techniques, clienteling standards, product knowledge, and service expectations.
- Help foster a positive, accountable, and high-performance culture within the boutique.
- Step in for the Boutique Director when needed and help ensure continuity of leadership and operations.
- Boutique Operations
- Support daily boutique operations, including opening and closing procedures, floor supervision, scheduling support, and cash handling compliance.
- Help oversee inventory accuracy, stock movement, transfers, cycle counts, and loss prevention standards.
- Ensure the boutique consistently meets visual merchandising, presentation, and housekeeping expectations.
- Maintain accurate CRM records, sales reporting, and operational documentation.
- Ensure compliance with company policies, security procedures, and applicable UK employment and retail standards.
- Brand Representation
- Embody the values, image, and service philosophy of Abel Richard at all times.
- Maintain expert-level product knowledge across handbags, fine writing instruments, limited-edition pieces, and brand heritage.
- Represent the brand with credibility, discretion, and sophistication in all client and business interactions.
Qualifications
- Minimum 5-7 years of experience in luxury retail, with significant exposure to high-touch client service environments.
- Minimum 2-3 years of leadership or management experience in a luxury boutique or comparable premium retail setting.
- Proven track record of achieving sales goals and building strong long-term client relationships.
- Experience working with high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth clients preferred.
- Strong coaching, team leadership, and floor management skills.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
- Comfortable using CRM systems, POS platforms, Microsoft Office, and retail reporting tools.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced luxury retail environment.
- Professional, polished, and service-driven presence.
- Experience in luxury handbags, leather goods, jewellery, watches, fashion, accessories, or fine writing instruments.
Preferred Experience
- Experience supporting boutique events, private selling, and local market business development.
- Knowledge of the London luxury retail landscape and clientele is strongly preferred.
- Additional language skills are a plus.
- Bachelor’s degree preferred, or equivalent relevant luxury retail leadership experience.
Working Conditions
- Full-time role based in London.
- Requires flexibility to work retail hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, based on business needs.
- Requires extended periods of standing, walking the sales floor, client hosting, and handling luxury merchandise.
Equal Opportunity Statement
Abel Richard UK Ltd is committed to providing equal opportunities in employment and creating a respectful, inclusive, and high-performing workplace. Employment decisions are made based on business needs, role requirements, and individual qualifications.
Boutique Assistant Director in City of London employer: Abel Richard
Contact Detail:
Abel Richard Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Boutique Assistant Director in City of London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the brand inside out! Research Abel Richard's history, values, and products. This way, when you walk into that interview, you can speak confidently about how your experience aligns with their luxury ethos.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. They can provide insider tips and maybe even put in a good word for you. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in the company culture.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your clienteling skills! Think of scenarios where you can demonstrate your ability to build relationships with high-net-worth clients. Role-play with a friend to nail down your approach and storytelling techniques.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Abel Richard team and ready to contribute to their luxury experience.
We think you need these skills to ace Boutique Assistant Director in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Luxury: When writing your application, let your love for luxury retail shine through! Share specific experiences that highlight your connection to high-end products and exceptional client service. We want to see how you embody the values of Abel Richard.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for this role. Highlight relevant experience in luxury retail and leadership, and don’t forget to mention your ability to connect with high-net-worth clients. We appreciate a personal touch!
Be Specific About Your Achievements: Quantify your successes in previous roles. Whether it’s exceeding sales targets or building a loyal client base, we love numbers! This helps us see the impact you've made and how you can contribute to our boutique's success.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Abel Richard team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Abel Richard
✨Know Your Brand Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into Abel Richard's history, values, and product offerings. Familiarise yourself with their luxury handbags and fine writing instruments, especially Montegrappa. This knowledge will not only impress the interviewers but also show your genuine interest in the brand.
✨Showcase Your Clienteling Skills
Prepare to discuss your experience with high-net-worth clients. Share specific examples of how you've built strong relationships and provided exceptional service. Highlight your ability to personalise client experiences, as this is crucial for the Boutique Assistant Director role.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Qualities
Be ready to talk about your leadership style and how you've motivated teams in previous roles. Think of instances where you've coached team members or improved sales performance. This will help convey your capability to inspire a high-performing boutique environment.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Anticipate questions that may ask how you would handle specific situations, such as a dissatisfied client or a sales target that needs to be met. Practising your responses will help you articulate your problem-solving skills and operational discipline effectively during the interview.