At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead retail and wholesale strategy for a premium watch brand across the UK and Ireland.
- Company: Globally recognised Swiss heritage business with over 170 years of excellence.
- Benefits: Up to £100,000 salary, annual bonus, private healthcare, and generous staff discounts.
- Other info: Dynamic role with travel opportunities and excellent career progression.
- Why this job: Drive growth in a respected global business and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in leading wholesale operations within luxury brands and strong analytical skills.
We are very excited to partner with a globally recognised Swiss heritage business with over 170 years of craftsmanship, innovation and excellence. Operating within the premium watch sector, this market-leading organisation has built an outstanding reputation for combining traditional expertise with modern technology, offering high-quality products at accessible luxury price points. As one of the group's most strategically important brands, the UK and Ireland business is performing strongly and is now seeking an exceptional commercial leader to drive the next phase of growth.
Responsibilities
- Take full ownership of the UK and Ireland business, leading the retail and wholesale strategy across approximately 200 wholesale partners and two flagship retail locations.
- Responsible for P&L management, annual business planning, sales and marketing strategy, distribution, retailer relationships, inventory management and customer care performance.
- Work closely with senior leadership and international headquarters to identify new commercial opportunities, challenge existing ways of working, optimise performance across the network and lead a high-performing team to deliver ambitious business objectives.
Qualifications
- Significant experience leading wholesale operations within a premium or luxury consumer brand, ideally within watches, jewellery or a related sector.
- Commercially astute and highly analytical leader with a proven ability to influence senior stakeholders, develop strategic partnerships and inspire teams to deliver exceptional results.
- Strong negotiation, communication and presentation skills are essential, alongside a continuous improvement mindset and the confidence to challenge the status quo.
- Experience managing budgets, driving profitability and using commercial reporting tools such as SAP or Power BI would be advantageous.
Benefits
- Salary of up to £100,000 plus an annual bonus, company car allowance, 25 days' annual leave plus bank holidays, pension contributions, private healthcare, life assurance, generous staff discounts across a portfolio of leading brands, cycle-to-work and many more!
- Based primarily from the London office, the role also offers regular travel across the UK and Ireland, providing the opportunity to make a significant impact within one of the industry's most respected global businesses.
Head of Retail (Wholesale) employer: Fashion Personnel
Join a prestigious Swiss heritage brand with over 170 years of excellence in the premium watch sector, where innovation meets craftsmanship. As the Head of Retail (Wholesale), you will thrive in a dynamic work culture that values leadership and strategic thinking, while enjoying exceptional benefits including a competitive salary, annual bonus, and generous staff discounts. With opportunities for professional growth and the chance to make a significant impact across the UK and Ireland, this role offers a rewarding career path within a globally recognised organisation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Retail (Wholesale)
✨Get Your Retail Game On
Start by getting to know the local retail scene. Make a list of stores that align with your vibe and visit them. You'll be surprised at how many job openings come from chatting with staff or managers in-store. Plus, showing that you have a genuine interest in their brand can make you stand out when applying for that full-time role!
✨Join Retail Networks and Forums
Tap into retail-specific communities and forums, whether online or in-person. Platforms like Retail Week or local retail meetups can provide invaluable insights and connections. You never know who might drop a tip about an upcoming job at companies like Fashion Personnel, so don’t miss out on building those relationships!
✨Be Ready for Busy Season Opportunities
Keep your eyes peeled for seasonal hiring windows, especially in the run-up to major shopping periods. Retailers often look for full-time staff to carry through busy times and may even keep you on after the season. Stay proactive by regularly checking in with your favourite retailers about their hiring plans.
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail’s all about customer interactions, so make sure you showcase any relevant experience in your conversations and interviews. Share specific examples of your customer service skills and how they’ve led to positive outcomes. This is your moment to shine when applying to roles at places like Fashion Personnel!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Retail (Wholesale)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills:In retail, customer service is key! Make sure your CV highlights any experience where you've dealt with customers, whether it’s resolving issues or enhancing the shopping experience. Use concrete examples to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to handle difficult situations with ease.
Tailor Your CV for Retail:When applying for a full-time role like this one at Fashion Personnel, customise your CV to reflect retail-specific buzzwords. Include any relevant skills such as inventory management or visual merchandising, and if you have experience with POS systems, shout about it! This will show you’re serious about joining the retail team.
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Don’t just repeat your CV in your cover letter! Use it as a chance to explain why you're excited about the opportunity at Fashion Personnel and how your values align with their brand. Mention specific aspects of the company that resonate with you and let your enthusiasm shine through!
Highlight Your Adaptability:In retail, things can get busy and unpredictable, so demonstrate how adaptable and flexible you are. Share examples of times you've had to adjust your approach on the fly or take on new responsibilities. This will show Fashion Personnel that you’re ready to jump in and contribute right away!
How to prepare for a job interview at Fashion Personnel
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail is all about providing an exceptional customer experience, so be ready to discuss your past customer service stories. We should have examples on hand of how we've handled difficult situations or gone above and beyond to meet a customer's needs. These anecdotes will bring your application to life!
✨Familiarity with Point of Sale Systems
Many retail roles require us to work with Point of Sale (POS) systems, so it's a good idea to brush up on any relevant software you’ve used before. If you’re familiar with systems like Shopify or Square, don’t forget to mention this during the interview. Highlighting technical proficiency can set us apart from other candidates!
✨Understand Product Knowledge
Be prepared to discuss the products that the store sells and how we can contribute to their sales. Showing enthusiasm for the products and a willingness to learn can impress interviewers. We should research popular items or trends in the industry before the interview, so we can speak confidently about them.
✨Be Ready for Role-Playing Scenarios
Many retail interviews include role-playing scenarios where we might have to deal with a difficult customer or upsell a product. Practising these scenarios with a friend or family member can help us feel more comfortable. The key here is to showcase our problem-solving skills and ability to remain calm under pressure!
