At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead client relationships and elevate the in-store experience at a luxury boutique.
- Company: Join Alaïa, a prestigious luxury fashion brand with a focus on client excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values creativity, empathy, and integrity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by cultivating exclusive client relationships and driving business success.
- Qualifications: Experience in luxury retail and strong interpersonal skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 37800 - 46200 £ per year.
YOUR MISSION: Embedded within a single Alaïa boutique, the In-Store VIC Manager is the engine of clienteling excellence at store level. The role bridges HQ strategy and daily floor reality: translating global directives into personalised client journeys, equipping the retail team with the tools and confidence to develop the full client pyramid, and personally animating the boutique's highest-potential relationships. The store is the primary territory; depth of execution is the primary measure of success.
HOW WILL YOU MAKE AN IMPACT?
- Strategic Client Portfolio & Development: Own and strategically grow the store's Very Important Client (VIC) and High-End client portfolio. This includes mapping tier distribution, identifying untapped potential, and developing individual action plans for retention, upgrade, and recruitment. You will also systematically qualify prospective Couture clients and support the Couture selling ceremony to the highest standard.
- Elite Client Relationship Management: Personally cultivate a curated book of the boutique's most strategic relationships, serving as the primary Alaïa point of contact for VIC and priority clients, and supporting Sales Advisors in their client engagement. This role also involves representing the Maison at exclusive client entertainment occasions, building authentic relationships beyond the boutique.
- Clienteling Leadership & Team Coaching: Act as the in-store reference and expert for all clienteling practices. You will coach and mentor Sales Advisors on advanced relationship-building behaviours, personalised communication, occasion-based selling, and effective client outreach across the full client pyramid. Lead regular briefings on client development priorities and cascade global best practices to the team.
- Exclusive Experiential Events & Activations: Propose, orchestrate, and execute a dynamic calendar of bespoke in-store client initiatives and experiences, such as private shopping appointments, trunk shows, previews, and gifting moments, all anchored in Alaïa's aesthetic and legacy. Define targeted guest lists, coordinate all logistical and experiential elements, and support teams in achieving commercial targets and optimising ROI.
- Strategic Business Development & Networking: Identify, develop, and maintain a robust network of local business providers (e.g., concierges, private offices, stylists, cultural institutions) and key connectors. Propose and pilot local partnership moments (e.g., gallery openings, cultural events) that naturally attract the Alaïa client profile, expanding the Maison's reach and recruiting new high-potential clients.
- Data-Driven Client Insights & Reporting: Leverage clienteling tools and CRM data to monitor client lifecycle, flag at-risk relationships, and identify commercial opportunities such as lapsed relationships, upgrade candidates, and key anniversaries. Maintain rigorous CRM hygiene, ensuring client data is accurate and actionable. Produce regular, comprehensive store-level reporting on VIC and High-End client performance (spend evolution, tier migration, activation ROI) and track activation budgets to ensure measurable returns.
HOW WILL YOU EXPERIENCE SUCCESS WITH US?
- Relevant experience in luxury retail, with a significant portion in a direct selling or client-facing role - store experience is non-negotiable.
- Previous exposure to clienteling or client development responsibilities within a luxury fashion, jewellery, or lifestyle Maison.
- Demonstrated track record of personal portfolio management and measurable client relationship outcomes.
- Familiarity with CRM tools and comfort with basic data analysis and reporting.
- Exceptional interpersonal intelligence - the ability to read a client, build trust instinctively, and sustain relationships with discernment and warmth.
- Commercial acumen: a natural connector who understands the relationship between client cultivation and revenue generation.
- Strong aesthetic sensibility and deep affinity for Alaïa's body philosophy and cultural positioning.
- Coaching temperament: patient, clear communicator who elevates those around them without ego.
- Organised, autonomous, and capable of managing multiple simultaneous client relationships and activation projects.
- Fluency in English required; a second language is a significant advantage in markets with international clientele.
WHAT MAKES OUR GROUP DIFFERENT?
- Our true power does not lie in our similarities but in the rich diversity of our arts, cultures, and human skills, as well as our specific ability to foster untapped potential.
- We value freedom, collegiality, loyalty, and solidarity.
- We foster empathy, curiosity, courage, humility, and integrity.
- We care for the world we live in.
YOUR JOURNEY WITH US: We aim to provide a valuable recruitment process, allowing you to gain exposure to some key decision makers and influencing individuals:
- Initial screening call with Richemont Talent Team.
- Interview with the Hiring Manager for Alaia.
- Interview with the Head of HR for Alaia.
In-Store VIC Manager - New Bond Street employer: Richemont Iberia SL
At Watchfinder, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment where every team member can thrive. As an FP&A Analyst, you'll not only play a crucial role in our financial planning team but also have the opportunity to engage with diverse international entities, enhancing your professional growth. With a strong emphasis on personal development and a culture that values open communication, you'll find that your contributions are recognised and rewarded, making Watchfinder an exceptional place to build your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land In-Store VIC Manager - New Bond Street
✨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 Richemont Iberia SL, 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 Richemont Iberia SL!
We think you need these skills to ace In-Store VIC Manager - New Bond Street
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 Richemont Iberia SL, 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 Richemont Iberia SL 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 Richemont Iberia SL that you’re ready to jump in and contribute right away!
How to prepare for a job interview at Richemont Iberia SL
✨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!
