Brand Director UK

Brand Director UK

London Full-Time 43200 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead brand strategy and drive commercial performance for Panerai in the UK.
  • Company: Join Panerai, a luxury watchmaker with a rich heritage and commitment to innovation.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a dynamic work environment with opportunities for growth and collaboration.
  • Why this job: Be a key player in shaping the future of a prestigious brand while fostering an inclusive culture.
  • Qualifications: Requires 3-5 years in brand leadership and 10+ years in management roles within luxury goods.
  • Other info: Embrace a diverse workplace that values creativity, curiosity, and client excellence.

The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.

Job Description

Founded in 1860 in Florence as a workshop, shop and subsequently school of watch-making, Panerai is renowned for producing high-precision instruments for the Italian Navy with a pulse on innovation and function. Protected by military secrets, these creations were only launched in the International market when the brand was acquired by Richemont Group in 1997.

Today, the Maison advances through cutting-edge research, sustainability, and empowering modern heroes with a team that passionately brings value to Panerai's distinctive mix of Italian spirit and Swiss watchmaking excellence.

HOW WILL YOU MAKE AN IMPACT?

As the leading ambassador and business leader of Panerai in the UK, the Brand Director is responsible for driving the brand’s strategic development, commercial performance, and organizational excellence in alignment with the global Panerai vision. This role owns the regional P&L, oversees all distribution channels, and leads strategic investments to elevate brand desirability, awareness, and long-term growth. The Brand Director works closely with Richemont UK leadership and Panerai’s international headquarters in Switzerland and Italy to ensure regional alignment and operational execution across all business areas.

Strategic Leadership & Brand Development

  • Translate the global brand strategy into market-specific plans that increase awareness, desirability, and client engagement.
  • Collaborate with Panerai HQ and Richemont UK leadership to evolve and execute a long-term growth strategy across all channels.
  • Continually identify opportunities to maximize Panerai’s market potential in the UK.
  • Provide thought leadership and inspiration within both Panerai and Richemont UK to shape the future of the Maison.
  • Own and deliver all financial KPIs: sales, EBIT, cash, inventory, CAPEX, and working capital.
  • Lead a high-performing, data-driven commercial strategy across retail, wholesale, and e-commerce channels.
  • Deliver and exceed channel-specific metrics: sell-in/sell-out, market share, SOSI, NPS, conversion rates, and client KPIs.
  • Anticipate and resolve challenges across all areas of the business through agile, results-driven leadership.

Team Leadership & Organizational Culture

  • Lead by example and foster a high-performing, inclusive, and client-centric team culture.
  • Provide an inspiring vision to employees and support their development through active performance management, mentoring, and succession planning.
  • Partner with HR to lead and support all people processes (recruitment, KPIs, performance reviews, compensation cycles, talent management).
  • Create a collaborative, transparent, and respectful work environment aligned with Panerai and Richemont values.
  • Drive seamless integration across physical and digital channels to elevate client experience and commercial outcomes.
  • Oversee boutique operations and retail excellence (owned and external doors), including visual merchandising, client service, and boutique fit-outs with HQ and real estate teams.
  • Lead and manage all key operational functions, including supply chain, inventory, after-sales service, and repairs.
  • Ensure robust risk management, in collaboration with Richemont Legal, including compliance, distribution agreements, labor law, and grey market control.

Marketing, Communications & Client Engagement

  • Build and execute regionally relevant marketing strategies that align with global brand guidelines.
  • Lead all PR, media, events, and digital activations to drive brand heat, boutique traffic and client engagement.
  • Establish and manage the regional marketing and communications budget, maximizing return on investment and client engagement.

Stakeholder & Industry Engagement

  • Serve as the main liaison between Panerai HQ, Richemont UK, and shared service teams across all functions.
  • Represent Panerai externally with landlords, vendors, partners, and key industry stakeholders.
  • Maintain awareness of market trends, competitor activities, and client behavior to inform strategic decision-making.
  • Build and nurture a pipeline of top industry talent by developing relationships across the luxury sector.

HOW WILL YOU EXPERIENCE SUCCESS WITH US?

  • Bachelor’s degree and/or master’s degrees in a relevant field preferred.
  • Minimum 3 to 5 years’ experience in general management, brand leadership, and commercial progressive roles in luxury goods or a related industry.
  • 10+ years of leadership experience managing cross-functional and geo. diverse teams.
  • Deep expertise in retail and omnichannel strategy, client development, and operations.Experience in a matrixed, multi-brand global organization preferred.
  • Strategic thinker with excellent business and financial acumen.
  • Proven ability to lead through complexity and influence across functions and levels.
  • Inspires peak performance and cultivates an inclusive, empowering work culture.
  • Results-driven, agile, and resilient under pressure.
  • Creative problem-solver with high learning agility and curiosity.
  • Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with a people-centric leadership style.
  • Passion for the luxury industry, craftsmanship, and client excellence.

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

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Brand Director UK employer: Richemont

At Panerai, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that champions innovation and excellence in the luxury watch industry. Our inclusive work culture fosters collaboration and personal growth, providing employees with opportunities for mentorship and career advancement while working alongside passionate individuals who share a commitment to craftsmanship and client satisfaction. Located in the vibrant UK market, our team enjoys a dynamic environment where creativity thrives, and every contribution is valued, making it a truly rewarding place to build a meaningful career.
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Contact Detail:

Richemont Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Brand Director UK

✨Tip Number 1

Network within the luxury goods sector, especially with professionals who have experience in brand leadership roles. Attend industry events and engage with key players on platforms like LinkedIn to build relationships that could lead to referrals.

✨Tip Number 2

Stay updated on market trends and competitor activities in the luxury watch industry. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your passion and commitment to the brand's success.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've driven brand growth and client engagement in previous roles. Use metrics and KPIs to showcase your impact, as this aligns with the role's focus on financial performance.

✨Tip Number 4

Familiarise yourself with Panerai's brand values and heritage. Understanding their unique position in the market will allow you to articulate how you can contribute to their strategic vision and enhance brand desirability.

We think you need these skills to ace Brand Director UK

Strategic Leadership
Brand Development
Financial Acumen
Commercial Strategy
Data-Driven Decision Making
Team Leadership
Performance Management
Client Engagement
Marketing Strategy
Public Relations
Stakeholder Management
Industry Awareness
Operational Excellence
Risk Management
Communication Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Agility and Resilience
Passion for Luxury Goods

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in brand leadership and commercial roles, particularly within the luxury goods sector. Use specific metrics to demonstrate your impact in previous positions.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for the luxury industry and how your background aligns with Panerai's values. Mention specific achievements that showcase your strategic thinking and leadership skills.

Showcase Your Understanding of the Brand: Demonstrate your knowledge of Panerai's history, products, and market position. Discuss how you would translate their global strategy into effective local initiatives to enhance brand desirability in the UK.

Highlight Leadership Experience: Emphasise your experience in leading cross-functional teams and driving performance. Provide examples of how you've fostered an inclusive team culture and managed complex projects successfully.

How to prepare for a job interview at Richemont

✨Understand the Brand's Heritage

Before your interview, take some time to research Panerai's history and its evolution in the luxury watch market. Understanding the brand's roots and its connection to Italian craftsmanship will help you articulate how you can contribute to its legacy.

✨Showcase Your Strategic Vision

As a Brand Director, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to translate global strategies into local market plans. Prepare examples of how you've successfully developed and executed strategic initiatives in previous roles, particularly in the luxury sector.

✨Highlight Leadership Experience

Be ready to discuss your leadership style and how you've fostered high-performing teams in the past. Share specific instances where you've inspired and developed talent, as well as how you've navigated challenges within a diverse team environment.

✨Prepare for Financial Discussions

Since the role involves ownership of financial KPIs, brush up on your financial acumen. Be prepared to discuss how you've managed budgets, maximised ROI, and driven commercial performance in previous positions, especially in retail or omnichannel settings.

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