Job Summary:
The Director of Retail will be a strategic and dynamic leader responsible for driving the overall performance and growth of Kiehl’s boutiques. This individual will be instrumental in shaping the customer experience, optimizing sales, and ensuring operational excellence across all retail channels, including our network of boutiques. The ideal candidate will possess a strong blend of commercial acumen, team leadership capabilities, and a deep understanding of retail development and operations.

Key Responsibilities:
1. Leading Commercial Forecast and Sales Performance:
o Develop, implement, and manage comprehensive retail sales strategies to achieve and exceed ambitious revenue targets.

o Lead the rigorous commercial forecasting process, analyzing market trends, historical data, and promotional activities to provide accurate sales predictions.

o Monitor, analyze, and report on key sales performance indicators (KPIs) such as conversion rates, average transaction value, foot traffic, and sales per square foot.

o Identify opportunities for sales growth and profitability improvement through effective merchandise planning, pricing strategies, promotional initiatives, and lease negotiations.

o Collaborate closely with marketing, merchandising, and product development teams to ensure a cohesive commercial strategy that aligns with overall business objectives.

2. Managing Field Team and Boutique Teams:
o Provide strong, inspirational leadership to a geographically dispersed field team, including Regional Managers and boutique employees.

o Foster a high-performance culture by setting clear expectations, providing regular feedback, and implementing effective performance management systems.

o Oversee the recruitment, training, and development of all retail personnel, ensuring a highly skilled and motivated workforce.

o Develop and implement strategies for employee engagement and retention, creating a positive and productive work environment.

o Conduct regular store visits to assess operational efficiency, merchandise presentation, customer service standards, and team morale.

3. Retail Development & Lease Negotiations:
o Drive the strategic expansion and optimization of our retail footprint, identifying prime locations for new boutiques and potential closures for underperforming ones.

o Lead or support lease negotiations for new stores, renewals, and relocations, collaborating with legal and real estate teams (broker: Odyssey Retail) to secure favorable terms.

o Conduct market research and feasibility studies to assess potential retail opportunities and risks.

o Oversee the planning and execution of new store openings, including store design, build-out, and pre-opening operational setup.

o Develop and maintain strong relationships with landlords and real estate partners.

4. Responsible for Operations/Supply Chain:
o Operations and Supply Chain: Oversee all aspects of retail operations, inventory levels, ensuring adherence to company policies, procedures, and brand standards. This includes inventory management, store maintenance, loss prevention, and cash handling procedures - led by the Operations Manager.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Retail Management, or a related field; Master's degree preferred.
• Years of progressive experience in retail management, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role, preferably in luxury retail.
• Proven track record of driving significant sales growth and achieving commercial targets.
• Exceptional leadership and team management skills, with the ability to inspire and develop large teams.
• Strong understanding of retail operations, supply chain dynamics, and inventory management.
• Demonstrated experience in retail development and lease negotiations.
• Excellent analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and make data-driven decisions.
• Outstanding communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to travel extensively as required.

This role requires a visionary leader who can balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution to ensure our retail presence reflects our brand's excellence and delivers an exceptional experience to every customer.

We’re committed to guaranteeing inclusive recruitment processes and advocating for hiring and promoting each candidate in an ethical and equitable way. The Group strictly prohibits discrimination against any applicant for employment because of the individual’s gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, visible and/or invisible disabilities, socio-economic and/or multicultural origins, health conditions, age, religion, or any other characteristics protected by law.