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Job description / Role
An elite fashion house hosting several well-known global fashion brands is looking for strategic and hands-on Head of Retail - Multi-brand to manage its stores in UAE. As the retail head, you will look after Profit & Loss, Visual Merchandising, Customer Service, Operations and Staffing of the key stores in UAE.
Key areas of responsibilities:
Manage the effective operation of the stores to maximize sales and profitability.
- Define Sales and Operational directives across the division and conduct regular business reviews for all stores.
- Conduct daily / weekly / monthly team, staff and management meetings as appropriate to discuss updates on business and staff issues.
- Set and communicate clear and consistent guidelines and processes for staff to follow.
- Conduct daily / weekly / monthly team, staff and management meetings as appropriate to discuss updates on business and staff issues.
- Assign roles and responsibilities within the management team to achieve maximum productivity.
- Conduct regular business reviews for all stores.
- Set seasonal / monthly sales targets for all stores based on seasonal orders and previous seasons sell-throughs and work with Store Managers to set individual targets for sales staff.
- Liaise with mall management and maintain and nourish the management relationship.
- Propose on discount levels at the end of the season based on sell-through achieved.
- Work with Buying & Merchandising team to propose to CEO seasonal buying budgets based on actual sales and sell-throughs, staff feedback, contractual agreements with suppliers and business plan.
- Collate detailed information from Store Managers and their teams as to how to improve buying and sales performance and convey to Buying & Merchandising team.
- Monitor Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) such as conversion rate, sales per customer, sales per transaction, quantity per transaction, sales per floor space, sales per employee, etc. and use this data to highlight areas for improvement and implement actions plans to achieve improvements for all KPIs.
- Optimize the store layout and design and propose areas for improvement.
- Ensure smooth and efficient functioning of tailoring function / alterations in terms of quality and speed. Arrange for outsourcing of alterations as and when necessary.
- Ensure the highest standards of cleanliness are adhered to and that all equipment, fixtures and fittings are well maintained and are up to the required standards and are appropriate with the image of the store. Monitor cleaning contractors performance.
- Ensure Policies, Procedures and processes are clearly defined, understood, implemented and adhered to consistently
- Ensure that the security procedures for merchandise are implemented at all stages of the sales process e.g. changing rooms, POS, etc. and that the companys property is at all times safe and secure.
- Put in place all necessary precautions to minimize any risks of theft or loss from customers and staff.
- Identifying slow moving brands or categories in a timely manner so that corrective action can be taken in time.
- Timely, relevant and effectively structured feedback to buyers.
HR Management
- Work with the Head of HR to set up best-practice recruitment initiatives, training programs and store orientation/induction programs.
- Ensure staffing levels are appropriate and meet service standards throughout the stores and that staff allocation to different stores is appropriate based on skills, language skills etc.
- Develop staff and culture to be productive and engaged
- Ensure manpower scheduling makes optimal use of resources and is aligned with the stores traffic patterns.
- Actively contribute to setting personal and professional development plans to improve staff retention and motivation.
- Improve employee of the month scheme where it exists and initiate program for new stores.
- Proactively contribute as necessary to ensure that the organization is perceived as an employer of choice.
- Ensure the recruitment of high caliber, qualified staff at all levels to help achieve the business targets of each area, within budgeted staffing plans.
CRM
- Ensure that customer service standards support the financial and business targets and objectives
- Work with store managers to highlight key development areas and outline action plan.
- Instigate and implement mystery shopping on a regular basis as and when appropriate and use the results to improve performance.
- Develop system to measure customer satisfaction.
- Develop and implement standard system to monitor and address customer complaints and ensure best-practices are maintained throughout the stores with regular upgrades and adjustments where necessary.
Management of stock
- Improve administrative and stock control procedures.
- Plan and implement stock takes and set up systems and procedures to minimize shrinkage / stock loss.
- Oversee management of the stock rooms to optimize performance.
- Transfer stock between stores to optimize sales.
- Negotiate and implement stock swaps with suppliers.
Marketing
- Work closely with Head of Marketing to develop effective marketing plans to achieve the sales and growth.
- Ensure Marketing plans suit the market and calendar of events in maximizing sales
- Ensure that the visual merchandising standards in the stores are world-class and support the business objectives and brand positioning and are as per the brand guidelines.
Business Development
- Propose new brands and new locations for existing brands.
- Negotiate with malls to secure best locations and rental terms.
- Work with brands on store design and construction.
Requirements
- Candidate must have at least 7 years in luxury retail operation and commercial management experience with good understanding of high-end fashion and multi-brand experience; local experience is preferred
- She/he must have managed multi-stores from the operational and strategic perspectives
- She/he must have good management and leadership skills
- She/ he must possess good business acumen and initiative
- She/he must have very good English communication skills
About the Company
Cobalt is part of a leading international recruitment provider with offices in Europe, Singapore and New Zealand. Cobalt offers high quality HR consultancy, executive search, contingency recruitment and Emiratization services in Dubai and the wider MENA Region. It works extensively within the fields of Construction & Engineering, Banking & Finance and HR & Business Support.
Contributing to the regions development, we play a key role in identifying and attracting the very best talent to ensure the regions potential is realized. We also understand the importance of Emiratization in ensuring the long-term success of the UAE economy and have therefore pro-actively developed a strong network of UAE Nationals within our specialist areas.