Deputy Manager- Houston Retail

About the role

The Deputy Manager partners closely with the General Manager to ensure seamless operation, commercial success, and an elevated brand experience for the Leica Store. Acting as second‑in‑command, the Deputy Manager leads day‑to‑day operations, enforces compliance, and ensures that all operational and logistical processes enable a seamless and elevated client experience. This position reports to the General Manager and directly supports the leadership of Client Advisors, ensuring consistent execution of Leica’s standards of craftsmanship, service, and operational excellence. The role also upholds and enforces Leica’s global retail standards, including clienteling, CRM discipline, operational compliance, and visual merchandising consistency.

Responsibilities

• Sales and Client Experience
  • Partner with the GM to translate strategic sales objectives into daily execution plans.
  • Lead by example on the sales floor, ensuring smooth client flow, coverage, and service delivery during peak hours.
  • Coach Client Advisors on service standards, clienteling behaviors, and cross‑category selling.
  • Support client development initiatives, CRM campaigns, and in‑store activations with the Gallery and Akademie teams.
  • Ensure consistent application of Leica’s global retail and clienteling standards across all client touchpoints.
  • Act as a key liaison between front‑of‑house and back‑of‑house teams to ensure operational readiness for all client activities.
• Operations and Compliance
  • Own the daily operational rhythm of the store, including opening/closing procedures, cash handling, inventory management, shipping/receiving, and audit preparation.
  • Maintain accountability for compliance, loss prevention, and operational excellence across all systems and standards.
  • Ensure accurate execution of merchandising, stock rotation, and back‑of‑house organization in alignment with HQ guidelines.
  • Monitor and report on operational KPIs (inventory accuracy, shrink, productivity) and implement corrective actions when needed.
  • Partner with the GM on financial reporting inputs, expense tracking, and efficiency improvements to protect profitability.
• Leadership and Team Development
  • Provide daily coaching, structure, and guidance to Client Advisors to ensure strong performance and process adherence.
  • Manage scheduling, delegation, and task execution across the team to ensure coverage and operational continuity.
  • Lead the store in the GM’s absence, maintaining consistent leadership, client experience, and operational standards.
  • Assist with recruiting, onboarding, and training new team members to uphold Leica’s brand values and service standards.
  • Foster collaboration between sales and operations to strengthen overall team performance and accountability.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of luxury or premium retail management experience.
• Proven operational leadership with strong attention to process, systems, and compliance.
• Experience managing inventory, ERP/POS systems, and store‑level financial or productivity reporting.
• Strong people‑leadership skills with the ability to motivate and coach teams in a luxury environment.
• Technical or creative interest in photography and storytelling (preferred).
• Flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, and events.
• Operationally driven and disciplined, with high attention to accuracy and detail.
• Commercially aware with a strong understanding of how operations support sales success.
• Hands‑on leader who thrives in fast‑paced, client‑facing environments.
• Embodies Leica’s values of authenticity, creativity, and excellence.
• Reliable, proactive, and solutions‑oriented under pressure.

About the organization

Leica Camera is an international, premium manufacturer of cameras and sports optics. The legendary reputation of the Leica brand is based on a long tradition of excellent quality, German craftsmanship, and German industrial design, combined with innovative technologies. The company’s culture includes a diverse range of activities that advance photography, such as Leica Galleries, Leica Akademies, the Leica Hall of Fame Award, and the Leica Oskar Barnack Award (LOBA). Leica Camera AG is headquartered in Wetzlar, Hesse, with a second production site in Vila Nova de Famalicão, Portugal, and operates a worldwide network of national organizations and Leica Retail Stores.