Store Manager - Highland Park

About the Role

The Store Manager is a leader who will thrive in a dynamic environment, embodies strategic foresight, and fosters collaboration. The Store Manager will need to take decisive actions which will play a crucial role in propelling business initiatives forward. They will be responsible in creating and executing business strategies to develop the Boutique as a place for client engagement and connection. As well as an Ambassador of the Maison and embody its values.

Network Development and Brand Ambassador

• Maintain a strong front-of-house presence, ensuring excellent in-store experience and fostering a «couture service» mindset.
• Drive the implementation of company strategies by coaching, motivating, and supporting the Boutique team, ensuring strong adoption of and understanding of company strategies.
• Embody constantly Valentino codes and engage local people with the brand.
• Attract and recruit new clients from personal network and external partners.
• Develop clienteling mindset, client's loyalty, and retention from beginners to VICs.

Business and Sales Performance

• Drive and maximize sales performance to consistently achieve the overall sales target objectives while ensuring operational integrity and monthly profitably plans.
• Regularly analyze and monitor store KPIs, devising and implementing robust action plans to meet and exceed targets.
• At the beginning of each year, craft a comprehensive store strategy, revisited quarterly, to align with broader company objectives.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure the seamless execution of business plans.
• Identify and seize opportunities to enhance performance through strategic partnerships with corporate stakeholders.
• Manage personnel expenses within budgetary constraints and adhere to discounting policies to preserve brand integrity.
• Partner with the Merchandising and Buying team to ensure relevant products are in the store to drive revenue.
• Report weekly to the Valentino Leadership team on sales trends and where we can pivot to increase sales.

Team Leadership & Management

• Cultivate a motivating and inclusive environment that values diversity and fosters mutual respect and teamwork.
• Demonstrate managerial courage to tactfully dispense direct and actionable feedback; is open and direct with others without being intimidating; deals head-on with people's problems and prickly situations.
• Partner with Retail Director & HRBP.
• Commit to the professional growth of each team member, preparing them for future advancements.
• Ensure that all staff adhere to high standards of professionalism, from grooming to conduct.
• Set SMART goals and ensure optimal staffing schedules to maximize team performance and compliance with labor regulations.
• Ensure proper and timely communication of company contents through morning briefings, products, and CRM training.
• Build the best team through talent retention and recruitment ensuring career development and succession plans with HR support.
• In charge of all Recruiting Activities in the store in partnership with HR & Talent Acquisition.
• Responsible for all team planning, organizing, and plan the activities verifying day-to-day execution.
• Take all the necessary measures to create and maintain a motivated, positive, and safe work environment; manage all delicate situations regarding store personnel, according to Company policies and employment laws.
• Regularly organize store meetings and keep the team informed regarding store performance and sales objectives.
• Assign quantitative and qualitative objectives and ensure they are achieved.

CRM and Events Management

• Constantly aim and satisfy the client experience.
• Guarantee excellent Client Experience by monitoring sales activities; ensure that standards of Valentino Client Journey are always followed.
• Implement clienteling in the store and ensure client engagement, recruitment, retention, and upgrading with high attention to local domestic clients.
• Maintain and develop external relations with network and prestigious people, clients, and third partners, to promote brand loyalty and expand the network.
• Impeccable management of the client database including client assignment and reassignment, responsible for promoting brand loyalty according to CRM Company requirements, develops direct marketing actions towards loyal and inactive clients.
• Ensure the inclusion of digital tools and assets in the client journey and the clienteling routine.
• Assist Team Manager (if applicable) in managing all delicate situations regarding sales activities or after sales (boutique returns, end of the season, customer returns, repairs, complaints).
• Ensure the respect of Company procedures regarding sales and after-sales processes.
• Continuously develop knowledge and information about HQs and corporate guidelines.
• Transform customer interactions into meaningful relationships through a robust client development strategy.
• Engage with local partners and community events to enhance brand visibility and market reach.

Store Operations and Merchandise

• Stay informed on all operational policies and procedures to minimize loss and optimize store performance.
• Where an Ops HC is not present takes an active part to the execution of operational tasks (including shipping/receiving).
• Guarantee end-of-season returns and product transfers.
• Manage inventory activities and is responsible for results.
• Manage and supervise all inventory activities and is responsible for results.
• Manage cash and payment systems by Company procedures and policies.
• Deal with store accountancy recurring audits.
• Ensure administration procedures and timing are respected.
• Guarantee store maintenance to make the furnishings, machinery and all store tools as efficient as possible.
• Partner with Team Manager and Client Advisors, merchandise team on seasonal buys.
• Constantly monitor the correct rotation of the products and verify that is in line with the store's sales potential with Merchandising/Buying support.

Visual Merchandising

• Liaise with and receive information and requirements from HQs Visual Merchandising; verify and report visual criteria effectiveness in terms of sales; report to Visual Merchandising all relevant information.
• Ensure that VM reflects strategy and verifies guidelines execution in store.
• Ensure order and cleaning of windows and internal display.
• Ensure visual criteria and verify guidelines execution in store.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree preferred not required.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in Store Management or leadership role.
• Preferred not required Luxury Department store management experience.
• Proven track record in achieving results and team development.
• Excellent knowledge in product and client journey.
• Strong business acumen, understanding of store and team performance and KPI's.
• Proactive in identifying business opportunities and propose action plans.
• Has positive and effective team management skills, motivates team.
• Excellent organizational and follow up and time management skills.
• Demonstrates confidence and ability to develop relationships with clients, team and the business.
• Clear and concise communication skills – verbal and written.
• Prioritizes tasks effectively.
• Attention to detail under strict deadlines.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks, projects with competing priorities and tight deadlines.
• Proficient in all store sales and operations systems.