Overview

The Managing Director oversees the development and the performance of the Maison within Europe. The Managing Director is the Maison’s Ambassador on the market, representing the Maison towards end-customers, business partners, landlords and the press, as well as Richemont organizations in Europe.

The primary focus will be to define the strategy for the Maison's development within Europe, ensuring it aligns seamlessly with the Maison's overarching strategic objectives. This includes a strong emphasis on consolidating and growing our presence in established, historical markets.

You will be in charge of establishing and implementing the defined strategy, with a commitment to achieving the objectives outlined in both the annual business plan and long-term strategic plans. A key element of this will be maximizing the potential of our existing European network while identifying and capitalizing on new opportunities for growth.

One of the responsibilities is to lead and organize teams, as well as manage processes effectively, to ensure the successful completion of the Maison's goals.

Finally, the Managing Director will be responsible for protecting and enhancing the Maison's image within the European market and among our valued clients, maintaining a strong and positive brand presence. A particular focus will be on establishing the newly opened Geneva boutique as the flagship location for the Maison in Europe, driving brand awareness and client engagement.

Key Responsibilities

1. Drive sales & network growth in Europe:

• Develop and execute the European sales strategy to achieve profitability goals, with a focus on both established and emerging markets
• Define the distribution strategy, optimizing the existing network and identifying opportunities for strategic expansion. Build strong relationships with key partners and landlords across Europe
• Lead the European business plan development and execution, ensuring alignment with global Maison objectives
• Ensure brand standards and excellent client service across all channels, adapting to the nuances of different European markets
• Champion a client-centric approach by creating a multi-level client journey thanks to a robust and precise CRM
• Manage boutique network, with a particular focus on maximizing the impact and performance of the Geneva flagship boutique. Drive client retention plans across the European network
• Establish KPIs and objectives for the team, ensuring clear accountability and performance tracking
• Implement local commercial policies, adapting to the specific regulations and market conditions in each European country
• Drive Retail Excellence in all channels, ensuring a consistent and elevated brand experience
• Optimize stock levels and product lifecycle management across the European network

2. Enhance brand equity in Europe:

• Develop and execute a long-term brand strategy for Europe, building on the Maison's heritage and adapting to the evolving luxury landscape
• Oversee the MarCom plan and its execution, ensuring effective and impactful campaigns across different European markets
• Together with marketing team, structure the Brand elevation and visibility through integrated marketing campaigns (media, CRM, digital, PR), tailored to the European audience.
• Set up local innovative initiatives to enhance brand engagement and drive client acquisition

3. Lead & develop the European team:

• Build high-performing teams, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing
• Identify and develop high-potential employees, providing opportunities for growth and advancement
• Propose local initiatives for talent retention, ensuring a motivated and engaged workforce
• Provide clear leadership and training, empowering team members to excel in their roles
• Set objectives, provide feedback, and conduct appraisals, fostering a culture of continuous improvement
• Ensure smooth day-to-day operations across the European network
• Inspire and motivate the team, creating a positive and collaborative work environment
• Promote compliance and ethical conduct, adhering to the highest standards of integrity

Candidate profile

• The candidate should hold a successful track record of business unit management at a regional scale and have an extensive experience in the luxury retail industry
• Experience working in matrix organizations, such as Brand HQ, Group, and local entities, is preferred
• Omnichannel experience and a strong capacity to build a sustainable business are highly valued attributes
• The ideal candidate should demonstrate strong commercial instincts and the ability to conclude deals through influence
• A strategic mindset, enabling the anticipation and identification of opportunities for developing the Maison, is crucial for success
• Previous exposure to leadership roles, including experience in the management of cross-functional and cross-cultural teams, is expected
• The ideal candidate is a people leader daring and caring for the team, who will focus on empowering team members
• Exceptional communication skills, with an excellent ability to articulate the Maison's story, are vital for this role
• Excellent proficiency in English is required, while fluency in French and in any other European language would be highly appreciated