Manager Retail Operations
Amsterdam (HQ), North Holland
Retail & Operations (HQ) – Retail - Operations & Stores /
Fulltime /
Hybrid
ABOUT THE BRAND
At Karl Lagerfeld, we are driven by Karl’s mantra: “Embrace the present and invent the future.”
Always contemporary and forward-looking, the House of KARL LAGERFELD shares the creative vision and design aesthetic of its iconic founder, Karl Lagerfeld.
We are the only fashion house that carries Karl’s name on its door and we strive to live up to this responsibility in everything we do, every day, with the utmost joy and passion.
Our headquarters in Paris and in Amsterdam are home to a highly diverse and driven team of KARL family members that hail from over 50 countries. Together, we aim to create meaningful stories and product concepts that connect to Karl’s world and iconic attributes.
Women’s & Men's ready-to-wear, bags, small leather goods, swimwear and underwear are managed directly from our Amsterdam headquarters, while other categories, including footwear, fragrances, eyewear and more, are developed with best-in-class licensing partners.
We connect with our consumers on multiple levels, ensuring that our online and offline approach goes hand in hand. We thrive to maximize consumer engagement via more than 200 KL stores worldwide, our premium wholesale partners, and our strong digital footprint, spearheaded by our KARL.COM flagship store, which reaches 96 countries. Our digital channels currently represent more than 30% of our overall full-price business.
We are a dynamic, fast-growing and inclusive company built on professionalism and strong values. At KARL LAGERFELD we’re committed to working toward the highest standards of sustainability and integrity across all areas of our business,. In 2019, KARL LAGERFELD joined as a founding member of the Fashion Pact, a global sustainability initiative seeking to transform the fashion industry through objectives in three areas: climate, biodiversity and ocean protection.
THE ROLE
The Retail Operations manager role is responsible for the strategic element of the retail model. You will have accountability for the progress of key projects and the continued improvement of retail operations in Full price and Outlet stores across EMEA. Function as a key business partner to the Retail Director and other Department Heads to influence the creation and communication of company strategy, business priorities and targets for the Regional Teams.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Set objectives for the Retail Operations team to ensure a high standard of service is provided to the Retail field team and our customers. This includes clear and prompt responses to enquiries and requests, taking into account the customers view to offer appropriate solutions and monitoring the volume of requests by topic to identify areas for future solutions
- Ensure structure is provided for the retail field team and stores in KPI’s, Policies and Procedures, trading feedback process, trading calendar, training programs, controllable retail costs and all communication channels.
- Structure development projects for retail systems and structures including those projects defined by, or requiring support, from HQ
- Ensure the ongoing development of the CRM program and the use of reporting and analysis on CRM and Mystery Shop continue to strengthen our understanding of our customer profile and service by market. Liaise with the Marketing team to strengthen strategic targeting by customer profile to drive new footfall
- Ensure that new store openings and renovations are coordinated effectively to maximize sales and profitability with minimum disruption to all departments involved in supporting
- Manage the Operating expense budgets for all Retail stores ensuring budgets are accurately forecasted every month (Consumables, Packaging, Office supplies)
- Create an Omni- channel mindest amongst the Retail operations and Field teams.
- Provide market feedback to the Retail director on Retail operations best practices and new technologies that will support business growth
- Responsible for the seamless end to communications between stores and head office. Streamline and minimise tasks to stores to allow teams more time on the sales floor
- Collaborate with Human Resources, Retail to improve induction, enhance store training materials and support progression
- Support stores to deliver on KPI’s: CRM Data capture/UPT/Conversion/ATV in line with business goals
- Be the key contact with Retail operations external business partners and vendors
- Be a key stake holder in the strategic direction and development of new initiatives, projects and procedures (i.e. scheduling tools, POS, Omni-channel, etc.)
- Plan and Execute Quarterly Retail Meetings (RAM) and bi-annual Store Manager Retail Conference
- Identify trends and make suggestions to improve and enhance retail performance to deliver sales and service goals
- Work strategically as a liaison with IT to deliver innovative tools and support system that enhance the stores operational capabilities
- Negotiate and manage external vendor relationships
- Conducts operational store visits to ensure compliance of Retail Operations standards
- Monitor P&L to ensure financial responsibility of retail stores EBIDTA and contribution targets
- Supports store teams and Area Managers with compliance to all policies and procedures relating to Health and Safety; influences any changes necessary to meet local requirements, ensuring minimum risk to staff members and the business
- Responsible to the preparation and implementation of the Bi- annual store managers meeting
THE PROFILE:
- A minimum of 5 years of Retail / Retail Operations experience
- Premium Retail experience with strong focus in Retail Operations preferred
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Demonstrates an ability to lead, motivate, train and develop a team through active management
- Excellent time management and organizational skills, including the ability to prioritize work effectively
- Strong relationship-building and customer service skills with all levels of employees
- Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment, pays close attention to detail, accuracy and is very analytical
- Strong business acumen and interpersonal skills
- Proficient level user with MS Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
- Frequent Travel Required
Why #TEAMKARL? (HQ)
· Learning and development courses/training
· Opportunity to make an impact
· Remote working arrangements
· Relocation Package
· Bonus holidays
· Working in the heart of Amsterdam
· Brand discounts
· And exclusive sample sales only for #TEAMKARL
JOIN #TEAMKARL
The collective vision of KARL LAGERFELD is to be the most connected global designer brand, inspiring consumers through luxury collections and immersing them in the World of KARL. If you are interested in joining #TEAMKARL, we invite you to submit your application today.
At #TEAMKARL, everyone can give their opinion, grow in their career, and be part of a genuinely caring and inclusive team. We welcome people from all backgrounds, with different perspectives, ideas, and experiences to work with us.
