EMPORIO ARMANI - NEW BOND STREET - DEPARTMENT MANAGER, LADIESWEAR
About us: Founded by Giorgio Armani in 1975, we epitomise timeless elegance and luxury with our signature tailored, minimalistic designs. With a steadfast commitment to quality, we lead the global luxury fashion scene, offering refined sophistication to discerning clientele worldwide.
The role: The Emporio Armani Department Manager plays a crucial role in driving sales performance, managing team dynamics, and ensuring exceptional client service. This position focuses on strategic communication, effective clienteling, and operational excellence to deliver a memorable luxury experience aligned with the Armani Group's heritage and values.
The Department Manager role:
* Sales Leadership: Be the driving force behind achieving sales targets in the department by actively engaging with clients on the shop floor, providing a personal introduction to all VIP clients, and developing a robust client book for returning VIPs.
* Team Communication: Conduct weekly management meetings to align on period and weekly strategies, review KPIs, and ensure internal reporting and analysis are up to date. Maintain continuous communication with team members through WhatsApp groups, emails and notice boards, updating the team on targets, sales performance, and company updates.
* Visual Merchandising Oversight: Review merchandise reports weekly to identify trends, collaborate with Visual Merchandisers (VMs), and strategize product placement to optimise key investments and address slow-moving categories.
* Standards and Product Knowledge: Lead regular training sessions with team members on product knowledge and sales techniques, emphasising the brand’s DNA. Conduct daily spot coaching and provide real-time feedback to ensure consistent service quality.
* Performance Reviews: Coordinate monthly individual reviews, providing structured feedback and contributing to annual appraisals. Foster a culture of excellence and teamwork by recognizing and celebrating achievements.
Managing Client Relations and Ambience
* Client Book Management: Oversee the systematic management of client books, ensuring completeness of client data and monitoring weekly follow-ups. Coach the team on personal data collection and effective clienteling methods.
* CRM Strategy Implementation: Drive the department’s CRM strategy by organizing briefings, enforcing communication practices, and managing the client portfolio. Ensure the team is familiar with core client profiles and proactively engages with key VICs.
* Client Experience Enhancement: Assist in the creation and execution of exclusive client experiences, from in-store events to tailored shopping appointments, and provide personalized service to build lasting relationships.
* Store Image and Presentation: Maintain the highest standards of visual and store presentation, ensuring staff adhere to uniform and grooming guidelines. Monitor the tidiness of the shop floor, cash desk, and displays, ensuring consistency with luxury standards.
Operational Management
* Daily Team Activity Management: Plan and oversee daily shop floor activities, delegating tasks to team members and ensuring efficient zoning and resource allocation. Collaborate with management to align on operational strategies and minimise disruptions.
* Stock and Inventory Coordination: Work closely with the Operations Team to plan and manage deliveries, organize stockrooms, and handle inventory-related activities, including price changes and end-of-season (EOS) sales. Ensure that the packaging, licenses, and courier administration are properly managed.
* Administrative and HR Compliance: Adhere to and enforce HR policies, including attendance, punctuality, and conduct management. Support the operations team and ensure all team members are aware of their administrative duties and responsibilities.
* Press VIP and Consignment Management: Manage Press appointments to minimize disruption to store operations, ensuring consignment files are updated and appointments are seamlessly executed.
Requirements
* Sales Expertise: Strong track record of achieving sales targets and motivating a sales-driven team in a luxury environment.
* Client-Centric Mindset: Exceptional clienteling skills, with an emphasis on relationship-building and personalized service.
* Operational Knowledge: Proficient in managing inventory, visual merchandising, and operational efficiency.
* Analytical Abilities: Ability to interpret sales data, identify trends, and make strategic decisions to drive department performance.
* Leadership Skills: Strong communication, coaching, and leadership abilities to inspire and develop the team.
* Detail-Oriented: High attention to detail in maintaining store presentation and ensuring compliance with brand standards.
* Technical Skills: Familiarity with CRM systems, Microsoft Office, and other retail management tools.
Benefits
* Competitive salary and attractive commission and bonus structure.
* Employee discounts on Giorgio Armani products.
* Training and development opportunities to enhance your skills and knowledge.
* Be part of a globally renowned brand with a rich heritage and an exciting future.
* Collaborative and supportive work environment.
As an equal opportunities employer, Giorgio Armani is committed to the equal treatment of all current and prospective employees and does not condone discrimination based on age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage and civil partnership. We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and join the Giorgio Armani family.