Retail Operations Director

The company

Over the years, Longines has played a pioneering role in many timekeeping technological breakthroughs, with a particularly strong presence in the field of sports, while constantly exhibiting its characteristic elegance across the globe. Longines developed its first chronograph in 1878. It was quickly adopted by horse enthusiasts.

In 1912, Longines helped shape the history of the sporting world by introducing the first timing mechanism automatically triggered by an electric wire.
Today, the brand remains at the cutting edge of innovation and seeks to ensure that all its watches offer a unique combination of Tradition, Elegance, and Performance.

Job description

The Retail Operations Director will be responsible for expanding the retail footprint for Longines across the US & Caribbean while optimizing operational efficiencies to maximize profitability and creating long-term strategies to grow net revenue. Managing operations and customer service; driving retail strategies; financial management, reporting, and inventory control; and interfacing with local and international managers.

The candidate must possess operational experience with an emphasis on retail. This person should also work well in a team environment and possess strong communication skills as they will be in constant contact with the boutique and corporate management.

This is an office based position in Miami, FL. The candidate will be expected to travel regularly on behalf of the brand as apart of this role.

Profile

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Work directly with brokers for new boutique opportunities
• Negotiating LOI for optimal lease deals and space locations
• Visit locations as needed for clear understanding of boutique layout
• Liaise with retail construction team on new project costs and during full project timeline
• Communicate and facilitate operations for US retail boutiques and corporate office
• Administer timely and streamlined communication, consistency, standards and
  operational compliance in all stores
• Manage store openings/renovations/closing projects directly or remotely with assistance of construction team
• Organize new boutique trainings with Corporate Trainer
• Create local retail policy and procedure standards, Policies and Procedures Manual and Point of Sale Manual
• Upload all necessary documents and information in RMIS for any new project proposals or boutique renovations
• Provide weekly updates on all projects and current progress
• Develop and manage newly implemented CRM program and support as main point-of-contact for boutiques

BOUTIQUE MAINTENANCE

• Conduct boutique visits and operational audits on a regular basis
• Support field leadership team for daily operating and sales needs
• Establish strong relationships with retail division and store teams in order to better understand needs of the business
• Manage all operational based projects / manipulate existing systems in order to satisfy the needs of the business
• Manage all boutique invoicing, utilities bills, etc.
• Create reports and presentations as required by the Brand President; including tour guide and discount analysis
• Work with Demand Planner on boutique assortments and weekly replenishment needs
• Update the weekly sales estimate reports
• Approval authority for send sales and discounts
• POS System management and maintenance
• Coordinate maintenance issues for US division
• Monitor, track and audit store incentives and boutique commission payouts
• Develop new tools and trainings to increase operational proficiency
• Manage yearly operational project sheets
• Manage physical inventory preparation
• Organize yearly newness trainings between boutiques and Corporate Trainer
• Invoice approval and coding
• Manage boutiques cycle counts and daily counts
• Boutique spending and expense control
• Introduce new vendors and negotiate contracts with current vendors in the best interest of the company’s budget
• Facilitate and purchase supplies for office, selling, events, visual and specialty needs
• Forecast and maintain operational budget
• Assist entire division with special projects

Professional requirements

• Four year degree in Business Administration, or other relevant major, MBA a plus
• 8 or more years of corporate or retail operations
• Strong written communication skills required
• Experience working closely with senior level executives
• Understanding of the reality of the Retail environment
• Ability to perform well in a team environment and manage multiple deadline-driven projects
• Must be flexible and solution-oriented with excellent time management and organizational skills and the ability to multitask
• Excellent computer skills, including proficiency with Office (Word, PowerPoint and Excel) as well as flexibility with similar alternative programs
• Ability to negotiate lease agreements
• Strong personal work ethic
• Flexible personality and quick learner who operates with a sense of urgency
• Must be able to travel domestically or internationally on behalf of the Brand for retail operations set up and development

Additional Skill Requirements:

• Must be self-motivated and a self-starter; quick learner for a multifaceted business and companion domestic and international staff;
• Must possess strong organizational, project management and problem-solving skills with multi-tasking abilities in a fast-paced corporate environment;
• Arrive early and work late if necessary
• Understand and follow posted work rules and procedures
• Accept constructive feedback
• Must be a team player

This description outlines the basic responsibilities and requirements for the role. This is not a comprehensive listing of all job duties of the Retail Operations Director. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Benefits Program

The Swatch Group is an equal opportunity employer that promotes diversity and is committed to environmental sustainability.

• Excellent health, dental and vision insurance (employee and dependents are eligible 1st of the month following 30 days; generous employer contribution)

• Immediate participation in the 401(k) and 100% vested employer match after one year (maximum 4% employer match with 5% employee contribution)

• Company paid life insurance and Long Term Disability

• 18 days of PTO per year

• Special bucket of sick time per year extended paid time for medical, parental and military leave

• Holiday pay

• Voluntary FSA, STD, Accident/Hospital Indemnity insurance

• Employee product discount

For more information please see https://transparency-in-coverage.uhc.com/

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Job Reference: SGUS_02210