SAINT LAURENT General Manager Middle East (M/W)

ABOUT SAINT LAURENT

Founded in 1961, Yves Saint Laurent was the first couture house to introduce the concept of luxury prêt--porter in a 1966 collection called Rive Gauche, synonymous with youth and freedom. This shift represented a first critical step in the modernization of fashion and revolutionized the socio-cultural landscape.
In 1999, the luxury goods division of the Kering Group acquired Yves Saint Laurent and, under the creative direction of Anthony Vaccarello since April 2016, continues to position the house at the summit of the luxury universe.
Today, Saint Laurent collections include women's and men's ready-to-wear, shoes, handbags, small leather goods, jewelry, scarves, ties and eyewear.

ROLE

Managing and also accompanying the growth of this region, you will be responsible for the P&L and the local teams.

MISSION

• Fully accountable for the turnover of the brand in the region, the development and execution of the retail strategy and business plan

• Manage and coach a team of Store Directors (directly operated stores) and regional office functions (HR, Finance, Retail Operations, Field Training, Visual Merchandising, Buying, etc.)

• Strengthen the local organization and provide the leadership needed to achieve financial and operational targets

• Work closely with EMEA teams and worldwide corporate functions (HR, Buying, Client, Operations, Finance, Store Planning, Retail Excellence, Training, etc.) to implement brand strategy and lead business changes

• Engage with Clients, involve them in the vision and implement Retail Excellence in order to build an impeccable Client Experience in store

• Ensure a communication flow with HQ in order to provide feedback

• Coach, motivate and manage the team, build strong customer orientation and a strong performance culture

• Communicate clear short-term and mid-term goals to the team to align, inspire and drive them

• Strengthen the organization by hiring talents and supporting the team

• Analyze & optimize the Company retail footprint in the region by identifying opportunities and scouting for new key locations

• Manage and implement new store openings

• Develop and manage relationships with Landlords & partners

PROFILE

• Experience in people leadership and driving changes in a large corporate environment and the ability to effectively lead, motivate, inspire and delegate

• Experience in retail, managing a customer orientated retail organisation with P&L responsibilities

• Knowledge of brand positioning

• Entrepreneurial and structured

• Good knowledge and understanding of the region/the market

• Intensive travel in the region

• Fluent in English, Arabic & French are a plus