Head of Retail

POSITION PURPOSE

The Head of Retail, Korea has the primary responsibility to drive retail performance within the market. They execute Aesop’s
business plan through united cross-functional collaboration, and continuously seek out and implement initiatives that deliver
on or exceed goals & targets. They build and develop their team nurturing a culture of high-performance and productivity.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

Sales and Financial Management

Sales

Closely monitor the sales and KPI performances of stores and counters and their progress towards achieving yearly budgets. Provide regular reports required to better understand and monitor the business for both management purposes (sales and cost reports etc.) and for the coaching of RBMs and Store/Counter Managers. Inform, motivate and coach Retail staff to understand and analyse store sales against budgets and team performance on KPIs Critically analyse those reports and devise strategies to enhance the business and address issues Review weekly sales and product performance to identify opportunities to increase sales

Business Development

Search and assess new or relocation of retail doors for further business opportunities Negotiate and review of leases as required and ensure that timing for new store openings and staffing requirements are effectively project managed Build and maintain business relationship with key retailers, especially for counters, to gain support In partnership with Marketing, work with RBMs to proactively build and develop new business relationships to identify opportunities for driving sales Provide regular reports required to better understand and monitor the business for both management purposes (sales and cost reports etc.) and for the coaching of RBMs. Critically analyse those reports and provide options for how to improve the business and address issues

Financial Management

Review and analyse P&L reports, and guide and coach RBMs to do the same, to identify and implement strategies to manage controllable expenses and drive profitability Manage and authorise all major expenditures pertaining to stores and counters ensuring that costs are contained within budgets forecasted in the yearly financial plan.

Operations

Ensure any issues within stores or counters are reported to appropriate department and resolved in a timely and effective manner (e.g., maintenance, cleaning, OH&S) Work with Store/Counter Managers and Head Office to implement improvements and/or modifications to processes and systems Conduct regular reviews of stores / counters, documenting any actions or issues

Inventory Management

Guide and coach RBMs and Store/Counter Managers to manage inventory in a cost effective manner Educate RBMs and Store/Counter Managers on preventing stock loss Oversee store stocktakes to ensure they are conducted in a timely and effective manner

Planning

In conjunction with the Retail and Finance representatives, set the Korean retail segment of the Annual Financial Plan and the associated strategy for delivery.

Communication, people management and others

Management and Leadership

Lead and mentor RBMs to ensure that they are effectively leading their Store Managers and teams on exemplary customer focus and service, and operational excellence In conjunction with HR, contribute to establishing programs and frameworks to elevate RBMs from an operational, commercial and management perspective

Performance Management

Contribute to enhancements across performance management frameworks including but not limited to Development Conversations and Probationary Reviews In conjunction with HR, address any performance or Employee Relations issues promptly and with the least impact on the business.

Communication

Conduct regular and structured meetings with related parties of supply chain, marketing, training teams to collectively review performance, increase efficiency, identify opportunities, obtain feedback and implement actions Initiate and participate in summits, conferences and meetings with global teams Maintain effective, regular and Aesop appropriate communication with internal colleagues. Actively communicate and support directives from Head Office.

Administration

Ensure that all operational incidents and problems are reported and properly documented. Work with the Retail Development Coordinator to ensure that a maintenance schedule is created for each retail door and that annual work is carried out to maintain the doors to the highest standards of finish and presentation. Work with retail staff to ensure that all retail doors remain in pristine condition, and in accordance with Aesop policies.

Operations

Ensure robust systems and processed are implemented and maintained to minimise the loss of revenue due to theft, poor administration, error and waste at store and counter level

Customer Experience and Brand Management

Customer Experience

Educate all team members on Aesop’s approach to customer service and consultations Ensure all team members uphold Aesop’s approach to customer service and consultations Regularly work on the floor alongside Store Managers and Retail Consultants, coaching them in how to sell and conduct themselves in our retail spaces Stand for extended periods of time and undertake some lifting of up to 15kg

Brand Management

Work with the Aesop Marketing team and Country Manager on a strategic marketing plan for the region. Coach and guide Store Managers on managing the brand, including standards for store and product presentation Assist with the development and implementation of promotional plans for each new store opening. This includes obtaining editorial, opening parties, press events, direct mail, etc. Develop a set of tactics to ensure the best possible representation of the Aesop brand and ensure that that the brand is well represented on all retail doors and department store counters. Build and maintain relationships within local community, support in-store events

Customer Service

Ensure the team resource and service standards are meeting the requirements Oversee the complaint handling workflow or compensation cases by providing guideline to the team

Presentation

Ensure all team members understand and meet Aesop’s dress and grooming standards When in store, lead by example by dressing appropriately for the store or counter

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