General Manager- Watches of Switzerland

We're a FTSE-250 retail company employing nearly 3,000 people across the UK, Europe and the United States. We're the UK's leading luxury watch specialist in the UK with a significant presence in the US and a complementary jewellery offering. At the last count we have over 190 showrooms across the UK, US and Europe, including 77 dedicated mono-brand boutiques in partnership with brands such as Rolex, OMEGA, TAG Heuer and Breitling plus seven-e-commerce websites.

Job Purpose:

Our General Managers are inspirational role models who play a key role in ensuring the delivery of exceptional operational and commercial standards throughout our showrooms. It is imperative that you will be able to build strong relationships with internal stakeholders, Battersea Power Station, and the brands.

An ambassador for Watches of Switzerland and the individual Brands you will be change orientated and strategic with an entrepreneurial approach and a strong background in luxury retail management. An impressive record of business development, event management, networking, and excellent people skills you will contribute to the formulation and execution of the Watches of Switzerland brand strategy to help to drive the business forward.

Core Accountabilities 
You are accountable for the Showroom Team to drive business performance and deliver our Client experience; you lead your team going the extra mile for every Client and working across your team(s) and local area to seek solutions for clients and drive sustainable business. You are responsible for delivering a seamless team performance between Sales, Operations, Support and Clients. 

You will be accountable for delivery in the following areas:

• Leading, motivating and coaching the Showroom Team(s) to increase sales, improve efficiency and deliver performance against KPIs and sales targets
• Ensure business objectives and communications are understood and driven in an effective manner though your business plans
• Benchmarking against key competitors and local trends to continuously evolve your business plans to deliver sustainable business performance
• Operating processes and procedures are maintained and continually improved ensuring a streamlined and consistent way of working
• Use management information to develop and deliver commercial and trading plans which build high value client networks and implement effective PR events to promote key brands.
• Ensure product stock levels are well managed and stock control is in place
• Analyse sales figures and forecast future sales volumes to maximise profit, identifying opportunities to drive better performance & put in plans to deliver this
• Engage your team on business performance, new initiatives and other pertinent issues to ensure appropriate response and actions.
• Accountable for standards of quality, customer service, security and health and safety are legally compliant, meet company standards and resolve any issues

Essential Experience and Attributes

• Significant record of delivery in a retail environment.
• Experience of leading, motivating and developing a team.
• Brand management. People, sales and client focused.
• Excellent commercial awareness.
• Client, networking and event management.
• Experience of developing and implementing business strategies and working to budgets.
• Performance management.
• Managing and delivering operating costs and identifying suitable efficiency improvements.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
• A professional approach and attitude.
• A positive “can do” attitude