Store Director - Dubai Mall

Role Overview

Store Director at Hermès Paris, Dubai Mall location. Reports to the Retail Director within the Retail organisation unit.

Company Overview

Hermès is an independent, family-owned French house that has been a creator, artisan, and seller of high-quality objects since 1837. The company employs nearly 25,185 people worldwide and operates over 300 stores globally. Driven by its permanent entrepreneurial spirit and consistently high standards, Hermès cultivates freedom and autonomy of each individual through responsible management. Sixteen artisanal métiers feed the creativity of the house, with strong territorial anchoring that respects people and resources.

Role Purpose

The flagship store director oversees all aspects of the business including sales, operations, buying, client development, service, and staff management. This position is fully accountable for strategy, execution of initiatives, and overall performance of a multi-level, high-volume store.

Key Responsibilities

Retail Management & Strategy

• Oversee the Deputy Store Director, Head of Client, and Head of Operations, ensuring the management team stays informed, well-trained, and aligned in their approach to leadership.
• Set the strategic direction for team motivation and lead change management initiatives.
• Drive results through strong, people-focused management.
• Provide timely, thoughtful, and appropriate analysis of business opportunities and corresponding strategy for the development of the flagship boutique.
• Address all issues affecting the flagship in a timely and thoughtful manner, delegating and following up as necessary.
• Partner effectively with all corporate departments and métier heads to ensure the flagship is well supported in achieving its goals.
• Embrace and support all company initiatives, contests, and programs.
• Own full responsibility for P&L, sales goals, and inventory results.
• Demonstrate operational soundness, strategic thinking, and openness to new ideas.

Staff Management & Development

• Ensure the highest level of service through coaching staff and management for increased performance.
• Hold full responsibility for training of staff, communication, and adherence to policy.
• Maintain active HR notes on team performance.
• Write annual evaluations for direct reports and guide managers on all boutique reviews.
• Conduct or supervise the monthly touchbase sales coaching process, effectively coaching for optimal results.

Buying & Inventory

• Manage the buying and oversee the preparation, strategy, and execution of the buying.
• Manage stock for qualitative and quantitative maintenance, respecting best sellers, aged inventory, and MOS guidelines.
• Stay fully aware of market trends and ensure Floor Managers conduct regular competitive shopping.

Client, Communications & Visual Merchandising

• Partner actively with the Communications Team to organize relevant events that build client relationships and reflect the spirit of the House.
• Work closely with the VM team to ensure exceptional standards are always respected and new product stories are consistently highlighted.

Leadership & Team Management

• Supervise and develop other high-level members of store management.
• Lead the team with natural, dynamic energy; drive sales with enthusiasm and high energy.
• Motivate and maintain team morale even in challenging circumstances; not afraid of conflict.
• Delegate effectively with excellent follow-up skills while empowering other managers.
• Employ a kind but effective management style; do not manage by fear or intimidation.
• Form strong partnerships across the organization and see value in others' opinions.

Qualifications & Experience

• Demonstrated experience running a high-volume, multi-level flagship store with minimum $50 million in sales and 50 employees.
• Operationally sound; strategic, open to new ideas, and not fearful of change.
• Exceptional merchant with previous buying experience and strength in managing the buying process (preferred).

Skills & Competencies

• Impeccable standards of service and experience with a luxury/quality-seeking clientele.
• Natural elegance in communication at all levels, with particular experience interacting with high-level company executives and handling frequent store visits.
• Sensitivity to a multi-cultural environment and experience working with diversity.
• Great sense of personal style and passion for the brand and its heritage.
• Comfortable in a fast-paced environment with ability to prioritize effectively.
• Humble, refined, understated, and discreet manner.
• Proven ability to supervise and develop other high-level members of store management.

Additional Information

• Willingness and ability to travel 3 to 4 weeks annually to Paris.