Department Manager

ABOUT SAINT LAURENT

Founded in 1961, Yves Saint Laurent was the first couture house to introduce the concept of luxury prêt-à-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.

We are currently seeking a Department Manager who will report to the Store Director as part of our dynamic team in David Jones Melbourne.

ROLE

The Department Manager is a true expert and professional in the categories they oversee. They are responsible for promoting brand engagement with clients, as well as team members in order to achieve the quantitative and qualitative goals assigned to the department.

Acting as a brand ambassador at all times, the Department Manager will be a proactive sales professional with a solid understanding of managing a team and operational efficiency. Reporting directly to the Store Director, the Department Manager will support and drive the business through consistent analysis of the store’s performance and efficiency.

The Department Manager is a true leader and motivator, who takes responsibility for the coaching and development of the department team in order to excel. 

MISSION

Business developer:

• Supervise sales to ensure customer engagement and that the qualitative standards required by our brand are maintained
• Ensure that your department is providing excellent customer service on the sales floor, in the fitting rooms and at the cash desk
• Implement action plans defined with the HQ and Store director and guarantee follow up at store level
• Analyse store trends and communicate high quality relevant feedback to the Store Director and Retail Director
• Punctually submit all quantitative and qualitative information to the Buying team at Headquarters in order to communicate any requirements and to predict possible issues
• Keep up to date with market and fashion trends, know and monitor your surrounding business environment including local competition and communicate this information to the Staff

Talent leader and developer:

• Communicate on a daily basis technical and stock information related to the product to the Staff in the Department
• Create and maintain a positive and motivating work environment
• Motivate and challenge the team on a daily basis in your department
• Recruit, retain and develop your team
• Support the Store Director in setting up and delivering: Morning briefings, one to one meetings, personal development plans
• Ensure your team are kept informed of store performance and KPIs
• Identify and develop the strengths of each team member, supporting professional growth through training and coaching
• Provide team training in order to engage customers: clientelling, after-sales activities, deployment of training tools

Process Manager:

• Ensure that all the processes are in compliance with legal and safety requirements
• Challenge current processes to ensure efficiency and effectiveness in your department
• Take all the necessary measures to ensure loss prevention and safety in the store
• Ensure the correct rotation of the goods in the warehouse for the department involved
• Adhere, inform and follow-up on all Company Policies & Operational Procedures

Brand Promoter:

• Promote the culture of the brand internally and externally
• Build a network who have an impact on local and international luxury businesses in order to promote customer loyalty, especially with Top Clients and VIPs
• Ensure the store atmosphere upholds brand image
• Always lead by example
• Guarantee excellent customer experience
• Personally manage all delicate situations regarding issues related to the product

PROFILE

• Significant experience in the sale of luxury goods or retail
• Proven management experience and the ability to achieve results through providing constructive, feedback and coaching
• Product sensitivity and extensive product knowledge within the category
• Strong knowledge of the market and fashion trends
• High sensitivity to customer experience and loyalty
• Detail orientated and highly organised with the ability to prioritise the needs of the business
• Adaptable in your approach
• Willingness to be involved in innovative projects
• Excellent interpersonal skills and a passion for providing excellent customer service
• A positive attitude with ambition to learn and develop

Saint Laurent is committed to building a diverse workforce. We believe diversity in all its forms – gender, age, nationality, culture, religious beliefs and sexual orientation – enriches the workplace. It opens up opportunities for people to express their talent, both individually and collectively and it helps foster our ability to adapt to a changing world. As an Equal Opportunity Employer we welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their background.