Assistant Concession Manager Blancpain Selfridges

The company

Blancpain, founded in 1735 by Jehan-Jacques Blancpain in the Swiss Jura, Blancpain is known as the world’s oldest watch brand.

 Over the centuries since its foundation, the Maison has maintained its commitment to innovate and has constantly pushed the limits of watchmaking. At Blancpain, the expression "Innovation is our tradition" is a fundamental guiding principle.

 The Fifty Fathoms collection embodies Blancpain's passion for the underwater world that was originally expressed in 1953 with the presentation of the first modern diver’s watch Fifty Fathoms.  

With the creation of the Blancpain Ocean Commitment, the brand pays homage to its Brand’s significant historical links with the ocean, through the support for ocean exploration and numerous collaborative initiatives for biodiversity preservation with local communities, which has been lasting for the past seven decades.

 As part of the Art of Living platform, Blancpain also cultivates special ties with the greatest award-winning chefs, the Michelin Guide, Relais & Chateaux and Bocuse d’Or.

Job description

Main Function

The main responsibility of the Assistant Concession Manager is to drive continuous growth of the concession performance and ensure key results. Reporting to the Boutique Manager (based in New Bond Street Blancpain Boutique), the Assistant Concession Manager is responsible for the day-to-day management and performance of the concession and is a key contributor in seeking new business opportunities. They commit, dedicate and take proactive and strategic actions towards their responsibilities and duties. Thanks to strong managerial, interpersonal, and technical skills as well as an entrepreneurial mindset, the Assistant Concession Manager is accountable for meeting sales objectives, building long-lasting and loyal client relationships and assembling and leading a top-notch team.

Key Responsibilities

Sales and Business Development

  • Exceed concession targets in accordance with brand retail strategy (compliance with group procedures, legal, fiscal, and customs regulations).
  • Generate the interest of target prospects and convert to concession customers. Develop specific programs to acquire new high potential customers. Manage clients’ lifecycles.
  • Maintain on-going relationships with clients as a part of the Blancpain family. Ensure special attention to existing and new VIP customers to maintain their loyalty.
  • Identify opportunities and propose clienteling strategies using CRM. Obtain, input, update client information and track clienteling tasks of Retail Sales Advisors.

Team Leadership and Development

  • Lead the concession team by explicitly communicating objectives, responsibilities, results, brand standards and procedures. Assign tasks, track and communicate.
  • Ensure coaching of each team member and collective objectives, via (but not limited to) team meetings, on the job trainings, appraisals, anticipation of training needs, distribution of tasks, and feedback on expectations.
  • Together with the Boutique Manager, assemble a top-notch team. Source potential candidates, recruit, on-board and train new staff as a part of the Blancpain family from day 1. Monitor the team and take necessary Human Resources decisions to restructure the team.
  • Monitor staff appearances and behaviour, in line with company policy and concession guidelines (uniform, makeup, language, hair, accessories, etc.).

  Concession Operations

  • Guarantee the proper maintenance of the concession space: cleanliness, proper visual displays and respect of VM guidelines
  • Comply with Selfridges, Group and Brand (Retail Manual) procedures. Identify issues and propose different solutions so that store operations run flawlessly at all times.
  • Assure the security and proper maintenance of stock timepieces

Health & Safety Compliance:

  • Follow health and safety regulations, including maintaining a clean and safe work environment for both customers and staff.
  • Help with risk assessments and ensure that all health and safety regulations are adhered to within the concession.

Profile

  • Previous experience in managing or supervising team, ideally in a luxury retail concession environment.
  • Strong leadership skills, with the ability to inspire, motivate, and manage a team.
  • Deep understanding of the luxury retail market and customer expectations, with the ability to deliver a high-calibre service.
  • Ability to build rapport with high-net-worth individuals and provide a tailored, luxurious shopping experience.
  • Proven ability to meet sales targets and deliver outstanding customer service.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to interact with colleagues and customers at all levels, with the ability to engage with high-end clientele.
  • Ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, adjusting to changing customer demands and business needs.
  • Strong organisational and multitasking abilities, with the ability to manage competing priorities and delegation skills.
  • Strong attention to detail, ensuring store standards and procedures are followed precisely.
  • Enthusiastic and positive with the ability to motivate others and contribute to a positive team environment.
  • High levels of professionalism and a polished appearance.
  • Strong interest in the universes of Fine Watchmaking and Arts de Vivre.