HRsource is recruiting an experienced Assistant Store Manager for an internationally recognised luxury fashion brand in Dubai.
This is a key position within the store management team, supporting the Store Manager in the overall performance and day-to-day running of the boutique. The role combines commercial responsibility, people management, client development and store operations, with a strong emphasis on being present and active on the sales floor.
We are looking for someone who understands luxury retail beyond simply delivering a sales target. You will need to know how to lead a team, develop individual performance, build a strong client culture and maintain the standards expected within an international luxury fashion environment.
The successful candidate will already have management experience within luxury retail and be ready to take meaningful responsibility for the business, including assuming full management of the store in the Store Manager's absence.
Key Responsibilities
Commercial Performance
Work closely with the Store Manager to deliver the store's sales targets and wider commercial objectives.
Monitor daily, weekly and monthly performance and understand the factors influencing the results of the business.
Use relevant retail KPIs including conversion, average transaction value, units per transaction, individual productivity and client retention to identify opportunities for improvement.
Maintain a strong presence on the sales floor, supporting the team during busy trading periods and helping to convert important sales opportunities.
Review individual performance with the Store Manager and take appropriate action where additional coaching, support or development is required.
Develop a strong understanding of product performance, client demand and trading patterns and provide relevant feedback to management.
Team Leadership & Development
Support the Store Manager in leading, motivating and developing the store team.
Set clear expectations around performance, behaviour, client service and the standards required by the brand.
Provide regular coaching to Client Advisors and help individuals develop their selling ability, product knowledge and clienteling skills.
Identify individual strengths and development needs and work with the Store Manager on appropriate development plans.
Support the onboarding and integration of new employees, ensuring they understand the culture, expectations and operating standards of the store.
Create a positive and professional working environment while remaining comfortable addressing performance or behavioural issues when necessary.
Support succession planning by identifying individuals with the potential to take on greater responsibility within the business.
Take responsibility for leading the store and making appropriate commercial and operational decisions in the Store Manager's absence.
Client Development
Help create a strong clienteling culture throughout the store.
Work closely with Client Advisors to develop their individual client portfolios and encourage consistent, meaningful communication with existing and prospective clients.
Support the team in identifying opportunities for repeat business, appointments, product launches, events and new collection introductions.
Personally engage with key clients when appropriate and support the management of important sales and client relationships.
Ensure CRM information is maintained accurately and used effectively as a commercial tool rather than simply an administrative requirement.
Monitor client development activity and help the team understand the relationship between consistent clienteling and long-term store performance.
Ensure every client receives a level of service appropriate to an international luxury fashion house, regardless of the value or immediate outcome of the interaction.
Store Operations
Support the Store Manager with the smooth day-to-day operation of the boutique.
Ensure company procedures and operational standards are consistently followed by the team.
Maintain high standards across the sales floor, back-of-house areas and overall store environment.
Work closely with the relevant teams on stock management, deliveries, transfers, replenishment and inventory accuracy.
Support loss prevention procedures and ensure the team understands its responsibilities regarding stock security and company policies.
Assist with staff scheduling and floor coverage to ensure the business is appropriately supported throughout the trading day.
Ensure opening and closing procedures are completed correctly and that any operational issues are escalated or resolved promptly.
Product & Visual Standards
Maintain a strong understanding of the brand, its collections and product categories and ensure this knowledge is shared across the team.
Encourage Client Advisors to continuously improve their product knowledge and their ability to communicate the story, craftsmanship and positioning of the brand.
Ensure visual merchandising guidelines are correctly implemented and maintained throughout the store.
Work with Visual Merchandising and regional teams when required for new collections, product launches, seasonal changes and other commercial initiatives.
Provide feedback on product performance, client requests and potential opportunities based on what the team is seeing and hearing on the sales floor.
Candidate Profile
We are looking for someone with established experience within luxury fashion retail and previous responsibility for leading or supervising a sales team.
You may currently be working as an Assistant Store Manager, Team Manager, Department Manager or in an equivalent luxury retail management position.
You should have a strong understanding of luxury client service and be able to demonstrate how you have contributed to sales performance, client development and the progression of your team.
The successful candidate will be commercially aware and comfortable working with store and individual KPIs, but equally capable of understanding the behaviours and actions required to improve those numbers.
You should be confident managing different personalities and able to coach, motivate and challenge people appropriately. The ability to deal with difficult situations professionally and make sensible decisions under pressure will be important.
We are particularly interested in candidates who are naturally visible on the sales floor and enjoy being involved in the business rather than managing primarily from the back office.
Experience & Skills
Previous management or supervisory experience within an international luxury fashion brand is required.
Strong experience managing and developing Client Advisors within a high-performing retail environment.
Demonstrable experience working with sales targets and luxury retail KPIs.
Good understanding of clienteling, CRM and the development of long-term client relationships.
Strong communication and people-management skills.
Commercially aware, organised and comfortable taking responsibility.
Able to work effectively in a fast-paced luxury retail environment where priorities can change throughout the day.
Professional, composed and confident when dealing with clients, colleagues and senior management.
A genuine interest in luxury fashion, product and the client experience.
