Brand Director (Sydney, NSW, AU) presso Richemont

With a clear focus on technology and development, the Swiss watch manufacturer IWC Schaffhausen has been producing timepieces of lasting value since 1868. The company has gained an international reputation based on a passion for innovative solutions and technical ingenuity. One of the world’s leading brands in the luxury watch segment, IWC crafts masterpieces of haute horlogerie at their finest, combining supreme precision with exclusive design. As an ecologically and socially responsible company, IWC is committed to sustainable production, supports institutions around the globe in their work with children and young people, and maintains partnerships with organizations dedicated to climate and environmental protection.

MISSION STATEMENT

In line with IWC’s long-term strategy, the Brand Director acts as a business leader and is responsible for the success and development of IWC in the region. He/she is responsible for proposing and executing the agreed strategy. He/she ensures that Retail, Wholesale, Marketing, Communication, Finance, Operations and People Management are always at the level required to grow the Brand presence and dominance in Australia and New Zealand.

He/she reports to the SEAO Managing Director, and he/she liaises with International Headquarters and Richemont Shared Service Structure for the region.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES – BRAND MANAGEMENT

Create all the conditions for a clean and sustainable business in Australia/New Zealand:

• Deliver agreed sales budget while focusing on sell-out performance and growth, and targeting a minimum SOSI landing of 100% LFL at the end of the fiscal year
• Ensure full implementation in the region of all operational excellence tools to optimize model stock and increase POS profitability
• Strict control of inventory level, including monthly coverage and % of discontinued stock within the retailer partner’s network to sustain a healthy stock rotation

Propose and implement a customer centric omnichannel strategy, to achieve annual sales objectives and gain market share:

• Develop effective and profitable sales plan for owned Retail network
• Maintain strong partnership with retailers’ partner and develop coherent retailization strategy, applying a win-win operational mode
• Constantly identify opportunities to expose the brand to its target audience through exhibitions, pop-up and unique partnerships
• Ensure premium visibility through high quality SIS/leading position in POS

Develop a winning team & organisation:

• Develop a positive, entrepreneurial, agile and client centric attitude within the local team, applying IWC employer values (ICARE)
• Hire the right talent, and retain a high-performance team, to ensure healthy long-term development for the brand
• Define, coach and implement individual development for our talents, in collaboration with local & HQ HR

Establish and implement the Marketing & Communication Strategy, and its budget, to build awareness and Brand Equity in the market:

• Initiate and monitor Australia/New Zealand marketing initiatives and programs across all channels to drive awareness
• Create and host unique and relevant events in both Retail and Wholesale with a strong focus on ROI
• Represent the Brand in front of the various communities and acts as a strong ambassador for IWC
• Select the right talent and communities to amplify IWC’s branded content on social media converting into side traffic and sales

Propose and implement annual budget:

• In charge of local P&L including inventory, DSO and other financial targets as defined together with HQ and SEAO Managing Director
• Plan annual budget and forecast according to Brand and Richemont Group Guidelines
• Prepare budget, updates as needed and keep Brand and Region appraised of sales in the Region and significant market trends

Create conditions for smooth operational business processes:

• Ensure continuity of the supply chain from ordering to shipping in coordination with brand headquarter, RID and local Richemont shared services guidelines
• Monitor and coordinate the quality functions of local and International After Sales Services
• Ensure that all brand activities are conducted in line with all group policies and procedures, with strict adherence to all compliance requirements (Retail)

SKILLS / REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree
• At least 10 years managerial experience in commercial retail leadership
• Strategic thinker and leader, with excellent business acumen
• Ability to work in a fast-paced collaborative environment and demonstrates agility in adapting to change
• Humble, emotionally intelligent leader with a proven ability to inspire, develop and grow high performing teams
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills
• Experience in retail and operational management of a country organisation with full budget and P&L responsibility
• Willing to be hands-on, result oriented and entrepreneurial mindset
• Fluent in English (additional language a plus)
• Ability to travel within Australia every month as well as to Europe (at least 1 time a year)