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 Canada Country Manager who will report to the VP of Retail, US/CAN as part of our dynamic team.
ROLE
You will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of Saint Laurent’s Canada business, driving growth and brand development through innovative strategies tailored to the region. Your leadership will play a crucial role in enhancing brand presence and elevating client engagement to the unique dynamics of the Canadian market.
MISSION
Business & Sales:
- Support the VP of Retail, US & Canada, in the implementation of strategies, goals, sales plans and budget to ensure excellent results for the region
- Implement Retail Excellence to build an impeccable Customer Experience in stores
- Guarantees all stores within area are adequately staffed from a sales and tactical perspective, providing elevated luxury world class service
- Coach and mentor Store Managers in cultivating exceptional customer service standards, empowering them to inspire their teams and build meaningful client relationships
- In partnership with the Stores Managers, actively engage in managing Client Advisors fostering team selling training, and providing real-time coaching to enhance productivity and performance.
- Analyzes business trends and creates/implements/communicates weekly/monthly plans to ensure Sales Associate goals and collection sell thru goals are achieved
- Develops/implements and manages outreach/clientele programs for associates to drive sales
- Stay connected to the luxury market by monitoring competitor activities and building a strong network within the industry while identifying opportunities to drive business growth in Canada
- Oversee the individual sales performance of Client Advisors by empowering store managers to hold regular one-on-one discussions with their teams, ensuring consistent guidance and performance-driven outcomes.
- Collaborate closely with corporate and retail stakeholders to align objectives, optimize productivity, and drive sustained business growth
- Uphold respect of Bottega Veneta’s standards and procedures (visual, merchandising, maintenance, grooming, stock, etc.) and ensure operational excellence
Inventory Management
- Develop and implement strategies for efficient import and export processes to ensure timely delivery and receipt of merchandise.
- Monitor and manage all customs and trade compliance regulations to minimize delays and penalties.
- Collaborate with international suppliers and logistics partners to optimize shipping routes, costs, and delivery times.
- Ensure compliance with Canadian import/export laws and regulations, including tariff classifications and duty calculations.
- Implement inventory management strategies to maintain optimal stock levels in our Canadian stores.
- Monitor inventory turnover rates and take proactive steps to minimize overstock and stockouts.
- Forecast demand and plan inventory orders accordingly.
Human Resources:
- Assesses associate personnel needs on a continuous basis and prepares for future growth by actively recruiting top talent at all levels by partnering with the HR Team
- Manages ongoing training programs for sales the team to strengthen product knowledge, and operational systems
- In partnership with the Store Manager, identifies future leaders and mentors by creating action plans to improve skill sets and increase scope of job responsibilities
- Assesses associate performance and provides on-going feedback through one-on-one’s, developmental plans and performance appraisals
- In partnership with the Store Manager creates and maintains an environment where all associates are treated fairly and with dignity
PROFILE
- 10-12 years of relevant experience, preferably in the luxury fashion industry
- Multi-store management experience preferred
- Proven ability to manage staff who exceed sales goals while maintaining payroll budgets.
- Ability to identify top talent, create teams and train/develop/retain highly successful retail professionals
- Critical thinker who can identify challenges and take action in a timely manner
- Ability to allocate time and execute multiple tasks and competing priorities
- Effective communicator who can organize and lead others through motivation and influence via actions and examples
- Achieve results both independently and through others by fostering a spirit of teamwork and cooperation
- Ability to be mobile on the sales floor for extended periods of time; to lift and mobilize medium-to-large items, up to 30 lbs.
A reasonable estimate of the base compensation range for this position is $200,000.00 - $220,000.00 CAD plus bonus eligibility and a comprehensive benefits package including: medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, various paid time off programs, employee discount/perks and a retirement plan with employer contributions
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.