Job Summary:

We are currently looking for an Executive Director of Global Lab Experience and Operations to join the team.

Our labs [stores] are a central part of unique experience – and those labs a result from the marriage of American vintage industrial design and wabi sabi, the Japanese philosophy that refers to the beauty of nature and things as they are, the beauty of the imperfect, impermanent and incomplete. We strive to make each lab unique – the opposite of cookie-cutter – drawing on their uniqueness and original character; yet all our labs have a consistent ‘feeling’ no matter where you find us, as they reflect our values and a 3D translation of our soul.

The Labs Executive Director will be responsible for driving a unified experience across our labs globally and with scalability, directly leading Lab functions including Lab design and VM, international lab operations, material sourcing, new lab planning and execution, physical experience updates and the general unique approach to our brick & mortar channels.

She/he/they will work across functions and teams and partner closely with creative, global marketing, international and ops, while also working across all functional groups, markets, regions and with external vendors. This role is based in our Williamsburg, Brooklyn office and reports to the Vice President, Global Marketing & International Business Development.

Design And Experience

• Build a global strategy inclusive of internal partners that protects a consistent and on-brand Lab experience and journey globally, while maintaining Le Labo’s unique approach to Store Design and sales.
• Lead ongoing assessment of materials and technology, recommending thoughtful updates as required to necessary regional and global partners.
• For all B&M channels (FSS, DS, TR, Perf, Popups, LLOW), lead the overall brand strategy of global store design, aligning with brand creative code, in-store experience, brand values/ethos and budget guidelines.
• Lead and partner with Director, Lab Design and VM to drive guidelines for calendarized windows, and for select non calendarized windows (FSS, retailers), partner with global marketing to design and create layouts (incl drawings (Architectural, fixture, lighting Concept), models, images, material & mood boards, and mother documents relating to the design).
• Oversee the strategic planning and oversee the development of new Lab fixture components and elements, where applicable, to further enhance design/experience, including researching new materials.
• Oversee ongoing development of materials using unique approach to vendors, local production and focus on craftsmanship; allowing us to scale while remaining ‘small’ in feel.
• Stay in tune with the strategic balance of the functionality and character of our Labs to naturally understand and mend the daily experience of Le Labo Souls and Clients through identifying opportunities to enhance operations through the design and flow of Labs.
• Work closely with Global and regional Education to identify opportunities to enhance client experience.

Guidelines & Market Implementation

• Act as main POC and lead for regions for all Lab focused projects and objectives, being constantly in the know on regional legal requirements, permit processes, etc.
• Manage partnership with ELC partners in Legal and Real Estate and lead conversations related to Lab topics, advocating for the direction of LL while gaining ELC approval and support.
• Develop ongoing relationship and working methods to partner with markets/teams and ensure the right level of collaboration, compliance, and executional excellence on Lab Experience.
• Partner closely with Operations teams (Na, Intl, in markets/regions) to ensure alignment of store design, visual merchandising strategy, brand operations, legal requirements, with operational ‘reality’
• Champion guidelines in according to local regulations on incorporating, elevating, and leading sustainability in all Lab locations.
• Represent Le Labo with external agencies, landlords, partners for all Lab topics.

Champion And Steward Le Labo Values

• Commit to broader responsibility & accountability for sustainability, diversity & inclusion while staying true to the Le Labo mission.
• Demonstrate kindness and respect, empathy, inclusion, and humility, and ensure these are at the core of all interactions.
• Embody the values of the manifesto through our actions, and drive accountability for contributing to the growing internal culture of Le Labo.
• Create value and positive impact across all elements of our Brand, operations, teams, partners, and the broader world.
• Exude passion for Le Labo and deeply appreciate, understand the Brand DNA.
• Drive broader Sustainability initiatives within Labs.

Qualifications

Qualifications & Skills:

• 10-12+ years of related experience with strong design background including concept development, art direction, visual merchandising, typography, layout, and mechanical production.
• Bs/Ba required; MBA preferred.
• Proficiency in 3D modeling program (Sketch-Up), AutoCAD, Creative Suite: InDesign.
• Extensive knowledge of Illustrator, photo shop and Quark.
• Knowledge of retail environments (Free Standing, Department and Specialty Stores).
• Approximate travel required- 40%
• Exude passion for Le Labo and deeply appreciate, understand the Brand DNA.
• Ability to solidify and communicate ideas, flexibility of vision, responsiveness to creative input and great visual sensibilities.
• Flexible approach to work, ability to support changing needs and demands.
• Excellent communication skills, creative, open-minded, and naturally innovative.
• Methodical and acutely attentive to detail.
• Quick worker who enjoys a fast pace and embraces change.
• Be a motivated, self-starter, with the ability to work both independently as well as collaboratively with a team-player mindset; exemplifies the challenger spirit.
• Ability to work in a dynamic, fast-paced, independent environment, and manage multiple concurrent projects while collaborating effectively to leverage cross-functional brand strengths.
• Ability to work with cross-functional teams, as well as with international regions / markets.
• Adaptability in working within different work cultures and organizational teams, e.g., entrepreneurial start-up, larger corporate structures, etc.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, ability to capture the unique tone of voice and visual cues / codes of the Brand.
• Highly organized and able to manage complex projects.
• Strong ability to work in an extremely agile way, prioritizing and working alongside the needs of the team; enjoys a fast pace and embraces change.
• Proven ability to successfully manage, motivate, and develop a team.