Reporting to the Store Manager, the Associate Store Manager of Sales is responsible for overseeing and maximizing the sales productivity of the retail component of SSENSE Montreal’s omni-channel customer journey. Through our retail concept’s hybrid omni-channel, walk-in, and appointment-based models, the candidate will cultivate client relationships to ensure we deliver a best-in-class customer experience. The candidate will foster a positive work environment that embraces SSENSE brand values and achieves both company and financial objectives. They will coach and mentor direct reports to improve performance, develop future leaders and a talent pipeline, while identifying external talent for SSENSE Montreal’s retail business.

Responsibilities

Sales performance – 30%

• Ensure sales targets are achieved. This includes walk-in, appointment, direct online and Stylist-specific sales
• Partner with the Store Manager and the Associate Store manager of Operations to identify business needs (such as client engagement, selling techniques, scheduling requirements, store stock assortment and depth, etc) to maximize sales, traffic, KPIs and optimize costs for SSENSE Montreal
• Set individual sales goals for Personal Stylists, ensuring goals are realistic and help achieve overall store sales goals
• Demonstrate sales leadership for staff by playing an active role on the sales floor and providing on-site coaching as required.

Customer Experience – 20%

• Manage the customer journey through walk-ins and appointment models. This includes productivity, presentations, inventory management and after sales service to ensure an outstanding customer experience
• Participate in cultivating client relationships through client database management, client communications and engagement to grow the customer base. Particular emphasis should be placed on local markets
• In partnership with the Assistant Manager, Client Experience and Retention:
• Develop the Retail selling ceremony through establishing clear selling techniques. Ensure both the before & after sales services deliver against the highest level of customer service, and maximize sales
• Participate in managing the loyalty program for retail. Identify and execute opportunities that go above and beyond for top clients, and continually sync with HQ to understand and implement company-level community and VIP initiatives

Operations – 20%

• Manage the Stylists’ group payroll budgets to maximize productivity [measured by Sales Per Hour] and enhance customer experience
• Support, promote, and assume responsibility for loss prevention in all areas of risk management. This includes physical security, store cash controls, inventory management and transaction accuracy.
• Manage compliance of store operations, health and safety, maintenance and company policies and protocols.
• Analyze, proactively communicate, and react to inventory planning. Maintain proper inventory density on-hand, turnover, and flow, to support business goals
• Maintain current visual direction through identifying, communicating and ensuring highest standards of visual presentation to drive growth through product assortment and presentation optimization

Leadership – 30%

• Ensure all store sales team members are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skill sets
• Motivate and engage the team in contributing to the achievement of business goals, as well as company’s vision and values
• Provide coaching and mentorship to the Assistant Managers, Key Holders and Personal Stylists.
• Recruit, train and develop talent pipeline. Build succession plans
• Design, Develop and maintain training programs for all levels of the team
• Build and develop best in class client-centric teams. Continually evaluate the performance of each staff member, provide feedback to ensure results and address performance management issues in a timely manner

Qualifications

• A minimum of 5 years management experience in a high volume clienteling environment and retail operations
• Bachelor’s degree in Fashion, Business, Management, or a related field is preferred
• Proven experience establishing trusting relationships in an multi-channel environment
• Excellent knowledge of the labels carried by SSENSE including creative direction, history, and technical garment information
• Ability to lift heavy boxes (15kg)
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in both English and French
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Google Suite, Web and computer-savviness
• Hours/days of work can be varied due to the demands of the business

Skills

• Exceptional interpersonal skills with a natural ability to build relationships with clients
• Ability to lead, coach and mentor all employees to achieve personal and professional goals
• Client-oriented with strong problem solving skills
• Ability to understanding different learning styles and agility to adapt to others
• Ability to measure and manage priorities
• Entrepreneurship, autonomous and organized with an eye for details
• Ability to multitask and to work in a fast-paced environment, while delivering an exceptionally high level of customer service
• Highly competent with technology and mobile applications.