[L'Oreal Korea] Head of Retail - Aesop - Luxe

Head of Retail - Aesop (Luxe Division)

Hello, we're L'Oréal. We're not just building brands, we're shaping how the world experiences beauty (and it takes a lot of cool jobs to do it).Intrigued? Keep reading, this might be the opportunity you've been searching for.

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A Day in the Life

Reporting to the Aesop Brand GM and Luxe Division GM, you will steer commercial performance, retail expansion, and client experience across all signature stores and department store counters in South Korea.

To manage, oversee and develop multiple stores and counters to ensure sales targets are achieved across the designated doors for domestic business

The Head of Retail, Korea must always behave in a manner consistent with the values of Aesop. All decisions and actions are made in line with company procedures and guidelines.

The Head of Retail, Korea actively seeks to develop the reputation and profile of the Aesop brand and their own designated stores and counters by building and expanding their customer base through participation within their stores local communities, by fostering appropriate business relationships and by leading relevant special events that demonstrate Aesop’s commitment to rewarding their customers for their patronage. 

[CORE WORK ACTIVITIES] 

Sales and Financial Management

Sales

Closely monitor the sales and KPI performances of stores and counters and their progress towards achieving yearly budgets. Provide regular reports required to better understand and monitor the business for both management purposes (sales and cost reports etc.) and for the coaching of RBMs and Store/Counter Managers. 

Inform, motivate and coach Retail staff to understand and analyze store sales against budgets and team performance on KPIs

Critically analyze those reports and devise strategies to enhance the business and address issues 

Review weekly sales and product performance to identify opportunities to increase sales

Business Development

Search and assess new or relocation of retail doors for further business opportunities

Negotiate and review of leases as required and ensure that timing for new store openings and staffing requirements are effectively project managed

Build and maintain business relationship with key retailers, especially for counters, to gain support

In partnership with Marketing, work with RBMs to proactively build and develop new business relationships to identify opportunities for driving sales

Financial Management

Review and analyze P&L reports, and guide and coach RBMs to do the same, to identify and implement strategies to manage controllable expenses and drive profitability

Manage and authorize all major expenditures pertaining to stores and counters ensuring that costs are contained within budgets forecasted in the yearly financial plan.

Operations

Ensure any issues within stores or counters are reported to appropriate department and resolved in a timely and effective manner (e.g., maintenance, cleaning, OH&S)

Work with Store/Counter Managers and Head Office to implement improvements and/or modifications to processes and systems

Conduct regular reviews of stores / counters, documenting any actions or issues

Ensure robust systems and processes are implemented and maintained to minimize the loss of revenue due to theft, poor administration, error and waste at store and counter level

Communication, people management and others

Management and Leadership

Lead and mentor RBMs to ensure that they are effectively leading their Store Managers and teams on exemplary customer focus and service, and operational excellence

In conjunction with HR, contribute to establishing programs and frameworks to elevate RBMs from an operational, commercial and management perspective

Performance Management

Contribute to enhancements across performance management frameworks including but not limited to Development Conversations and Probationary Reviews 

In conjunction with HR, address any performance or Employee Relations issues promptly and with the least impact on the business. 

Communication 

Conduct regular and structured meetings with related parties of supply chain, marketing, training teams to collectively review performance, increase efficiency, identify opportunities, obtain feedback and implement actions

Initiate and participate in summits, conferences and meetings with global teams

Maintain effective, regular and Aesop appropriate communication with internal colleagues. Actively communicate and support directives from Head Office.

Administration

Ensure that all operational incidents and problems are reported and properly documented.

Work with the Retail Development Coordinator to ensure that a maintenance schedule is created for each retail door and that annual work is carried out to maintain the doors to the highest standards of finish and presentation.

Work with retail staff to ensure that all retail doors remain in pristine condition, and in accordance with Aesop policies.

Customer Experience and Brand Management

Customer Experience

Educate all team members on Aesop’s approach to customer service and consultations

Ensure all team members uphold Aesop’s approach to customer service and consultations

Regularly work on the floor alongside Store Managers and Retail Consultants, coaching them in how to sell and conduct themselves in our retail spaces

Brand Management

Work with the Aesop Marketing team and Country Manager on a strategic marketing plan for the region.

Coach and guide Store Managers on managing the brand, including standards for store and product 

presentation

Assist with the development and implementation of promotional plans for each new store opening. This includes obtaining editorial, opening parties, press events, direct mail, etc.

Develop a set of tactics to ensure the best possible representation of the Aesop brand and ensure that that the brand is well represented on all retail doors and department store counters. 

Build and maintain relationships within local community, support in-store events

Presentation

Ensure all team members understand and meet Aesop’s dress and grooming standards

When in store, lead by example by dressing appropriately for the store or counter

We Are Looking For

You bring strategic retail leadership with over 15 years of expeirence, an affinity for Aesop’s heritage, and a passion for developing people. You bring:

• Retail Strategy Definition: Demonstrated track record leading multi-door retail operations, store openings, and commercial strategies in beauty or premium retail.

• P&L Management: Strong competence overseeing retail P&L, controlling store operational expenses, and optimizing budget performance.

• Offline Consumer Journey Activation: Proven capability to uphold bespoke client consultations, immaculate store presentation, and meaningful community events.

• People Development: Background in coaching regional managers and store leaders, conducting structured development conversations, and elevating bench strength.

• Stakeholder Management: Professional working proficiency in Korean and English, with credibility negotiating with landlords and collaborating with global teams.

What's In It For You

• A place for you to leave your comfort zone and grow beyond your potential (here, you'll be encouraged to try new things and take risks!)

• Real responsibility from day 1, there's no sitting on the sidelines at L'Oréal

• An environment where people of every ethnicity, social background, age, religion, gender and sexual orientation as well as people with disabilities are accepted, can speak up, will thrive and are celebrated!

• A place where you can contribute to something bigger! Many of our brands have societal/environmental causes to make a concrete difference

Who We Are

At L’Oréal, we believe leadership is about creating conditions for others to thrive. As a senior leader, you will empower diverse teams and champion entrepreneurial growth.

L’Oréal Luxe creates exceptional luxury beauty experiences. Within our portfolio, Aesop embodies distinctive botanical formulations, architectural retail design, and genuine client connection.

We’re committed to guaranteeing inclusive recruitment processes and to advocating for hiring and promoting each candidate in an ethical and equitable way. The Group strictly prohibits discrimination against any applicant for employment because of the individual’s gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, visible and/or invisible disabilities, socio-economic and/or multicultural origins, health conditions, age, religion, or any other characteristics protected by law.Wondering how AI is integrated in our L'Oréal recruitment process? Find practical information and advice in our AI Charter.Ready to apply? careers.loreal.com is the official trusted website.