For over 35 years, Aesop has carefully cultivated an inspiring and inclusive environment in which our employees are supported and encouraged to thrive. As a global retail organization, we offer professional development and advancement opportunities to complement career goals and aspirations.

Our approach to skin care involves meticulous attention to detail, using only the most efficacious ingredients to create formulations which stir the self and senses. The same meticulous approach is taken during our recruitment process, seeking out considered and inspired individuals with a wealth of perspectives who bring out the best in themselves and others.  

We aim to strike the right balance between people, planet, and profit, actively reducing our footprint on the planet that generously sustains us. So far, this journey has led us to become a certified B Corp. We are committed to building a more sustainable and inclusive society. 

PURPOSE OF ROLE

We’re looking for a Retail Business Manager to join our East Coast Commercial team. The Retail Business Manager has the primary responsibility of driving retail performance within their designated portfolio. Through consistent planning and execution, they ensure all spaces in their portfolio deliver the highest standard of retail practices and processes, resulting in exceptional customer experience and strong retail results.

KEY PARTNERSHIPS & STAKEHOLDERS

• This position reports into the Commercial Director, East Coast USA
• Direct Reports into this position includes Store Managers
• You will be working with HR, Retail Training & Performance, Retail Operations, Logistics & Supply Chain, Finance, Marketing and Visual Merchandising

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES 

Driver Portfolio Performance

• Delivers on portfolio goals & targets
• Integrates observation, review & analysis of portfolio & team performance into daily workflow
• Leads proactive development of self & team through training, coaching & feedback
• Manages portfolio recruitment and builds dynamic portfolio development & succession plans
• Promptly engages in performance recovery

Embed Customer Centric Focus

• Prioritizes the customer in decision making
• Drives optimal productivity & customer outcomes through diligent management of portfolio scheduling
• Partners with Training & Performance to grow team capability in line with portfolio & business goals
• Holds self & others accountable to consistently deliver positive customer experience
• Analyses customer feedback & insights through a customer lens, taking action to enhance customer experience across portfolio

Lead Business & Operations

• Acts as a conduit between head office & retail & cascades communications in an effective and timely manner
• Plans & conducts regular & purposeful store visits
• Considers the environment, local community & commercial outcomes in all business decisions
• Optimizes inventory management, proactively seizes opportunities & mitigates risk
• Upholds compliance & integrates into workflow for self & team

Foster Brand Excellence

• Upholds & demonstrates Aesop brand identity & values
• Drives excellence in store environment, product presentation, & team presentation across their portfolio
• Partners with marketing & VM & puts forward recommendations to deliver on brand strategy
• Stays up to date with Aesop's positioning in the marketplace, shares insights & proposes appropriate actions across their portfolio

REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONS 

• 4-5 years’ experience in area management within customer service environment
• Prior experience with managing and driving retail results with Department Stores and Specialty retailers
• Accomplished at team building, motivation, and development
• Experience with new store openings, closures or relocations is a bonus 
• Proven ability to analyze performance and take appropriate responsive actions
• Track record of strong relationship management and collaboration
• Proven experience in hiring, training, and developing sales personnel
• People Management: Strong leadership skills with the ability to performance manage, coach, and develop a team of sales personnel. 
• Ability to problem solve and make decisions within business boundaries
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent commercial acumen, ability to review market performance and collaborate on improvement strategies and tactics.
• Excellent organizational skills and a demonstrated ability to multi-task and manage varying stakeholders’ requirements
• Ability to lead events and community engagement
• Bachelor’s degree preferred or equivalent years of experience
• Proficiency with MS Office including Excel; POS Systems such as Cegid, Retail Pro, or similar
• Flexibility to work a retail schedule including evenings, weekends, and holidays 
• 80% of the time spent in store training, coaching and developing teams
• Ability to consistently introduce Aesop products to clients through hand demonstrations  
• New York Market experience (highly preferred)

What's On Offer

We take a holistic approach to employment, promoting professional development, career growth, employee wellbeing initiatives and encouraging deep connections with the local community through the Aesop Foundation, volunteering and matched giving programs. Employee benefits include -

• Annual salary range for this position is $120,000 - $130,000 
• Yearly and quarterly bonus potential
• Competitive Benefit Package (Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K)
• Flexible Time Off (Paid Company Holidays, Paid Vacation, Volunteer Time & More!)
• Access to Company Perks (VIP Access to L’Oréal’s Internal Shop for Discounted Products)
• Learning & Development Opportunities for Career Progression (Unlimited Access to E-learnings, Lunch & Learn Sessions, Mentorship Programs, & More!)
• Employee Resource Groups (Think Tanks and Innovation Squads)
• Access to Mental Health & Wellness Programs

Aesop is committed to attracting, developing and retaining the very best people by offering a creative and inclusive workplace where talent is truly recognized and rewarded. We are committed to promoting inclusion for all with the belief that diversity, inclusion and belonging plays an important role in the success of our organization. We actively encourage everyone to consider becoming a part of our journey.