Description

I want to create a kind of market where various creators from various fields gather together and encounter each other in an ongoing atmosphere of beautiful chaos: the mixing up and coming together of different kindred souls who all share strong personal vision.” – Rei Kawakubo

Dover Street Market New York opened in 2013 – it was the Store’s third location worldwide and first in the US. Like its predecessors Dover Street Market London and Dover Street Market Ginza, it was conceived and designed by Rei Kawakubo, and subscribes to the philosophy of ‘beautiful chaos’ - the accidental synergy that results from independent minds, each with something original to say, colliding together in one space. In 2018, Dover Street Market Los Angeles opened cementing it’s place on the West Coast.

There is no set criteria for DSM. Both locations house all Comme des Garçons brands, and also boasts a selection of designers that range from the established to the emerging, in addition to traditional products outside the realm of fashion. Designers have been given complete freedom to determine their individual brand spaces – the end result being those collections as diverse as Azzedine Alaïa, Supreme, Sacai and Nike live alongside one another in an unexpected harmony.

A sense of discovery lies at the heart of DSM. Rounding out the DSM experience is the addition of Rose Bakery on the ground floor. Rose and Jean Charles Carrarini’s café is renowned for its signature fresh and natural food and is now a mainstay of DSMs around the world.

Role Overview

We are looking for an experienced luxury Assistant Store Manager, who in partnership with the Store Manager, assumes overall responsibility for the management of Dover Street Market Los Angeles by leading the retail team (full time and part-time) to meet business objectives. The ideal candidate is someone who can infiltrate the business working at all levels overseeing every detail and working with a firm, clear and very professional management style.

Key Responsibilities

• Creating a strong sales driven retail team and training them on DSMLA policies
• Setting the standard for the seamless operation and functioning of the store from day one.
• Ensure the provision of the very best customer service levels and total professionalism at all times.
• The achievement of key financial targets.

Standards

• Instilling a common sense of standards and creating a culture of professionalism throughout the whole store using an industrious, calm and measured management approach. Encouraging open dialogue.
• Ensuring that all staff and departments are clear on what the standards are and that they are maintained.
• Maintain the highest standard of housekeeping both on and off the sales floor at all times.

Customer Service and Sales

• Delivering the monthly and seasonal sales targets working closely with the team to do so.
• Provide strong presence and leadership on the shop floors. Maximize sales through strong through strong floor supervision and a mentoring approach.
• Personally selling, directing and driving sales.
• Translate strategic and business goals into concrete and individual action and objectives.

People and Leadership

• Ensuring sufficient cover for the floor at all times.
• The growth and development of the FM’s and Retail Team, identifying and initiating any specific training needs.

• Assisting with the weekly staff rota and optimum allocation of staff to ensure operational efficiency.
• Assisting with the implementation of induction program and ongoing training initiatives.
• Assisting to ensuring the statutory Health and Safety Regulations are pro-actively adhered to and dealt with.
• Assist in the selection process and recruitment of staff.

Operations

• In the absence of the Store Director, deliver concise and motivating morning briefings to set the tone for the day and prepare end of day report.
• Responsible for the smooth opening and closing of the store each day.
• Daily meeting to advise specific targets / objectives for the day ahead.
• Assisting with Facilities Management – ensuring alarm, fire and Building Maintenance Systems and general upkeep are well maintained and advising the Operations Manager of any problems.
• Assisting with Managing third parties (cleaners, security) including regular review of performance and contracts.

Stock Control

• Assisting with the correct management of stock systems
• Providing input for seasonal buying of lines.
• Maintaining a high level of vigilance at all times and ensuring shrinkage is kept to a minimum.
• Formally reporting any losses immediately to the Store Director and Head of Security

Financial / Reporting

• Together with the SD/GM, establish monthly / weekly targets to the store, departments and individuals.
• Weekly meetings with Floor Managers to review and assess departmental performance.
• Generate daily sales report to send to Paris / Tokyo.
• Weekly meeting with SM/GM
• End of season report to be sent to Paris / Tokyo.
• Assisting with keeping costs to a minimum..

Key Requirements

• At least 3 years of management experience in a luxury business environment
• Specific understanding of the Comme des Garcons - aesthetic, consumer, and sub-brands. Previous experience in selling CDG brands beneficial.
• Specific understanding of all collections and stock availability at DSM
• Attendance and contribution to relevant trainings (i.e. clienteling, sales development, etc) beneficial
• Language skills beneficial
• Knowledge of Excel and Retail Pro beneficial
• Flexible with working hours

Core Competencies

• A highly motivated and competent individual able to converse with all levels both internally and externally
• Must be energetic, self-motivated and self-organized. Willing to do whatever is required to get the job done.
• Willingness to work hard to drive the business forward
• Capable to work to deadlines / ability to prioritize / optimal time management
• Must have a mature, energetic and hands on approach to staff management. Ability to form open, respectful and trusting relationship with all members of the team.
• Capable of analyzing, organizing and planning
• Strong selling ability and exceptional customer service and interpersonal skills
• Must be energetic, self-motivated, and organized. Willing to do whatever is required to get the job done.

Qualifications