Global Wholesale Director

Founded in 1994 by Prosper and Martine Assouline, Assouline brought the illustrated book market to life with products that were modern and creative. Today, the luxury book market has become indispensable tool for luxury brands. Beyond "beautiful books" Assouline is invested in the promotion of culture. It has created the "first brand of luxury culture" by opening boutiques where one can discover a world of good taste, excitement, and intellect a place where "culture can be acquired" within a luxurious environment. One can purchase complete book collections as well as objects that belong in contemporary libraries such as perfumed candles and "cabinets of curiosities"

The Global Wholesale Director is a senior leadership role overseeing global commercial growth, with a focus on B2B development. This includes resellers (ie. retail accounts, branded corners, franchises) and non-resellers (ie. interior designers, hospitality, corporate gifting). The Director ensures sales targets are met while preserving Assouline's positioning as a luxury brand.

They manage strategic planning and day-to-day operations for a global division, including sales reps and commercial support. This involves securing key accounts, optimizing systems across regions, and leading franchise and branded corner expansion. The role partners closely with internal teams across Retail Excellence, Visual Merchandising, Design, and Operations to ensure alignment and execution.

Leadership Skills

The Global Wholesale Director will lead a team of ~15 individuals. This role requires a proven ability to inspire, develop, and manage high-performing, multicultural teams across time zones. The Director must foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and commercial excellence, ensuring clear goals and open communication. As a strategic leader, they will guide the team though periods of growth and transformation, balancing high-level vision with operational precision. They must be adept at influencing cross-functional stakeholders, coaching team members for performance and development, and cultivating an inclusive, empowering environment that enables individuals to thrive and deliver exceptional results.

Key Responsibilities

Wholesale Management (Resellers and Non-Resellers)

• Develop global sales plans and reporting mechanisms
• Drive sales growth through international resellers and non-resellers clients.
• Support product line administration and segment-specific strategies.
• Ensure pipeline accuracy and performance tracking.
• Oversee team recruitment and development
• Train, coach, and grow B2B sales teams.

Business Development

• Identify, submit for approval and lead high-potential growth opportunities.
• Develop business cases for franchise stores and branded corners.
• Drive execution of top-priority business development projects.
• Align distribution strategy with brand goals
• Coordinate workplaces and stakeholder alignment.
• Partner with cross-functional teams on store management and expansion

Collaboration & Integration

• Work closely with Retail, Digital, Finance, Marketing, Strategy and Logistics.
• Guide projects to align with market conditions and brand priorities.
• Adapt sales strategies quickly for new launches and opportunities.
• Collaborate with Marketing for regional activations.

Business Intelligence

• Present key updates and insights to senior management.
• Build and deploy business intelligence tools with global teams.
• Use data to support expansion and exits in priority markets.
• Track market and competitor trends to inform strategy
• Oversee pipeline planning for branded corners.

Execution & Operation Oversight

• Manage timelines, budgets and resources for store and partner projects.
• Lead vendor and contract administration for new franchises or branded corner.
• Deliver defect-free openings and close out projects on time.
• Exit underperforming partners where needed.
• Ensure systems and tools match scale and ambition.

Qualifications

• 8 years leading commercial teams globally.
• Strong track record in international wholesale and B2B business development.
• Experience in luxury, home décor, design, or fashion preferred
• Knowledge of European and /or U.S. markets
• Operational mindset with strategic agility
• Strong leadership and coaching skills
• Excellent communicator and collaborator
• Able to manage multiple priorities and stakeholders
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite: BI tools a plus
• Willing to travel globally (~10%)
• Flexible schedule

Please note: This role is based in our New York office and requires in-person attendance five days a week.

Assouline is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

The appointed candidate will be offered a salary within the range of $170,000 - $185,000 annually bonus. Please note that the foregoing compensation information is a good-faith assessment associated with this position only and is provided pursuant to the New York City Salary Transparency Law.