General Manager Chicago , United States - Ermenegildo Zegna Holditalia S.p.A

ABOUT ZEGNA
Following the path traced by the founder Ermenegildo over 110 years ago, ZEGNA is now internationally recognized as a leading global luxury menswear brand. Established as a fabric maker in the mountains of Piedmont, ZEGNA is part of the Ermenegildo Zegna Group, which counts more than 6,000 employees. Managed by Gildo Zegna as Chairman and CEO, Ermenegildo Zegna Group designs, creates, and distributes luxury ready-to-wear and accessories under both the ZEGNA and Thom Browne brands to over 500 stores. The Group also operates TOM FORD FASHION through a long-term license agreement with The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. to over 100 stores. As of 30th September 2023, ZEGNA has 403 stores of which 242 are directly operated. The brand remains committed to leveraging its rich heritage to build a better present and future.

YOUR OPPORTUNITY
As a General Manager for Zegna, you will aid in transforming a customer’s store visit into a memorable luxury shopping experience. The General Manager will be part of a dynamic, constantly changing environment, providing you with opportunities to seek and delight customers through leading a team of highly motivated and talented retail professionals. The ideal candidate will have thorough management experience with a proven record of coaching and developing talent, managing a multi-faceted operation, and consistently taking action to improve service levels.

HOW YOU WILL CONTRIBUTE

Business Development

• Maximize store sales and revenue utilizing all available data, knowledge of the business and marketplace to consistently seek new opportunities to improve core business.
• Propose Store events to generate business; actively participating in the Community to drive external sales generation.
• Active benchmarking of competitor business and brand activities.

Customer Relationships and Customer Service

• Role model customer service, coaching Customer Advisors in developing long lasting relationships with customers.
• Attract, create, and maintain loyal Zegna customers at every opportunity, managing customer relationships and building solid relationships with VIP customers.
• Analyze and utilize CRM data, setting the direction of the sales team in developing business plans and relationship activities.

Product

• Develop an in-depth knowledge of Zegna products to include composition, style, and origin.
• Execute activities to drive sell-through, pro-active collaboration with merchandising and planning teams on stock consolidation and transfers.
• Provide feedback on products to assist merchandising team on buying plans.

People

• Consistently raise the standard of the in-store team through active training, coaching, and motivating team members, increasing sales effectiveness, and enhancing the customer experience.
• Manage and implement performance management and talent development processes; recognize and reward potential talent.
• Manage and resolve conflicts taking disciplinary action as needed to ensure a healthy team environment.
• Recruit, select, hire, and train Customer Advisors.

Sales Management

• Set monthly, weekly, and daily sales goals delivered with sound action plans to meet and exceed annual plan.
• Plan Salesforce staffing deployment and store shift management.
• Plan for trading peaks and troughs, emergencies, and ad-hoc situations.

Store Operations

• Support efficiency and effectiveness of daily sales activities as well as stock room management to prevent stock shrinkage.
• Achieve excellence in retail operations and company standards.
• Develop store communication content and ensure best practices and information are consistently shared.
• Manage all financial aspects of business operations, accounting and budgeting including use of daily, weekly, monthly reporting tools; analysis of report data; cash register operations and sales against goals - tracking sales versus established standards.
• Guarantee all HQ guidelines in terms of video, music, packaging, stationery, fragrance diffusion, etc. are properly implemented.
• Ensure consistent and high standards of MTM in-store operations and services.

WHO YOU ARE:

• 5-6 years’ experience in luxury retail and/or hospitality.
• Ability to self-learn and self-develop.
• Generates customer delight.
• Proficient with digital technology.
• Familiar with Apple products is a plus.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent required.
• The salary range for this position ranges from $120,000-$130,000 annually with bonus potential. The rate of pay offered will be dependent upon candidates’ relevant skills and experience.