Retail Manager

The Clinet is a reputable multi-asset brokerage firm in London, specialising in luxury assets. They empower individuals to build wealth by acquiring prestigious timepieces, art, luxury handbags, coins, wine, and whisky. We provide education, secure premium insurance, and offer storage solutions to their clients.
Description:
As part of the strategic growth plan, the client is opening a new luxury spirit and wine store in Spring 2024, and are now recruiting for an experienced, ambitious and charismatic Retail Store Manager. Located in the highly affluent area of Knightsbridge, London, the retail store will become home to a range of premium and interesting spirits, fine wines and liqueurs. Whisky casks are a mainstay of the business, and luxurious, collectable whiskies will be a major element to the portfolio.
Position Overview:
As Retail Manager, you will be the driving force behind recruitment, training and empowered to deliver unrivalled levels of customer service. The range will be relatively small, boutique and premium to include select malt whisky, exceptional whiskies from around the world, fine wines from old and new world producers and other desirable spirits and Champagnes. The successful candidate will be a key influencer over range development and extensions, working with the Ecommerce Manager, and is expected to have a wide network across the wine and spirit industry. You will help the business identify small, interesting product parcels and rare finds. Your responsibilities will include stock management and ordering, an annual marketing calendar to include in store tastings and customer events, as well as promotion of the business across all channels. Innovative and creative in your approach you will put customer service and a unique range at the heart of the operation.
Key Responsibilities:
· Recruit, develop and manage a high performing, customer service orientated team
· Input to and management of the annual budget and all associated financial tasks for the store including payroll
· Provide a weekly sales forecast and actual sales report
· Identify areas for growth and any other commercial opportunities
· Manage all of the day to day operations of the store
· Develop direct relationships with wine and spirit producers / agencies
· Actively seek out stock allocations, small parcels and rare finds
· Work closely with the Ecommerce Manager on range control and stock management
· Maintain a view of current industry trends and competitor activity
· Create an annual in store marketing calendar to include customer events and producer tastings
· Develop a merchandising calendar by season to include regularly changing promotions
· Develop and manage all digital and other media marketing channels
· Maintain the highest standard of housekeeping on and off the shop floor
· Develop a B2B channel - a black book of supplier contacts is highly advantageous
Key Qualifications:
· Educated to degree level or equivalent
· WSET Level 3 Wine and WSET Level 3 Spirits or equivalent, with demonstrable knowledge in the whisky sector
· At least 5 years management experience in the premium retail wine and spirit sector
· Customer focused and target driven
· Self motivated, able to work independently and under pressure
· Strong leadership and management skills
· Demonstrates a passion for whisky, fine wines, champagne and spirits
Randstad Business Support acts as an employment business when supplying temporary staff and as an employment agency when introducing candidates for permanent employment with a client. Randstad Business Support is an equal opportunities employer and decisions are made on merits alone.