Baume & Mercier Japan Brand Director

Japan Brand Director

MISSION

You will be in charge of developing the brand equity of the Maison, attracting & developing local clientele, driving sales and setting up our retailer network (wholesale) and pure Retail business (Internal Boutiques) in the market, accelerating business growth and brand desirability as well as orchestrating the 360° engagement plan and enabling the transformation of digital & client centricity in the local organization.

The mission is to lead the development of the Baume & Mercier brand in Japan.
The position is located in Tokyo and reports directly to the International Sales Director. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Build and implement the yearly Business Strategic Plan and Budget 
  • Propose and implement the distribution strategy to achieve the annual sales objectives
  • Define the distribution strategy and develop the business on all channels: Retail, Wholesale, ECOM and phone sales
  • Prepare and implement action plans for the attainment of approved objectives with a smooth coordination amongst different parties. 
  • Elaborate and communicate the necessary reports (Sales Analysis including sell-out, sell-in, Financial, etc…)
  • Maximize the network performance and anticipate trade evolutions and opportunities
  • Develop solid partnerships and action plans with the trade
  • Monitor in-store inventory levels and stock rotation
  • Implement a sell out strategy and activation plan per account
  • Develop the brand’s presence and image in the market according to the guidelines
  • Report key issues and activities to the Headquarters on a regular basis
  • Prepare and present regular business reviews to brand management and watch division management

• Monitor and develop sales
  • Manage the Internal Boutiques and maximize the business by enhancing the service level, product line-up, Boutique staff development, and department store relationships
  • Manage key accounts (POS visits, replenishments, best sellers implementation…)
  • Improve the brand coverage in the country, and open new qualitative and productive POS
  • Implement productive assortments in all POS and improve replenishment process to ensure best sellers are always in store

• Propose and monitor the annual budget:
  • Monitor the implementation and control of budget expenses
  • Analyse and follow-up network sales and targets
  • Provide sales analysis and financial reports to Headquarters
  • Responsible for the local P&L

• Implement Marketing and Communication strategy, in line with Headquarters guidelines:
  • Develop the marketing strategy and initiatives within the defined expenses envelope 
  • Manage all aspects of the brand’s image building and development
  • Monitor all co-op marketing investments and ensure they are in line with Headquarters’ strategy
  • Oversee and host Marketing and Communication events
  • Entertain constructive relationship with local Media
  • Represent and promote the brand towards the different clientele
  • Monitor and benchmark competition

• Manage the Operations processes:
  • Elaborate and submit in timely manner the annual sales forecast for each entity
  • Coordinate the supply chain from ordering to shipping
  • Monitor and follow up monthly forecasting and purchasing process
  • Manage, monitor and optimize local stocks
  • Monitor and support After Sales Service performance

• Manage the Baume & Mercier team in Japan
  • Develop and manage a team covering Sales, Marketing, Communication and Operations functions.
  • Define and communicate the mission and objectives to all team members, establishing priorities and assessing performance 
  • Develop a positive and entrepreneurial employee relations environment

EDUCATION

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or MBA

COMPETENCIES

-    Strong business acumen and creativity
-    Effective team leader and networker
-    Strong sense of integrity, agility and flexibility
-    Strong self-management ability with a high stress tolerance
-    Proactive
-    Entrepreneurial attitude with ability to function in a fast-paced environment
-    Enjoy challenges

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

5 years of managerial experience in Luxury Retail
Strong experience in Commercial function (wholesale and retail)

LANGUAGES    

Business level English required
Native/Business level Japanese required
French is a plus

QUALITIES & SKILLS

Innovative, entrepreneur-minded, and solutions oriented, while keeping your feet on the ground. You like being in the field, visiting retailers, department stores, your customers and prospecting 
Excellent Commercial background and negotiation skills
Proven commercial experience in luxury goods as well as in marketing-mix 
Experience in managing a brand and/or a team
Strong communication skills
Flexible, pragmatic and service oriented
Result oriented
Good interpersonal skills
Good knowledge on Excel and Power Point presentation
Willing to travel a lot (Japan)