Position
Retail Manager, Japan (Luxury Consumer Goods)
Role Overview
The Retail Manager will be responsible for overseeing all retail operations in Japan for a premium luxury lifestyle brand. The role focuses on ensuring efficient store operations, achieving sales objectives, and strengthening brand presence across directly operated stores and department store locations.
This position manages overall retail performance by supervising store activities, driving sales initiatives, coordinating promotional events with retail partners, and gathering insights on market and consumer trends. The Retail Manager works closely with in-store teams, department store counterparts, and internal stakeholders to ensure consistent communication and execution.
Key Responsibilities
Develop and implement a retail sales strategy aligned with overall brand direction
Oversee the performance and daily operations of all retail locations in Japan
Act as the primary point of contact between the brand and department store partners, ensuring strong and productive commercial relationships
Lead, coach, and motivate store staff to achieve sales targets and deliver brand-aligned customer experiences
Plan and execute activation initiatives with retail partners to increase visibility and sales, including in-store events, off-site events, seasonal campaigns, and client-focused activities
Conduct regular store visits to support existing locations and oversee new store projects
Define, monitor, and optimize key performance indicators to improve sales and operational efficiency
Analyze brand positioning within the luxury homeware and lifestyle market
Represent and communicate brand values to partners, customers, and internal teams
Monitor market developments and anticipate industry trends to ensure continued brand relevance
Candidate Profile
Bachelor’s degree in Sales, Business, or a related field
Minimum of 5 years’ experience in retail or sales management, preferably within a luxury or premium consumer brand
Solid understanding of department store operations and commercial partnerships
Strong interest in luxury products; experience in homeware or tableware is an advantage
Comfortable working in a matrix organization and coordinating with multiple stakeholders
Able to balance creativity with execution, translating ideas into measurable results
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Strong analytical and performance management capabilities
Proficient in Microsoft Office tools
Business-level English proficiency is an advantage