Director, Retail Operations - East

Position

As a key strategic leader within the Bulgari North America team, the Director of Retail Operations for the East holds ultimate accountability for the exemplary operational effectiveness and strategic development across our retail boutiques in the region. This role demands a visionary and seasoned professional who will not only ensure day-to-day operational excellence but also architect and drive the overarching regional operations strategy through data-driven insights and rigorous analytical evaluation. The Director will foster cross-functional calibration with various departments to enhance operational efficiency and support key initiatives, including new store openings.

This position encompasses, but is not limited to, the strategic oversight of meticulous inventory control, the cultivation and development of our high-performing operations talent, the design and implementation of comprehensive onboarding and training programs, robust asset protection strategies, rigorous enforcement of Bulgari's and LVMH's governance frameworks, policies, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and strategic involvement in critical boutique planning and development projects. This role reports directly to the Vice President of Operations and is based in New York City.

Job responsibilities

Strategic Governance, SOPs & Compliance

• Own development, implementation, and continuous improvement of operational policies, procedures, and SOPs in the East. Use data to inform best practices and ensure alignment with Bulgari's global directives and LVMH Group governance.
• Design and execute a robust strategy for measuring compliance and ensuring comprehensive employee training in operational policies and SOPs, fostering disciplined execution.
• Mandate and monitor stringent enforcement by boutique management, maintaining consistency, integrity, and brand standards.
• Direct and conduct regular in-boutique audits, utilizing findings and operational data to drive corrective actions and improvement, ensuring readiness and compliance.

Financial Stewardship & Control

• Oversee and manage boutique controllable expenses and budgets. Use financial analytics to identify trends, optimize spending, ensure fiscal responsibility, and accurate financial record-keeping per luxury retail guidelines.
• Ensure strict adherence to procedures for cash handling, credit card transactions, tax exemptions, and wire transfers, safeguarding assets and transactional integrity.

Inventory Management & Auditing

• Provide strategic support to retail teams in coordinating and overseeing inventory management, cycle counts, and discrepancy investigations. Leverage inventory data to optimize stock levels, reduce shrink, and enhance product availability.
• Direct and conduct operational audits across the region to ensure compliance with inventory protocols and luxury asset management standards, minimizing shrink and optimizing stock accuracy.
• Develop and deliver support and training programs to boutiques on inventory preparation and audit presentation, reinforcing corporate directives.

Talent & Succession Planning

• Support retail leadership in strategic interviewing, selection, and onboarding of high-caliber operations professionals.
• Partner with Boutique Directors on performance management and career development of operations staff, providing recommendations for talent cultivation.

Risk Management & Security

• Collaborate with Asset Protection and internal control to develop and implement comprehensive strategies for risk management. This includes physical security protocols, sensitive employee matters, stringent boutique cash controls, inventory safeguarding, inter-boutique communication, and security audits. Utilize incident data and risk assessments to proactively mitigate threats, aligned with LVMH Group security standards.

Process Optimization & Innovation

• Evaluate and analyze operational processes, leveraging KPIs and operational data to identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Implement data-driven solutions to enhance efficiency, reduce boutique team workload, and elevate Bulgari's service standards. Drive operational excellence by fostering cross-functional collaboration to streamline processes and share best practices.

Strategic Implementation & Growth

• Lead the region in successful adoption and training for new system rollouts, ensuring smooth transitions and maximum operational benefit.
• Provide strategic operational support for new boutique openings, relocations, and renovations, ensuring a seamless experience from inception, aligning with Bulgari's expansion strategies.

Profile

• Minimum of 10+ years of experience in retail operations management; experience overseeing multi-unit operations within the luxury retail sector.
• Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, budget management, inventory control, and asset protection in a high-value environment.
• Proven track record of developing and implementing operational policies, procedures, and training programs that drive efficiency and compliance.
• Experience with new store openings, renovations, and relocations is highly desirable.
• Leadership and team development skills, with a proven ability to mentor and develop high-performing operations teams.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with proficiency in using data-driven insights to inform strategic decisions and process optimization.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders across all levels of the organization.
• Deep understanding of financial controls, auditing principles, and risk management within a retail context.
• Proficiency in retail management systems and standard business software (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite).
• Strategic thinker with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic luxury retail environment.
• Proactive, results-oriented, and adaptable to change, with a commitment to excellence.
• Passion for the luxury retail industry and the Bulgari brand.

Additional information

Compensation Range: $160,000 -$180,000