WHOLESALE DIRECTOR

Position

CELINE is a fast-growing French and Leather-Goods Couture House that belongs to the LVMH Fashion group, which ambition is to become one of the most iconic luxury brands worldwide.

To make this vision a reality we are looking for enthusiastic, passionate and agile personalities who are eager to evolve in a demanding environment.

 

YOUR WORK ENVIRONMENT

As Wholesale Director, you will participate in strategically leading the Wholesale business in North America and you will be in charge of growing the wholesale business by meeting sales budgets and maintaining a high-quality brand image.

This experience will enable you to develop and maintain relationships with all accounts including department stores and key specialty stores and identify development opportunities.

You will have the opportunity to learn the CELINE brand DNA and contribute to the brand's growth in the North American market.

Job responsibilities

YOUR IMPACT

Wholesale Strategy:

• Defining the annual strategy and budget to sustain/grow existing accounts while adhering to the most qualitative distribution for the benefit of the brand.
• Recommending and implementing strategic/tactical initiatives to constantly improve the quality of business such as activations, co-op agreements, DSAs, product trainings, pop-ups, personalization, SIS's etc in line with annual budgets and ambitions.
• Providing regular sales analysis and collection feedback; reviewing past season(s) performances individually by account to determine future budgetary plans.
• Analyzing market trends, competitor activities, and consumer behavior to identify growth opportunities and potential risks.
• Developing and executing strategies for new account acquisition, expansion within existing accounts, and optimization of product assortment.
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams (marketing, visual merchandising, supply chain) to ensure alignment of wholesale strategy with overall brand objectives.
• Managing open-to-buy (OTB) and inventory levels for wholesale accounts, ensuring efficient stock allocation and sell-through.

Account Management:

• Selling the collections in Paris to all current and potential wholesale accounts and animate replenishments
• Monitoring the timely deliveries of merchandise to the wholesale network by following up with the warehouse and client and ensuring that the collection is well represented
• Regularly visiting stores to support sales and provide qualitative feedback regarding visual merchandising
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with key buyers, store managers, and other stakeholders at wholesale accounts.
• Negotiating pricing, terms, and conditions with wholesale partners to maximize profitability and brand value.
• Conducting regular training sessions for wholesale staff to enhance product knowledge and sales techniques.
• Monitoring and addressing any issues related to product quality, delivery, or customer service to ensure a positive brand experience.
• Analyzing sales data and customer feedback to identify areas for improvement in product assortment, marketing, or customer service.

Profile

KEYS FOR SUCCESS

Education:
Business School, University or equivalent experience in Wholesale

Experience:

• Position requires a minimum of 8 years of relevant progressive experience including people management
• Wholesale experience required
• Experience in luxury/fashion business is a plus

 

Competencies:

• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, multi-dimensional environment.
• Superior organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Detail-oriented, highly organized
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to interact with all levels of the organization including senior leadership and associates
• Ability to travel 20% of the schedule
• Flexibility to work some evenings, weekends, and holidays based on market calendar
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (including advanced formulas and data analysis), PowerPoint, and CRM software.
• Strong understanding of retail math, including markup, margin, and inventory turnover.

Languages: Fluent in English

 

Workplace: 598 Madison Avenue, New York City

 

OTHER INFORMATION

Potential starting date: As soon as possible

 

Additional information

OUR COMMITMENT

CELINE is an equal opportunity employer. We want to offer an inclusive environment of mutual respect where we welcome diversity and all our employees feel included, developed, and heard.

 

We are committed to the prevention of all discrimination, providing equal opportunities to all applicants irrespective of gender, gender expression, disability, origin, background, religious beliefs or sexual orientation or any other basis protected by law. CELINE recruits and recognizes all types of talent and singularities.

 

The compensation for this position ranges from $160,000k - $190,000k annually. The rate of pay offered will be dependent upon candidate’s relevant skills and experience. In addition, there is a comprehensive benefits package including: medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, various paid time off programs, employee discount/perks, and a retirement plan with employer contribution.