Role Overview
We are seeking a dynamic and entrepreneurial Store Manager & Overseas Operations Lead to spearhead our London flagship store launch and serve as the brand's operational anchor for European expansion.
This is a dual-hat role. In the short term, you will be the hands-on project lead for the store opening—overseeing everything from fit-out and local hiring to compliance and pre-opening marketing. In the longer term, you will evolve into the Overseas Operations Lead, building and managing Mithridate's European retail network.
This position demands a unique combination of operational excellence and luxury retail sensibility, with a deep understanding of both the London market and the brand's distinct cultural positioning.
Key Responsibilities1. Store Launch & Project Management (Short-Term Priority)
- Lead end-to-end project management for the London flagship store opening, including timeline planning, budget management, and cross-functional coordination with HQ in Guangzhou.
- Manage local vendor relationships (contractors, IT, visual merchandising, legal, etc.) to ensure a seamless store fit-out and compliance with UK retail regulations.
- Oversee all local licensing, permits, and insurance requirements.
- Partner with the marketing team to execute localized pre-opening campaigns and VIP events targeting London's discerning clientele.
2. Retail Operations & Team Leadership
- Recruit, onboard, and train the founding London retail team, embodying Mithridate's brand values and service standards.
- Oversee daily store operations, ensuring an exceptional, high-touch luxury client experience.
- Drive sales performance, monitor KPIs, and manage inventory levels to achieve business targets.
- Cultivate a loyal local customer base through personalized service and relationship management.
3. Strategic Operations & European Growth
- Act as the primary operational liaison between the London store and Guangzhou HQ, ensuring smooth communication and alignment.
- Develop and implement operational SOPs for the European market, adapting HQ processes to local best practices.
- Provide market intelligence and local insights to inform future retail strategy, including potential expansion to other European cities.
- Represent the brand within the local luxury retail and fashion community.
Candidate Profile
Qualifications & Experience:
- Minimum 5-7 years of experience in luxury retail management, with at least 2-3 years in a store manager or equivalent role with a premium brand in London.
- Proven track record of successfully launching a flagship or high-profile store in the UK market.
- Deep understanding of the London luxury landscape, including key retail locations (Knightsbridge, Mayfair, Soho), customer demographics, and competitive dynamics.
- Strong commercial acumen with experience managing P&L, budgets, and sales targets.
- University degree in Business, Fashion Management, or a related field is preferred.
Key Competencies:
- Operational Rigour: Excellent project management and organizational skills; ability to juggle multiple priorities in a fast-paced start-up environment.
- Luxury Savvy: Impeccable taste and a genuine passion for fashion; ability to represent a high-end brand with authenticity.
- Bridging Cultures: Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills; comfortable navigating between Eastern and Western business cultures. Fluency in both English and Mandarin is essential for seamless communication with HQ.
- Entrepreneurial Spirit: Self-starter who is comfortable with ambiguity and can thrive in an "owner-operator" capacity.
What We Offer
- An opportunity to build the European foundation of a fast-growing, internationally acclaimed luxury brand.
- A highly visible leadership role with direct impact on the brand's global strategy.
- Competitive compensation package, including base salary and performance-based bonus.
- A dynamic, creative, and multicultural work environment.
Pay: From £50,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
