John Lobb Flagship Store Director

About John Lobb

John Lobb, a prestigious name in the world of luxury footwear, is renowned for its commitment to craftsmanship and quality. As part of the Hermès Group, John Lobb benefits from the rich heritage and global reach of one of the most esteemed luxury conglomerates. The brand offers a unique working environment where tradition meets innovation, providing employees with opportunities to grow within the luxury sector.

Role & Responsibilities

• Oversee all phases of flagship store opening including cross-functional coordination with retail, HR, product, communications, and finance teams; define target organization, manage change, and assemble and train an elite sales team
• Define store assortment in alignment with local and international clientele expectations and drive store merchandising according to brand standards
• Monitor and optimize commercial KPIs; implement action plans to exceed flagship sales targets and develop excellence in clienteling practices across the team
• Activate and leverage a portfolio of VIC and VVIC clients by introducing them to John Lobb; cultivate relationships with business circles, institutions, and influential networks; establish strategic partnerships with luxury ecosystem actors (palace hotels, bespoke tailors, couture houses, concierge services, galleries)
• Identify, approach, and retain new high-potential client profiles through deep cultural and social knowledge; build personalized, trust-based relationships; shepherd clients from first visit through bespoke commissions
• Serve as an active brand ambassador within cultural, social, and professional circles; represent John Lobb with authenticity and elegance; position the flagship as an unmissable destination for connoisseurs and influencers
• Manage, inspire, and develop a team of passionate sales advisors aligned with Hermès Management Philosophy; lead change through inspirational leadership; build a culture rooted in excellence, compassion, and transmission of expertise
• Deploy exceptional client experience aligned with brand values of modernity, authenticity, excellence, elegance, and sustainability; apply the John Lobb Sales Manifesto; ensure impeccable service standards and personalized client relationships
• Conceive and orchestrate high-caliber events: private evenings, collection presentations, heritage celebrations, artistic collaborations, and craftmanship workshops; activate client networks to ensure exclusive, quality audiences; create out-of-store activations to strengthen flagship visibility and recruit new clientele
• Collaborate closely with the bespoke workshop to develop custom commission sales; serve as the privileged interface between clientele and artisans; orchestrate the end-to-end bespoke journey from consultation to delivery; develop an ambitious commercial strategy to drive bespoke uptake
• Manage store operations with rigor and efficiency: inventory, reporting, budgeting, compliance; uphold visual and merchandising standards; maintain administrative excellence and a workplace environment reflecting the brand's image

Qualifications

• Minimum 8–10 years confirmed experience directing a luxury flagship store or prestige house boutique
• Established and activatable network of VIC/VVIC clients, partners, and influence circles in the luxury sphere (considered a determining criterion)
• Deep sensitivity to artisanal craftsmanship, men's fashion, and luxury footwear culture
• Natural leadership; proven ability to federate and inspire teams around a shared vision
• Acute sense of client service and personalized relationship building
• Entrepreneurial spirit, autonomy, and appetite for challenge
• Excellent presentation, relational ease, and command of protocol
• Fluent English (essential); third language considered an asset

Skills

Experience

Minimum 8–10 years in directing a luxury flagship store or prestige boutique, demonstrating sustained success in sales growth, client portfolio development, team management, and representation of high-end brands. Prior experience in the luxury footwear, leather goods, or prestige hospitality sectors strongly preferred.

Education

No specific formal education stated; however, candidates should demonstrate intellectual sophistication, cultural awareness, and extensive knowledge of luxury business practices, male grooming rituals, and high-end tailoring/footwear traditions.

Workplace

Culture

John Lobb fosters a culture of excellence, where employees are encouraged to uphold the brand's legacy of quality and craftsmanship. The work environment is collaborative, with a focus on continuous learning and innovation.

About Cerulean

Cerulean is the definitive career portal for the global luxury industry. We match exceptional professionals with exclusive opportunities at the world's most prestigious brands. From haute couture and fine watchmaking to prestige beauty, hospitality, and boutique retail, Cerulean centralises luxury employment to help you find the career for which you were destined.