Retail Director SEA

A prestigious global luxury brand is seeking a Singapore based Retail Director SEA, offering you the opportunity to shape the future of retail excellence across a diverse and vibrant region. This pivotal role places you at the heart of a renowned organisation, where your expertise in people management, customer engagement, and operational leadership will drive both commercial success and an exceptional client journey. You will be empowered to influence business strategy, foster a culture of collaboration and growth, and ensure that every store reflects the highest standards of brand integrity. With a focus on nurturing talent, building strong client networks, and delivering consistent results, this position promises both challenge and reward in equal measure.

What you'll do:

As Retail Director SEA, you will play a central role in shaping the strategic direction of retail operations across multiple countries. Your day-to-day responsibilities will involve close collaboration with Store Managers to drive sales growth while maintaining impeccable brand standards. You will be instrumental in developing people-centric policies that foster teamwork and shared success throughout the store network. By leveraging your analytical skills to interpret sales data and market trends, you will identify opportunities for improvement in both customer experience and operational efficiency. Your ability to inspire others will be key as you lead training sessions designed to enhance product knowledge and client engagement skills among staff. Additionally, you will oversee merchandise presentation strategies that align with corporate objectives while ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements. Through regular reporting on macro trends such as real estate developments or trading conditions—and by acting as the main point of contact for landlords or contractors during store projects—you will ensure seamless execution of business plans. Ultimately, your commitment to excellence will help sustain a culture of continuous improvement where every team member feels valued and empowered.

• Serve as the market expert for Southeast Asia, ensuring that all stores consistently represent the brand’s image and values through tailored assortments, pricing strategies, and visual merchandising standards.
• Collaborate closely with Store Managers to maximise sales performance by motivating and coaching staff towards achieving individual targets and key performance indicators.
• Conduct regular sales analysis, review productivity metrics monthly, and recommend enhancements to commission and incentive schemes based on data-driven insights.
• Partner with Human Resources on recruitment, performance reviews, KPI setting, and staff development initiatives to build a dependable and high-performing retail team.
• Champion best-in-class customer service by resolving escalated complaints, managing product returns or defective claims, and supporting marketing efforts to grow the VIP client base.
• Work hand-in-hand with CRM teams to acquire, nurture, and retain elite clients through creative retention initiatives that strengthen long-term relationships.
• Collaborate with Visual Merchandising Managers to ensure all stores adhere to global guidelines while optimising business objectives through impactful displays.
• Lead ongoing training programmes in partnership with Retail Training teams to equip staff with essential product knowledge, selling techniques, and clienteling skills.
• Oversee merchandise management by ensuring optimal inventory levels, accurate records, competitive product awareness among staff, and effective feedback channels for product improvement.
• Ensure compliance with local regulations and company policies by implementing new operational standards, monitoring audit results, managing payroll efficiency, reducing shrinkage rates, and overseeing store projects including new openings or refurbishments.

What you bring:

The ideal candidate for Retail Director SEA brings extensive experience from within luxury retail environments—demonstrating not only technical proficiency but also genuine empathy when connecting with diverse teams. Your background includes significant exposure to multi-country operations where you have successfully managed large groups of employees through periods of change or growth. You are adept at interpreting complex data sets into practical solutions that benefit both customers and colleagues alike. Your interpersonal skills enable you to build rapport quickly—whether onboarding new joiners or engaging elite clients through bespoke retention initiatives. A deep appreciation for visual merchandising ensures that every store under your remit reflects corporate identity while maximising commercial potential. You thrive in collaborative settings where knowledge sharing is encouraged—and are always willing to support others’ development through coaching or mentoring activities. Above all else: your passion for delivering exceptional service shines through everything you do—making you an invaluable asset within any high-performing team.

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or related field is required for this senior leadership position within luxury retail.
• At least 10 years’ experience in retail—preferably within the luxury sector—with a minimum of 5 years spent managing multi-functional teams across different locations.
• Proven track record in people management including recruitment processes, performance appraisals, KPI setting, mentoring programmes, and fostering inter-personal connections within large teams.
• Demonstrated ability to analyse complex sales data sets; provide actionable recommendations; implement changes that positively impact KPIs; and report on macro trends affecting business outcomes.
• Exceptional communication skills—both verbal and written—enabling you to present ideas clearly at all organisational levels while nurturing trust-based relationships with colleagues or clients alike.
• Comprehensive understanding of international luxury fashion markets combined with acute financial acumen for budget management or cost optimisation initiatives.
• Experience collaborating cross-functionally with HR departments on staffing matters as well as Marketing or CRM teams on customer acquisition/retention strategies.
• Familiarity with visual merchandising principles; ability to partner effectively with VM managers; ensure consistent application of global guidelines; optimise store layouts for maximum impact.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development through participation in training sessions; willingness to travel regionally for market visits or conferences as needed.

What sets this company apart:

This organisation stands out as one of the most respected names in global luxury retail—a place where tradition meets innovation amidst an inclusive culture built on mutual respect. Employees benefit from flexible working arrangements designed around their needs alongside generous training opportunities that encourage lifelong learning at every stage of their career journey. The company’s commitment to nurturing talent is evident through its investment in comprehensive onboarding programmes as well as regular offsite team bonding sessions aimed at strengthening inter-personal connections across regions. With access to knowledgeable mentors who genuinely care about your success—and supportive leadership focused on sustainable growth—you’ll find yourself part of a community where everyone shares responsibility for upholding world-class standards while celebrating individual achievements along the way. Whether it’s exposure to exciting new markets or involvement in high-profile store projects: this is an environment where ambition is matched only by compassion—and where every voice is heard.

What's next:

If you are ready to take your career in luxury retail leadership further—this is your moment!

Apply today by clicking on the link provided.

Do note that we will only be in touch if your application is shortlisted.
Robert Walters (Singapore) Pte Ltd
ROC No.: 199706961E | EA Licence No.: 03C5451
EA Registration No.: R1441522 Allie Teh