["Retail Director","Retail Director"]

Founded in 1994, Assouline transformed the illustrated book market into a cornerstone of the luxury lifestyle. Today, we are more than a publishing house we are the "first brand of luxury culture." From our curated boutiques to our presence in the world's most prestigious wholesalers, Assouline provides a world of intellect and good taste.Assouline is seeking a Director of Retail to lead and elevate our global boutique network, including our flagship locations featuring bars and restaurant concepts. This role is responsible for driving commercial performance while preserving the brand's distinctive identity where retail, culture, and hospitality intersect.The Director will oversee 10 boutiques across the globe, along with operations, client experience, hospitality standards, and team leadership to ensure every Assouline space operates as a destination, not simply a store. This position reports to the President.KEY RESPONSIBILITIESLead global retail strategy across all boutiques and locationsDrive sales performance, profitability, and KPI achievement across the networkPartner with Finance on budgeting, forecasting, and performance analysisIdentify opportunities for growth, expansion, and operational optimizationHospitality Operations (Bars & Restaurant Concepts)Oversee hospitality operations in designated locations, ensuring alignment with brand standards and positioningEnsure exceptional service execution across bar and restaurant environmentsPartner with culinary and beverage leadership on quality integrity, programming, guest experience, and cultural alignmentMonitor food and beverage cost controls, labor efficiency, and regulatory complianceClient Experience & Brand StandardsChampion an elevated, seamless client journey across retail and hospitality touchpointsSupport the development of service standards reflective of the brand's luxury positioning and cultural missionEnsure boutique environments remain immersive, culturally rich, and intellectually engaging destinationsOversee client relationship management strategy and support event programming and cultural initiativesLead and develop Store Leaders and Hospitality ManagersBuild a culture of accountability, refinement, entrepreneurial ownership, and shared stewardship of the brandPartner with HR on recruitment, succession planning, and performance managementEnsure training programs reinforce both luxury retail excellence and hospitality sophisticationExpansion & New OpeningsSupport boutique launches and international expansion initiativesOversee retail and hospitality operational setup for new locationsCollaborate with Store Planning and Interiors to ensure operational functionality meets design vision and brand standardsREQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS10+ years of senior leadership experience in luxury retail environmentsPreferred experience overseeing hospitality concepts (restaurant, bar, or cafe environments)Proven ability to manage multi‑unit operations across multiple regionsStrong financial acumen and P&L ownershipDeep understanding of luxury clienteling and experiential retailExceptional leadership presence and communication skillsGlobal mindset and demonstrated comfort working across international regionsAbility to balance commercial rigor with cultural and aesthetic integrityCANDIDATE PROFILEThe ideal candidate is both commercially sharp and culturally attuned — someone who understands that these boutiques function as intellectual salons as much as retail environments. They bring operational rigor and financial discipline while preserving aesthetic and experiential integrity.They are equally comfortable reviewing P&L statements as they are walking a floor, refining service posture, hosting a VIP client evening, or discussing the cultural significance of a new programming initiative. They see retail not as transactional but as relational — a platform for deepening connections with a discerning clientele.They understand the business of luxury culture and are committed to stewarding a brand with a distinctive point of view.Compensation: $170,000 – $200,000 base salary plus bonusAssouline is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.#J-18808-Ljbffr