JOB SUMMARY

*This is a hybrid role that can be based in the Bethesda, MD or New York office.

The Luxury Retail Manager is a member of the Global Luxury Operations team and is responsible for managing the retail merchandise process for product categories most relevant to the luxury/resort segment. The Manager ensures that product planning, selection and merchandising create compelling brand relevant assortments that enhance revenue and profitability, guest satisfaction and brand preference. The primary focus will be on the luxury segment, with emphasis on Ritz Carlton resort locations. The Luxury Retail Manager will be responsible for training and educating the property managers and giving them tools and resources to foster a successful retail operation. They will collaborate with all vendor partners to identify new business opportunities and efficiencies. The Luxury Retail Manager will partner with MIHQ Brand leadership and America’s retail leaders to identify and evaluate trends and implement brand relevant products, services, store layout and design that tie to brand strategies. They will partner with property and above property leadership to analyze category and product performance to ensure that merchandise products and vendor performance maximize sales, inventory, and profit performance goals. They will also provide direct support to retail property operations, conducting onsite or virtual store visits to identify opportunities for improvement relative to product mix, visual presentation, guest experience and financial performance.

CANDIDATE PROFILE 

Education and Experience Required

• 4-year degree from an accredited university in Business or Hospitality Management or related field
• 4 years’ experience in luxury retail buying or retail operations with specific accountability for buying to include specific luxury retail buying
• Demonstrated ability to understand business climate/customer satisfaction issues that may affect sales and inventory levels
• Demonstrated ability to utilize reports to evaluate financials returns, sales reports, inventory levels, and operating statements.
• Understanding of emerging trends and applying to future business planning
• Flexibility in approach to problem-solving and creative thinking 
• Ability to travel up to 35% (based on business needs)

Education and Experience Preferred

• Experience with retail buying in multi-category product by various market segments.
• Experience in visual merchandising for boutiques and/or concept stores 
• Experience with/knowledge of related retail inventory systems
• High Level Customer service with internal and external clients 
• Project management experience driving solutions to meet client needs and business goals for boutiques. 

CORE WORK ACTIVITIES 

Brand and Product Strategy 

• Identify, prepare, and implement brand relevant assortment plans for product categories. Partner with MIHQ senior leaders and
• vendor partners to select and approve brand relevant, custom and/or exclusive product (in-store and online) and negotiate with vendors on product pricing.
• Partner with property retail managers and leadership to analyze/evaluate and update product assortments, as dictated by business results, brand initiatives, product innovations/trends. Recommend merchandise flow, suggest purchase orders, manage overall cost of sales and markdown strategy.
• Develop and implement branded logo related application, product, and merchandising standards.
• Identify, present, and implement new business opportunities and manage strategic partnerships (e.g., branded concepts, logo, and private label programs). Define and implement innovations that improve the customer shopping experience and revenue per occupied room.
• Define standards and specifications to support execution and achievement of business performance goals and superior guest experience.
• Partner with key internal/external stakeholders and 3rd party consultants to develop/update store planning/planograms/visual shop appearance to optimize item display and maximize consumer purchasing behaviors in the stores.
• Train property retail managers and associates on merchandising and visual presentations standards, product knowledge, sales, and customer service skills.
• Update/Maintain Retail Operations landing page with key documents and training tools for a successful retail operation.
• Improve operational processes and efficiencies to create added value for retail services.
• Maintains contact with industry to identify and evaluate trends and product innovations. Travel to national and regional trade shows to support product sourcing and competitive intelligence.

Customer Experience and Support

• Provide day-to-day consultation and conduct onsite or virtual property visits to ensure appropriate brand positioning, support/monitor implementation of business/brand initiatives, implement visual presentation standards, re-merchandise/reset stores, improve the customer shopping experience, and improve sales and financial performance in the stores.
• Develop strong vendor partnerships and manage the supplier network through the preferred vendor matrix to ensure that merchandise is available in the appropriate quantities as needed to meet customer demands.
• Support/participate in property openings/ renovations.
• Support above property retail co-workers by shifting priorities to team effort when business dictates.

Sales & Financial Reporting 

• Monitor and analyze business results (sales reports, vendor profitability, operating statements, aged inventory, guest satisfaction data, etc.) and make recommendations for driving improved performance.
• Monitor property operations and vendor performance for compliance with standards and specifications that support the execution and achievement of guest experience and financial performance goals. Ensure all established contract terms, concept and product display standards, and merchandising guidelines are followed.

Marriott International is an equal opportunity employer. We believe in hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive, people-first culture. We are committed to non-discrimination on any protected basis, such as disability and veteran status, or any other basis covered under applicable law.