International Watches Collection Director
Richemont · Paris
The story of Cartier is founded on audacity and passion. For more than 170 years we have embraced a bold, pioneering spirit that continues to inspire our teams across all Métiers from our boutiques to our workshops and corporate offices. Our 9000+ colleagues of 105 nationalities are united by a shared independent spirit and commitment to excellence, striving to continuously enrich our Maison’s heritage by pushing the boundaries of creativity.
MAIN PURPOSE
In line with the global marketing strategy and ambitions of the Maison, the Collection Director defines and implements the product and marketing strategy for Watches collections and their action plans. He/she is responsible for the collection plan, the performance of his/her product category (business development), and the development of 360 activation plans.
The Collection Director also ensures the coordination between all stakeholders : the Creative Studio, Merchandising, Manufacturing, Operations, Communication, Finance, Commercial, Training and Regions to set conditions for success of the business and achievement of different objectives (financial, brand image, commercial performance, people, etc).
He/she will challenge and make evolve the organization and processes necessary to reach the ambitions for his category.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Manage a team
- Leads, engages and develops a team (from managers to interns) :
- Embodies an inspiring and empowering management style
- Supports career development and promotes performance: clarity of objectives, regular feedback, annual appraisals, career projections, etc.
- Organizes, manages and prioritizes the team's workload
- Proactively makes propositions to adapt to organization and processes within the team.
- Participates in recruitment and ensures the quality and success of onboarding.
Develop Maison’s product strategy and action plans
- 5-year strategic plan in collaboration with the Marketing Director and other department managers.
- Definition and management of the action plan for its product categories:
- 5-year product plan including product mix (launches, animations, rationalization of ranges),
- Activation plan, in collaboration with Communication and merchandising
- Central/subsidiary action plan in collaboration with merchandising
- Contribution to the definition and evolution of organizations to support the strategy.
- Presentation of the strategy and action plans to the Executive Committee, the HQ stakeholders, and the Regions/Markets at different meetings.
Defines and steers the Watches product offer
In line with the product strategy, hand in hand with the group manager and product managers:
- Sets collection plans and launch plans, at a 5-year horizon
- Initiates creative briefs and defines collection plan structures (collection structure, functionalities, prices).
- Ensures the daily connection with the creative studio in all stages of creation: from the brief and its correct interpretation to the finalization of the product.
- Guides and supports group managers and/or product managers during the product development phase.
- Ensures coordination, communication and success of projects (with Creative Studio, Development, Operations, Manufacturing) from brief to product development while guaranteeing their profitability.
- Is responsible for the profitability of projects and is/her offer perimeter
Develop the business
Analyses and optimizes the performance of the activity with the support of a group manager and product managers:
- Manages its activity based on quantitative and qualitative analysis.
- Defines novelty sales assumptions to size activity in collaboration with the Merchandising and Operations teams.
- Defines global launch strategy for novelties in collaboration with the Merchandising and the Operations teams.
Identifies and implements actions to support/develop the business:
- Identifies actions to sustain the business growth of his/her activity in collaboration with the merchandising and other Maison stakeholders and coordinates the implementation of these action plans
- Listens to market needs/expectations and responds to specific development requests
- Proposes and implements the necessary actions in terms of product portfolio management.
Lead 360 activation plans on the 360 projects related to its categories
- Is accountable for defining the role and contribution of the project
- Builds the project brief (incl diagnosis, project objectives and project management mode) and the subsequent strategy and action plan in collaboration with other HQ and regions stakeholders.
- Is accountable for animating the stakeholder experts in collaboration with a communication 360 lead to build the 360-action plan and accountable for the achievement of the project: timeline and project alignment with objectives
- Co-defines and develops the product training strategy for the markets, in collaboration with L&D
Ensure the financial performance of products
Is co-responsible for the coefficient of products:
- Sets objectives, challenges, and validates the cost of novelties.
- Validate world prices.
- Co-pilots annual reviews of prices.
- Guarantees the profitability of projects by defining prices and constantly seeking to optimize costs (novelties & range).
Manages or coordinates cross-functional projects
- As a representative of the Marketing function and of his/her department, ensures the Marketing stakes are considered and promotes transversality with other product categories and departments.
- Manage / steer the cross-functional subjects and projects progress
PROFILE
Higher education background (Business School, Management) and at least 12+ years of experience in the luxury sector with marketing skills and product sensibility.
Managerial skills and aptitude for inspiring, leading, developing and rallying teams, including cross-functional collaboration.
Creative and agile “test-and-learn” mindset, capable of working effectively with diverse profiles, from creatives to technical teams.
Experience in project and/or transformation management within complex environments; proven ability to successfully deliver major projects while meeting objectives and requirements regarding time, quality, budget, and resources.
International exposure; fluent in both French and English.