General Manager - France

Position Overview:

Retailors, a leading global retail company, is seeking a seasoned and visionary General
Manager to spearhead the establishment and ongoing leadership of our new business
operations. This pivotal role encompasses the gradual setup of new headquarters as well as
the development and management of newly established country retail operations. This role is
crucial in driving the successful launch of the business, ensuring that all aspects of the
operation align with the company's strategic objectives. The General Manager will play a key
role in building the organization from the ground up, including hiring key staff, conducting
comprehensive market analysis.

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in business management, with a
demonstrated ability to establish and lead new business ventures. They should possess
exceptional leadership and strategic planning skills, enabling them to guide the organization
through its formative stages and drive long-term success. This role requires a dynamic
individual capable of thriving in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment, with resilience and
a strong aptitude for cross-functional collaboration. The candidate should have a solid
background in retail management, particularly within the French market, and be adept at
managing a diverse range of responsibilities.

Key Responsibilities:

Business Setup and Strategy Development
 Lead the establishment of new headquarters, including selecting the location,
overseeing the setup of facilities, and ensuring compliance with all relevant
regulations.
 Develop and execute a comprehensive business strategy that aligns with the
company’s overall goals and objectives.
 Conduct thorough market research and analysis to identify opportunities, understand
competitive landscapes, and inform strategic decisions.
 Develop and implement operational plans, including setting up processes and systems
necessary for smooth business operations.

Financial Management and Reporting
 Develop the initial budget for the new business, including forecasting, P&L
management, and financial reporting.
 Monitor financial performance against the budget and implement corrective actions as
necessary to achieve financial goals.
 Provide regular financial reports and updates to senior management, highlighting key
performance indicators and trends.
Market Analysis and Business Development
 Conduct comprehensive market analysis to identify potential areas for growth and
expansion.
 Develop and implement business development strategies to capture new markets and
increase market share.
 Establish relationships with key stakeholders, including suppliers, partners, and
clients, to support the growth of the business.

Operations Management
 Oversee the daily operations of the business, ensuring that all processes are efficient
and effective.
 Implement operational standards, policies, and procedures to ensure consistency and
quality across all areas of the business.
 Lead efforts to improve operational processes, reduce costs, and enhance overall
productivity.

Store Visits and Field Engagement
 Conduct weekly and monthly visits to stores, ensuring that all stores in the region are
visited at least once a month.
 Actively participate in store activities, including working one weekend each month as
an Athlete to engage with customers and employees directly.
 Having a hands-on approach to provide valuable insights into store operations and
customer experience, fostering a deeper connection with the retail environment.

Risk Management and Compliance
 Identify and mitigate risks associated with the establishment and operation of the new
business.
 Ensure that all business activities comply with relevant laws, regulations, and company
policies.
 Lead crisis management efforts in response to any operational, safety, or security
incidents.

Customer and Stakeholder Engagement
 Champion a customer-centric approach to business operations, ensuring that all
activities are aligned with the needs and expectations of customers.
 Develop and implement strategies to engage with stakeholders, including customers,
employees, and the community, to build and maintain positive relationships.

Qualifications:
 Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Management, or a related
field. An MBA or other advanced degree is preferred.
 Experience: Minimum of 10 years of experience in business management, with at
least 5 years in a senior leadership role involving the setup of new business operations,
preferably in France.
 Proven Track Record: Demonstrated success in launching and managing new
business ventures, including establishing headquarters and building teams from the
ground up.
 Language Skills: Proficiency in both French and English is mandatory. Additional
language skills would be highly advantageous.

Skills:

Strategic Leadership: Demonstrated expertise in conceptualizing, developing, and executing
comprehensive business strategies that not only align with but also advance the company’s
overarching goals and objectives. This includes the ability to anticipate market trends, adapt
to changing environments, and drive long-term growth and sustainability.

Team Building and Leadership: A proven track record in recruiting, nurturing, and leading
high-performance teams. This includes the capacity to inspire, mentor, and cultivate talent,
fostering a collaborative culture that emphasizes excellence, innovation, and continuous
improvement across all levels of the organization.

Financial Acumen: Extensive experience in financial management, encompassing the
oversight of budgets, precise financial forecasting, and comprehensive management of profit
and loss (P&L) statements. This skill set ensures the company’s financial health and supports
strategic decision-making.

Market Analysis: Deep expertise in conducting sophisticated market research and analysis
to inform strategic business decisions. This includes identifying market opportunities,
assessing competitive landscapes, and developing data-driven strategies that enhance
market positioning and business growth.

Operational Excellence: A robust ability to design, implement, and continuously optimize
operational processes, ensuring maximum efficiency, quality, and scalability. This includes the
development of best practices, process improvements, and the ability to streamline operations
to drive productivity and cost-effectiveness.

Risk Management: A strong capability in identifying, assessing, and mitigating business risks.
This includes ensuring compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards,
as well as developing contingency plans to safeguard the company’s assets and reputation.

Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Exceptional verbal and written communication
skills, characterized by the ability to clearly articulate complex ideas and strategies to diverse
audiences. This also includes the ability to build and maintain strong relationships with internal
and external stakeholders, facilitating effective collaboration and alignment across the
organization.

Personal Attributes:

 Results-Driven: Demonstrates a strong focus on achieving business goals and
delivering high performance.
 Innovative: Continuously seeks to improve and optimize business operations and
strategies.
 Collaborative: Works effectively with cross-functional teams and fosters a culture of
collaboration.
 Customer-Centric: Puts the customer at the heart of decision-making and operations.
 Adaptable: Thrives in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and can manage change
effectively.

Working Conditions:

Travel: Significant travel may be required to oversee the setup of new business operations
and to manage key relationships.

Work Environment: Office-based with frequent visits to various operational sites and
headquarters.