Senior Director of Retail

AKRIS is an international fashion house founded in 1922 in St. Gallen, Switzerland. Driven by the vision of Creative Director Albert Kriemler, who designs sleek and effortless silhouettes for a discerning global clientele of women with purpose. The family-owned fashion house is renowned for its rarefied and innovative double-face fabrics, for pushing the boundaries of St. Gallen embroidery, and for pioneering digital photo printing techniques.

As Senior Director of Retail, you are entrusted with shaping and executing the retail vision for Akris across the U.S. market, overseeing a network of standalone boutiques and Saks Fifth Avenue concession doors. This leadership role requires a balance of strategic foresight, operational rigor, and aesthetic sensibility, ensuring that every Akris location reflects the brand's architectural elegance and quiet strength.

You will lead and inspire the store leadership community, partner closely with cross-functional teams in the U.S. and Switzerland and directly manage both the Retail Operations Manager and all Store Managers. This role also stewards the execution of key business moments including the End of Season Sale and Akris Sample Sale, while ensuring operational excellence, client development, and team cohesion across all doors.

Key Responsibilities:

Retail Strategy & Brand Performance

• Architect and implement a market strategy that honors Akris' global identity while maximizing local opportunity across boutiques and concessions.
• Translate data into insight—analyzing KPIs, client trends, and regional dynamics to drive performance and exceed targets.
• Act as a thought partner to the US CEO and HQ in evolving the retail landscape for Akris in the Americas.

Leadership & Team Culture

• Cultivate a culture of excellence through mentorship, accountability, and cross-store collaboration.
• Lead, coach, and develop the U.S. Store Managers and Retail Operations Manager, with an emphasis on succession, retention, and talent elevation.
• Be present in the field regularly, reinforcing brand values and aligning teams with the retail vision.

Client Development & Experience

• Champion Akris' understated approach to luxury service, which is discreet, intentional, and deeply client centric.
• Drive key client strategies including VIC retention, local outreach, and partnership with corporate marketing to deepen community ties.
• Guide stores in elevating the client journey and embedding relational selling practices.

Merchandising & Visual Standards

• Provide strategic feedback to merchandising partners to optimize assortments by location and client profile.
• Collaborate with Visual Merchandising to ensure each door reflects the architectural and textural codes of Akris with precision and grace.
• Monitor sell-throughs and proactively manage seasonal product transitions.

Operational Excellence

• Oversee retail operations with discipline and agility, ensuring consistency, compliance, and clarity across all store procedures.
• Lead the planning and execution of End of Season and Sample Sale events, partnering with logistics and warehouse teams to deliver seamless outcomes.
• Manage staffing, scheduling, and operational KPIs with the Retail Operations Manager as a key partner.

Concession & Partnership Management

• Serve as the primary liaison with Saks Fifth Avenue, stewarding performance, staffing, and presentation in Akris concessions.
• Tailor strategies for leased departments to align with Akris' elevated service model while honoring partner protocols.

Financial Oversight

• Own the P&L for the U.S. retail network, managing to budget while identifying areas for growth and optimization.
• Track performance at store, region, and category levels, balancing artful leadership with analytical depth.

Qualifications & Requirements:

• 10+ years of progressive luxury retail leadership experience, including managing multiple locations and concession formats.
• Demonstrated success in leading retail teams, achieving sales goals, and improving the client experience.
• Experience managing business partnerships and working cross-functionally in global organizations.
• Strong financial acumen with experience owning or influencing retail P&L.
• High emotional intelligence and ability to influence and motivate others at all levels.
• Deep appreciation for craftsmanship, heritage fashion brands, and understated luxury.
• Ability to travel regularly across the U.S. retail network and to Switzerland as needed.

Compensation:

The anticipated annual base salary range for this role is $175,000 to $200,000 , commensurate with experience and qualifications. This position may also be eligible for an annual performance bonus. Final compensation will consider a variety of factors including years of experience, level of responsibility, and geographic market.

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, and Employer-Paid Vision Insurance
• Employer-Paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
• 401(k) Plan with Company Match
• Commuter Benefits Program
• Company-Sponsored Clothing Allowance
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) Package

Equal Opportunity Statement

Akris is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.