In-Store VIC Manager

Embedded within a single Alaïa boutique, the In-Store VIC Manager is the engine of clienteling excellence at store level. The role bridges HQ strategy and daily floor reality: translating global directives into personalised client journeys, equipping the retail team with the tools and confidence to develop the full client pyramid, and personally animating the boutique's highest-potential relationships. The store is the primary territory; depth of execution is the primary measure of success.,

• Strategic Client Portfolio & Development: Own and strategically grow the store's Very Important Client (VIC) and High-End client portfolio. This includes mapping tier distribution, identifying untapped potential, and developing individual action plans for retention, upgrade, and recruitment. You will also systematically qualify prospective Couture clients and support the Couture selling ceremony to the highest standard.
• Elite Client Relationship Management: Personally cultivate a curated book of the boutique's most strategic relationships, serving as the primary Alaïa point of contact for VIC and priority clients, and supporting Sales Advisors in their client engagement. This role also involves representing the Maison at exclusive client entertainment occasions, building authentic relationships beyond the boutique.
• Clienteling Leadership & Team Coaching: Act as the in-store reference and expert for all clienteling practices. You will coach and mentor Sales Advisors on advanced relationship-building behaviors, personalized communication, occasion-based selling, and effective client outreach across the full client pyramid. Lead regular briefings on client development priorities and cascade global best practices to the team.
• Exclusive Experiential Events & Activations: Propose, orchestrate, and execute a dynamic calendar of bespoke in-store client initiatives and experiences, such as private shopping appointments, trunk shows, previews, and gifting moments, all anchored in Alaïa's aesthetic and legacy. Define targeted guest lists, coordinate all logistical and experiential elements, and support teams in achieving commercial targets and optimizing ROI.
• Strategic Business Development & Networking: Identify, develop, and maintain a robust network of local business providers (e.g., concierges, private offices, stylists, cultural institutions) and key connectors. Propose and pilot local partnership moments (e.g., gallery openings, cultural events) that naturally attract the Alaïa client profile, expanding the Maison's reach and recruiting new high-potential clients.
• Data-Driven Client Insights & Reporting: Leverage clienteling tools and CRM data to monitor client lifecycle, flag at-risk relationships, and identify commercial opportunities such as lapsed relationships, upgrade candidates, and key anniversaries. Maintain rigorous CRM hygiene, ensuring client data is accurate and actionable. Produce regular, comprehensive store-level reporting on VIC and High-End client performance (spend evolution, tier migration, activation ROI) and track activation budgets to ensure measurable returns.
  
  Relevant experience in luxury retail, with a significant portion in a direct selling or client-facing role - store experience is non-negotiable.
• Previous exposure to clienteling or client development responsibilities within a luxury fashion, jewellery, or lifestyle Maison.
• Demonstrated track record of personal portfolio management and measurable client relationship outcomes.
• Familiarity with CRM tools and comfort with basic data analysis and reporting.
• Exceptional interpersonal intelligence - the ability to read a client, build trust instinctively, and sustain relationships with discernment and warmth.
• Commercial acumen: a natural connector who understands the relationship between client cultivation and revenue generation.
• Strong aesthetic sensibility and deep affinity for Alaïa's body philosophy and cultural positioning.
• Coaching temperament: patient, clear communicator who elevates those around them without ego.
• Organised, autonomous, and capable of managing multiple simultaneous client relationships and activation projects.
• Fluency in English required; a second language is a significant advantage in markets with international clientele.