Store Leader, Chicago

On

IN SHORT: As the Associate Store Leader, you will drive operational excellence and team engagement within our retail environment to ensure every fan experiences the brand’s premium identity.  You will translate On’s detail-oriented approach and customer-centric approach into daily practice, autonomously while championing your team’s successes. Reporting to the Store Leader, you will support the retail function by optimizing store workflows and fostering a culture of high performance and service with authenticity.  Your contribution ensures that our premium service standards are not only met but elevated through systemic thinking and operational ownership. YOUR MISSION: * Own floor management and daily store operations with little to no guidance, ensuring a premium environment that reflects On’s premium standards * Lead and coach the team on the Cloud CX philosophy, setting the benchmark for customer-centricity and service excellence in every interaction * Manage stock levels according to business forecasts and proactively communicate merchandising topics across functional teams * Analyze daily KPI’s and goals to identify root causes of challenges and implement actionable behavior to enable positive change in store performance * Identify skill gaps across the Lead Store Advisor team and facilitate training sessions on business-related topics as a champion for professional development * Drive the store’s vision and purpose by engaging the team and fostering a culture of trust and shared accountability YOUR STORY: * You bring 5+ years of experience in retail leadership or high-touch service environments, specifically within premium or performance-driven brands * You demonstrate advanced problem-solving skills, with the ability to ask the right questions and think systemically to solve operational hurdles * You are an expert facilitator with experience delivering technical or operational training and coaching to diverse team members * You have a high level of emotional intelligence, consistently reflecting on performance and pursuing new knowledge to stretch your professional limits * You communicate with authenticity and clarity, building strong relational intelligence to influence and partner with cross-functional stakeholders

Polène

MAISON POLÈNE Founded in 2016, Polène is a French leather goods brand that distinguishes itself through outstanding artisanal craftsmanship, producing timeless pieces with organic designs inspired directly by nature. As we continue to experience significant growth and international expansion, 2026 marks an exciting chapter: we are building a strong, expert team to drive Polène’s excellence at every organizational level. Our artistic and creative spirit elevates both our handbag and jewelry collections, supported by 800 artisans in our Ubrique, Spain workshops. Join a passionate team dedicated to delivering exceptional customer experiences while helping establish Polène's presence in one of the country's premier luxury shopping destinations. Be part of the next chapter of the Polène story as we prepare to open our Chicago boutique on Oak Street this winter. ABOUT THE ROLE Polène boutiques immerse clients in our unique universe, attracting a high-end, international clientele. By applying for this role, you'll begin a journey defined by your passion for luxury leather goods, operational excellence, and commitment to exceptional service. As Store Manager, you will play a key role in launching and leading our new Chicago boutique. This position requires an experienced luxury retail leader who can build, develop, and inspire a high-performing team while ensuring the successful opening and long-term performance of the store. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT * Drive sales performance and implement action plans to achieve business objectives. * Represent Polène's excellence and serve as a brand ambassador in-store. * Deliver and maintain an exceptional customer experience. * Identify local market opportunities to attract and retain new customers. * Champion clienteling initiatives and premium CRM best practices. * Analyze KPIs and business performance to proactively drive results. STORE MANAGEMENT * Collaborate closely with headquarters teams to ensure operational excellence and brand consistency. * Oversee inventory management in partnership with the stock team and Procurement Officer. * Ensure seamless execution of operational processes, including repairs, warranties, returns, and exchanges. * Maintain visual merchandising standards and luxury service expectations. * Lead all aspects of store opening preparation, execution, and post-opening stabilization. TEAM MANAGEMENT * Foster a collaborative, positive, and high-performing work environment that embodies the DNA of Maison Polène. * Partner with the Retail Excellence and Training Manager to identify and address development opportunities. * Optimize staffing, scheduling, and workforce planning. * Lead recruitment, onboarding, and training of new team members. * Inspire, coach, and motivate employees through daily briefings, performance discussions, and ongoing development. * Build a culture of accountability, engagement, and exceptional client service. WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR * Minimum 5 years of Store Manager experience within a luxury retail environment. * Proven experience leading high-performing teams and driving business results. * Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire, coach, and develop talent. * Experience opening new stores is highly preferred. * Demonstrated strengths in business development, performance management, and operational excellence. * Strong clienteling and relationship-building capabilities. * Fluent in English; additional language skills are a plus. * Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace. COMPENSATION & BENEFITS * Competitive annual salary range of $90,000 - $100,000, plus bonus incentive. * Monthly ICHRA medical stipend, allowing employees to choose the plan that works best for them. * Dental and vision insurance with employer contributions. * 401(k) plan. * Monthly and quarterly performance bonuses. * Paid Time Off, including vacation and sick time. * Employee discount on our full range of leather goods and jewelry. * Complimentary ClassPass membership to support employee wellness, fitness, and work-life balance. * Commuter benefits for transit (pre-tax, where applicable). * Opportunities for growth within our expanding U.S. retail network. * A supportive, inclusive culture rooted in craftsmanship, creativity, and teamwork. If you're passionate about luxury retail, team leadership, and building something from the ground up, we invite you to join us as we launch Polène's Chicago boutique on Oak Street this winter. Polène is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful workplace and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or any other protected characteristic as defined by law.

Polène

MAISON POLÈNE Founded in 2016, Polène is a French leather goods brand that distinguishes itself through outstanding artisanal craftsmanship, producing timeless pieces with organic designs inspired directly by nature. As we continue to experience significant growth and international expansion, 2026 marks an exciting chapter: we are building a strong, expert team to drive Polène’s excellence at every organizational level. Our artistic and creative spirit elevates both our handbag and jewelry collections, supported by 800 artisans in our Ubrique, Spain workshops. Join a passionate team dedicated to delivering exceptional customer experiences while helping establish Polène's presence in one of the country's premier luxury shopping destinations. Be part of the next chapter of the Polène story as we prepare to open our Chicago boutique on Oak Street this winter. ABOUT THE ROLE Polène boutiques immerse clients in our unique universe, attracting a high-end, international clientele. As Assistant Store Manager, you will support the Store Manager in leading the boutique, ensuring exceptional customer experiences while driving commercial performance and operational excellence. This role is ideal for an experienced luxury retail leader who thrives on coaching teams, building client relationships, and maintaining the highest standards of service and execution. As a key member of the leadership team, you will help establish the culture, processes, and performance expectations that will drive the success of our Chicago boutique. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT * Support the Store Manager in driving sales performance and achieving store revenue targets. * Represent Polène's excellence and promote the brand's products and craftsmanship on the sales floor. * Deliver and maintain an exceptional customer experience that reflects Polène's luxury standards. * Support the development of long-term client relationships and clienteling initiatives. * Assist in implementing CRM best practices to strengthen customer loyalty. * Identify opportunities to grow the client base and enhance in-store engagement. STORE MANAGEMENT * Support daily store operations and ensure adherence to company policies and procedures. * Collaborate with headquarters teams to maintain operational and strategic excellence in-store. * Assist with inventory management in coordination with the stock team and Procurement Officer. * Support customer service processes including repairs, warranties, returns, and exchanges. * Ensure the boutique maintains exceptional visual merchandising and presentation standards. * Assist with store opening preparation, team readiness, and post-opening operational execution. TEAM MANAGEMENT * Lead by example on the sales floor and embody the values of Maison Polène. * Support coaching, development, and performance management of the boutique team. * Assist with staff scheduling and ensure appropriate sales floor coverage. * Participate in recruiting, onboarding, and training new employees. * Support daily team briefings and help motivate the team to achieve store goals. * Foster a collaborative, positive, and high-performing work environment. WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR * Minimum 3–5 years of retail leadership experience, preferably within a luxury retail environment. * Strong leadership and team management skills. * Demonstrated abilities in sales performance management and client development. * Passion for delivering elevated customer experiences. * Excellent organizational and communication skills. * Strong clienteling and relationship-building capabilities. * Experience supporting store openings is a plus. * Fluent in English; additional language skills are a plus. * Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace. COMPENSATION & BENEFITS * Competitive annual salary range of $60,000 - $70,000, plus bonus incentive. * Monthly ICHRA medical stipend, allowing employees to choose the plan that works best for them. * Dental and vision insurance with employer contributions. * 401(k) plan. * Monthly and quarterly performance bonuses. * Paid Time Off, including vacation and sick time. * Employee discount on our full range of leather goods and jewelry. * Complimentary ClassPass membership to support employee wellness, fitness, and work-life balance. * Commuter benefits for transit (pre-tax, where applicable). * Opportunities for growth within our expanding U.S. retail network. * A supportive, inclusive culture rooted in craftsmanship, creativity, and teamwork. If you're passionate about luxury retail, team leadership, and helping build a best-in-class client experience from the ground up, we invite you to join us as we launch Polène's Chicago boutique on Oak Street this winter. Polène is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful workplace and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or any other protected characteristic as defined by law.