Retail Training & Excellence Lead - North America

Polène

POLENE Founded in 2016, the French leather goods brand Polène stands out for its exceptional artisanal craftsmanship, creating timeless pieces with organic designs directly inspired by nature. In a context of strong growth and international expansion, we are structuring our operations in 2026 and surrounding ourselves with top talent to develop deep expertise at every level of our organization. Our distinctly artistic positioning supports the elevation of our handbag and jewelry collections, backed by 800 artisans in our workshops located in Ubrique, Spain. The Polène story can be written with you. Join us and contribute to this adventure as we continue to expand our retail presence and elevate the client experience across North America. JOB DESCRIPTION The Retail Operations Lead, North America is a pivotal role in bridging Polène’s global standards with the realities of the North American market. Based in New York City and reporting to the Area Manager, this person is responsible for adapting and implementing HQ strategies and operational frameworks to support both the existing retail network and upcoming store openings across the region. By partnering closely with HQ Retail teams and local boutique teams, this role ensures the strong execution of company strategy, drives operational excellence, and supports a consistent and elevated brand experience. The Retail Operations Lead plays a key role in translating global processes into practical, store-friendly solutions that fit local realities while preserving brand standards. This is a highly hands-on role. Beyond analytical rigor, the person in this position must be willing to spend significant time on the ground in boutiques to understand operational realities, identify pain points, and turn observations into clear, actionable improvements that support store teams without adding unnecessary complexity. KEY AREAS OF FOCUS * Localize and implement global operational standards across North America * Adapt and execute operational tools, frameworks, and projects from HQ * Support the local execution of retail network expansion in partnership with HQ * Facilitate communication between HQ and the North America retail network * Drive operational consistency and performance through the application of KPIs and best practices RESPONSIBILITIES SALES & PERFORMANCE ENHANCEMENT * Analyze retail reporting, including daily sales, KPIs, and traffic, and provide localized insights and actionable recommendations * Partner with HQ to follow up on global retail projects and support stores in achieving defined KPIs * Benchmark and adapt retail best practices from HQ and the market to elevate operations, service, and presentation * Collaborate with HQ Retail Operations to support the local execution of sales-driving and profitability initiatives STORE OPERATIONS EXCELLENCE * Adapt, update, and implement HQ SOPs to meet local market requirements while preserving global brand standards * Lead and support operational training to ensure protocols are understood and applied effectively in store * Refine local operational processes based on HQ guidelines, business needs, and field feedback * Manage local vendor relationships and contracts, centralizing purchasing and payment processes in line with company policy * Oversee the local execution of global standards related to uniforms, grooming, and operational tools, including associated budgets * Support new store openings by ensuring operational readiness across key workstreams such as tools, supplies, process setup, stock flow coordination, and store opening checklists STORE COMPLIANCE & STANDARDS * Ensure all local SOPs align with both HQ standards and local compliance requirements * Guarantee daily store and POS operations adhere to Polène policies and procedures * Plan and execute audits related to stock, staff administration, and store documentation in line with the global audit framework * Follow up on audit findings through corrective actions, coaching, and escalation where needed * Promote a strong compliance culture to protect employees, clients, and brand assets REQUIREMENTS * Strong analytical skills with the ability to translate data into practical, actionable, store-ready plans * Pragmatic and hands-on mindset, with the ability to operate both strategically and operationally * Strong command of Excel, PowerPoint, and digital tools; SAP knowledge is a plus * Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the ability to work effectively across HQ, stores, and cross-functional stakeholders * Strong organizational and project coordination skills, especially in fast-paced and scaling retail environments * Professional, proactive, and calm under pressure * High standards and strong attention to detail, with a commitment to operational excellence and brand consistency * Strong leadership and teamwork capabilities, with empathy and a collaborative mindset * Fluency in English, both written and spoken; French is a plus * Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as required Compensation & Benefits * Competitive salary range $70,000-$85,000. * Monthly ICHRA medical stipend, allowing employees to choose the plan that works best for them. * Dental & vision insurance with employer contributions. * 401(k) plan. * Paid Time Off, including vacation and sick time. * Employee discount on our full range of leather goods and jewelry. * 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 leather goods, team leadership, and performance, apply now and help define the next chapter of Polène in North America!   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

Founded in 2016, the French leather goods house Polène stands out for its exceptional craftsmanship, creating timeless pieces with organic designs directly inspired by nature. In a context of strong growth and international expansion, we are structuring our activities in 2026 and surrounding ourselves with top talent to build deep expertise at every level of our organization. Our resolutely artistic positioning reflects the elevation of our range of handbags and jewelry, supported by 800 artisans working in our Spanish ateliers in Ubrique. The story of Polène can be written with you: join us and contribute to this journey behind the scenes of our Paris headquarters, which already brings together over 200 people passionate about our craft.     Within the Collection Team   Within the Collection team, you will join a team of 14 people and report directly to our Head of Collection. You will be responsible for contributing to the development and management of our exceptional projects collections (collaborations, limited editions, upcycling initiatives, etc.) as well as our small leather goods and charms collections. 1. Product Development Management * Ensure operational follow-up and management of product development in collaboration with the Design, Sourcing, and Workshop teams (Paris and Spain). * Oversee prototype and sample tracking with workshops and suppliers (receipt, inventory, labeling, photography, etc.). * Manage the development of bag components (metal hardware, cords, and other accessories). * Create technical product sheets for each prototype received, highlighting required modifications in coordination with the Design and Workshop teams. * Update product specifications and bills of materials by collecting information from suppliers and workshops within the dedicated ERP system, ensuring data accuracy and reliability. * Support the sourcing of components, new suppliers, and manufacturers. * Manage and track press, image, and retail sample sets, coordinating product logistics for photoshoots, PR activities, and related projects with internal teams. * Conduct trend analysis, competitive benchmarking, and market research. * Monitor the performance of existing products. 2. Operational Management * Organize collection meetings and validation committees. * Act as the daily point of contact for internal teams and suppliers/manufacturers. * Coordinate communication between internal teams and external partners, ensuring smooth information flow throughout the development cycle and adherence to deadlines. * Update tracking tools, including timelines, collection plans, and project schedules. * Prepare cost sheets for each project. * Create and update PowerPoint presentations and supporting materials. * Produce product descriptions and presentation documents for other departments (training materials, etc.). * Contribute to the continuous improvement of collection tools and processes. * Produce regular progress reports on product developments as well as monthly reporting.     Our expectations   * You have at least 3 years of experience as a Product Manager, ideally within the leather goods or fashion industry. * You are comfortable coordinating projects and are proficient with the associated tools and software (knowledge of SAP is a plus). * You are highly organized, able to work effectively under tight deadlines, and enjoy collaborating within a team environment. * You are fluent in English and French, Spanish is a plus. * You have a strong affinity for the world of leather goods, craftsmanship, and artisanal excellence.   Our environment   * A 100% on-site experience within our newly renovated Paris offices, located on Rue du Louvre in the 2nd arrondissement, refurbished at the end of 2024. * A ClassPass wellness and fitness subscription. * Access to childcare networks People & Baby and Les Petits Chaperons Rouges. Legal benefits * 25 days of paid leave per year and 10,5 additional RTT days. * Alan health insurance, 60% covered by the company. * 50% reimbursement of your public transport pass or a sustainable mobility allowance of €40/month. * Swile meal vouchers worth €10 per working day.     At Polène, we are committed to ensuring inclusive recruitment processes and to selecting and promoting every candidate in an ethical and equitable manner.

Polène

LA MAISON POLENE Fondée en 2016, la maison de maroquinerie française Polène se distingue par son savoir-faire artisanal d’excellence en créant des pièces intemporelles, au design organique directement inspiré de la nature. Dans un contexte de forte croissance et d’expansion internationale, nous structurons notre activité en 2026 et nous entourons des meilleurs talents afin de déployer une expertise fine à tous les niveaux de notre organisation. Notre positionnement résolument artistique s’inscrit dans l’élévation de notre gamme de produits, soutenue par 800 artisans au sein de nos ateliers espagnols d’Ubrique. L’histoire de Polène peut s’écrire avec vous : rejoignez-nous pour contribuer à cette aventure, en créant une expérience client d’excellence au sein de nos boutiques au rayonnement international, ou dans les coulisses de notre siège parisien qui accueille déjà plus de 200 passionnés par notre métier.   A propos de l'équipe:   L’équipe Talent Acquisition est intégrée au département People & Culture, aux côtés des pôles Opérations, HRBP et Engagement. Notre organisation s’articule autour de deux pôles : * TA Siège, composé d’un TA Lead et de 3 TA Associates. * TA Retail, composé d’un TA Lead et de 4 TA Associates. Rattaché(e) au pôle Talent Acquisition retail, vous travaillerez au plus près des boutiques et des enjeux terrain, avec une priorité très claire : sécuriser le staffing de nos boutiques existantes, avec un haut niveau d’exécution, de réactivité et de qualité.   Vos missions :   1) Boutiques existantes (Europe) : votre priorité au quotidien Vous pilotez vos recrutements de A à Z sur un périmètre de boutiques en activité. Vous intervenez là où l’impact est immédiat : continuité d’équipe, qualité de service, charge opérationnelle et stabilité des équipes. * Cadrer les besoins avec les managers : contexte, priorités, contraintes opérationnelles, niveau attendu, langues, disponibilité. * Aligner les attentes sur la réalité du marché, de façon factuelle, pour clarifier les indispensables et permettre une prise de décision rapide. * Déployer une stratégie de sourcing continue et efficace : annonces, approche directe, viviers, réactivation, canaux adaptés. * Conduire les préqualifications et entretiens avec une méthode structurée : soft skills, critères objectifs, signaux attendus, restitution claire. * Piloter les pipelines au quotidien : suivi rigoureux des étapes, relances, coordination des retours, réduction des temps morts. * Assurer le closing et le suivi jusqu’à la signature, en garantissant une expérience candidat irréprochable et une image cohérente de la Maison. Ce rôle demande un fort sens de l’exécution : capacité à prioriser, à avancer vite et bien, et à sécuriser un suivi fiable, sans compromis sur la qualité des profils.   2) Fiabiliser et simplifier l’exécution Vous contribuez à rendre notre fonctionnement plus fluide et plus robuste, pour soutenir la croissance de la Maison. * Mettre en place et faire vivre des standards : critères d’évaluation, formats de feedback, règles de coordination et de délais de retour, formation entretien manager. * Garantir la qualité des données dans l’ATS : statuts à jour, suivi fiable, reporting exploitable. * Participer à l’amélioration continue : retours d’expérience, bonnes pratiques, initiatives concrètes pour gagner en efficacité et en qualité.   3) Contribution ponctuelle à l’expansion (selon la période) Selon la charge et les priorités, vous pourrez contribuer à certains sujets liés aux ouvertures (viviers, sourcing, coordination, suivi), en appui de l’équipe.   Profil recherché * Minimum 2 ans d’expérience (Stage/Alternance compris) en recrutement de profils opérationnels, idéalement en retail, hospitality, restauration, ou environnement à forte volumétrie. * Goût marqué pour l’exécution : sens des priorités, réactivité, rigueur, autonomie, fiabilité du suivi. * Aisance dans la relation managers : capacité à cadrer, clarifier, faire avancer les sujets, et sécuriser une prise de décision. * Anglais professionnel requis (entretiens fréquents en anglais). Toute autre langue est un atout. * Une expérience d’ouverture de point de vente est un plus   CE QUE LA MAISON VOUS OFFRE * Une expérience employée à 100% en présentiel, au sein de nos bureaux parisiens en plein cœur du 2ème arrondissement, rue du Louvre, refaits à neuf fin 2024 * Un abonnement sport et bien-être ClassPass * L’accès aux réseaux de crèches People and Baby et Les Petits Chaperons Rouges * Les avantages légaux : * 25 jours de congés par an et 10,5 jours de RTT * notre mutuelle Alan prise en charge à 60% * le remboursement de votre titre de transport à 50% ou le forfait mobilité durable à hauteur de 40€/mois * Carte ticket restaurant d’une valeur faciale de 10€ par jours.   La Maison Polène s'engage à garantir des processus de recrutement inclusifs et à assurer la sélection et la promotion de chaque candidat de manière éthique et équitable