This is a rare opportunity to lead one of Africa's most prestigious luxury retail divisions. As Head of Watches & Jewellery, you will oversee a curated portfolio of the world's finest watch maisons and jewellery houses. With full strategic and operational responsibility, this role requires a unique combination of commercial leadership, product connoisseurship, and a deep understanding of high-value clientele. You'll define the next chapter of Polo's legacy in horology and fine jewellery, setting new standards for excellence, engagement, and growth across the region.
Key Responsibilities:
Drive the P&L for the Watches & Jewellery Division, with defined revenue, profitability, margin, and growth targets across all channels.
Develop and execute high-impact commercial strategies across retail, corporate (B2B), government (B2G), VIC, and private sales channels, ensuring aggressive market penetration and sustained commercial performance.
Own annual and quarterly revenue planning, including forecasting, sales performance management, pipeline reviews, and boutique-by-boutique commercial scorecards.
Lead strategic partnerships with global maisons to maximise sell-out, secure premium allocations, enhance VIC opportunities, and strengthen maison support for the Polo network.
Direct a network of boutiques and boutique managers, ensuring world-class performance, exceptional service delivery, and operational excellence across all boutiques.
Set the commercial rhythm for the organisation by defining KPIs, driving sales pipelines, establishing clienteling targets, activating VIC strategies, and leading performance reviews with clear accountability.
Lead and grow large-scale institutional gifting and procurement channels, including B2B and B2G, seasonal executive gifting programmes, and bespoke commercial engagements with corporates and government institutions.
Candidate Profile:
Minimum of 10 years' leadership experience in luxury retail, preferably within fine watches and jewellery.
Proven success in driving commercial growth, customer engagement, and operational excellence across multiple locations or brands.
Deep product knowledge and appreciation for heritage watchmaking, jewellery craftsmanship, and evolving consumer tastes.
Strong experience in clienteling, CRM-driven strategies, and cultivating relationships with high-value clients.