Store Manager

Location: London, Sloane Square

Reports to: Head of Retail

About us

DeMellier is a London-based brand that was founded with the vision of doing things differently: to design handbags that would make women feel empowered, made ethically and sustainably, while giving back to those who need it most. These principles guide everything we do. All our pieces are crafted ethically in Europe using the finest sustainably sourced materials. We champion equality, and for every piece sold, we fund vaccines and medical treatments aimed at saving the life of a child in need. So far, through our permanent charity initiative, ‘A Bag, A Life’, in partnership with SOS Children’s Villages, we have funded over 2.5 million vaccines. Join us and be part of an award-winning, purpose-driven brand that fosters creativity, collaboration, and meaningful impact within the luxury industry.

The role

DeMellier is opening its first-ever physical store on Sloane Square in September 2026, marking a major milestone for the brand. We are seeking an exceptional Store Manager to lead this launch and shape the future of our retail presence.

This is a unique opportunity to become the first Flagship Store Manager for the business with full ownership of setting the tone, standards, and success of the store from day one. The person in this role will play a defining part in building the team, creating an outstanding client experience, and driving commercial performance in one of London’s most prestigious locations.

As Store Manager, you will lead all aspects of the store, from performance and operations to people and service. Reporting to the Head of Retail, you will act as a true brand ambassador, bringing DeMellier’s values to life through every client interaction and team decision. The store has been designed to reflect a residential environment. The Store Manager is responsible for delivering this concept through consistent team behaviour, customer service, and operational delivery.

Main responsibilities

Client Experience and Clienteling

• Own the end-to-end client experience from entry to exit, regardless of purchase.
• Build and lead a VIP clienteling programme that converts first-time visitors into long-term clients and long-term clients into advocates
• Plan and deliver in-store events with defined commercial objectives, including client acquisition, retention, and appointment booking.
• Drive store traffic through client relationships, community engagement, and local partnerships.
• Develop and maintain relationships with neighbouring businesses and the Sloane Square community. Positioning DeMellier as a natural part of that neighbourhood
• Coach and train the team to ensure consistent delivery of brand welcome standards, client storytelling, and customer adaptive selling
• Oversee the Founding Client Programme at launch, ensuring all new clients are captured, followed up, and retained.

Team Leadership and Coaching

• Lead, develop, and manage the store team, acting as a role model for our values and vision.
• Communicate clear expectations, targets, and ways of working, ensuring the team understands the rationale behind standards and decisions.
• Address team questions and concerns directly, maintaining consistency with brand standards and service expectations.
• Coach the team on product knowledge and brand storytelling to ensure consistent and accurate client communication.

Commercial Performance

• Own the store P&L and monitor daily trading metrics, including conversion, average transaction value, units per transaction, CRM capture rate, and hourly performance.
• Proactively monitor and act on trading performance in real time, addressing underperformance, resolving product conversion issues, and unlocking sales opportunities.
• Report weekly to the Head of Retail with accurate performance data and relevant context
• Identify and execute opportunities to drive revenue through clienteling, events, local partnerships, and in-store activity.
• Accountable for the delivery of store revenue, conversion, and CRM targets.

Operations

• Manage daily store operations across two floors in line with brand and location demand
• Oversee stock management with the Stock Controller, ensuring back-of-house standards match front-of-house standards.
• Manage staffing rotas across seven-day trading, including early and late shifts, ensuring keyholder cover at all times.
• Lead pre-opening activities, including stock intake, visual merchandising setup, team onboarding, and soft launch, through to store opening on 1 September 2026.

Requirements

• 3-5 years’ experience as a Store Manager in accessible luxury, premium, or contemporary fashion
• A track record of building, coaching, and managing high-performing client-facing teams
• Strong clienteling experience and understanding of CRM as a commercial tool
• Experience managing a store P&L and responding to trading performance
• Experience delivering in-store events with commercial objectives
• Ability to work at a pace while maintaining accuracy and standards
• Experience in store openings or pre-opening phases (desirable)
• Strong communication skills, with confidence in presenting to senior stakeholders
• Alignment with DeMellier’s values, including sustainability, gender equality, and social impact

Benefits

• Annual Leave package increasing the longer you stay with us
• Enhanced company maternity policy
• Time given yearly to volunteer for a charity of your choice
• Employee Discount: 50% off Stock and up to 90% off Seasonal Sample Sales