Business Development Director, Watch Distribution - Americas
About The Position
As Business Development Director, Watch Distribution - Americas, you will support Richemont Americas management by heading regional governance of the Watch Maisons. You will identify and lead cross-functional business development opportunities across the region, with a focus on distribution, and serve as the joint voice of the Watch Maisons with external retail partners and internal Maison and Richemont regional teams. The Watch Maisons include Baume et Mercier, A. Lange & Söhne, IWC, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Panerai, Piaget, Roger Dubuis, Vacheron Constantin, and watch distribution for Cartier and Montblanc. The role drives regional distribution planning, commercial discussions, partner negotiations, governance, market intelligence, and data and analytics initiatives. It also leads projects that create synergies across the Watch Maisons and manages the Americas platform for Watches & Wonders in Geneva. The position is based in or near New York City and requires periodic travel to boutiques and retailers, with occasional international travel.
Requirements
- A bachelor's degree in Business or an adjacent field is required.
- Five to ten years of experience in commercial and/or wholesale management is required.
- Strong leadership skills and the ability to manage senior leaders across functions and arbitrate when necessary.
- Entrepreneurial approach, can-do attitude, and a track record of delivering results.
- Collaborative mindset and ability to advance topics independently.
- Ability to lead and prioritize parallel tasks, projects, and processes in a fast-paced environment.
- Highly organized and structured work processes, with attention to detail.
- Substantial communication and presentation skills, including the ability to provide recommendations to senior management.
- Strong analytical skills, including structuring and analyzing data, drawing insights, and building and analyzing financial statements such as P&L.
- Must be based in or able to relocate to the New York City area.
- Written and verbal communication skills in English are required.
- Periodic travel to boutiques and retailers is required, with occasional international travel.
Nice To Haves
- MBA or MA in Business.
- Experience in a luxury environment, particularly luxury watches or jewelry.
- Familiarity with the luxury distribution network in the Americas, including key cities, shopping centers, and retail partners.
- Proficiency in Spanish.
Responsibilities
- Drive transversal business development for the Watch Maisons, particularly for external boutiques and multibrand distribution.
- Support Maison distribution network planning over three- and five-year horizons and source new opportunities aligned with Maison priorities.
- Lead distribution projects and commercial discussions across Maisons.
- Lead negotiations with retail partners on terms, space allocation, and P&L.
- Align with Maisons on commercial strategy and priorities, and lead internal arbitration when their interests conflict.
- Manage processes involving group functions, including Legal, Finance, and Real Estate.
- Develop and maintain close relationships with key retail partners.
- Support Richemont Regional leadership in governing the Watch Maisons across the region.
- Lead monthly Watch Distribution meetings with Richemont and Maison leadership at regional and country levels.
- Advise local Richemont leadership on approvals for distribution projects, including openings, closures, and renovations across the Maisons.
- Drive cross-Maison projects and synergies with external partners and group functions, including Data & Analytics, Legal, Finance, Commercial, Marketing, and After Sales.
- Lead the Americas platform for Watches & Wonders, optimizing the experience for Richemont and the Maisons during planning and the Geneva fair.
- Ensure local Richemont leadership is aware of key topics affecting the Watch Maisons.
- Drive data and analytics initiatives across the Watch Maisons in partnership with Richemont Regional Functions.
- Develop and enhance platforms to identify and prioritize distribution opportunities, including white-spot analysis, competitor analysis, market sizing, and city prioritization.
- Provide relevant market intelligence to Maisons and Regional Functions.
- Drive reporting and share insights and recommendations with Maisons, Richemont Regional Functions, and the Regional Richemont CEO.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision programs.
- Health savings and flexible spending accounts.
- Life insurance and disability benefits.
- 401(k) with employer match.
- Paid time off.
- Wellness reimbursement benefit.
- Access to an employee assistance program.
- Volunteer days off.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
