Retail Controller

Company Description

The present and future of Audemars Piguet are built on the invaluable contributions of all our talents. Inspired by the wealth of our past, we are excited about the endless possibilities that our future holds. Together, we are resolutely forward-thinking and strive for excellence in all areas of our business.

If this journey inspires you, come chart your own path within our family and let’s continue creating the extraordinary. Together, let's write the next chapter of your career!

Job Description

Principal mission:

• As Retail Controller, you possess an understanding of Audemars Piguet’s brand fundamentals and the global retail principles and demonstrate a genuine interest for the watch industry.
• As a “second line of defense”, you play a key role in ensuring the effective implementation and adherence to Audemars Piguet’s retail policies and procedures, in line with the group’s values and expectations. Conversely you support business operations, working alongside with Retail Operations, CRM; Finance, Risk, Compliance and Internal Audit to foster alignment, continuous improvement and brand equity.
• Within AP matrix organization you report strong line to the local Country General Manager and dotted line to the Global Head Retail Control.

Responsibilities

• Implementation of the Retail Control function according to AP strategy.
• Ensure implementation of retail routines, checks and controls through boutique visits, reporting production and analysis.
• Under the leadership of the Head Retail Control, act as an active member of the retail controllers ‘network by exchanging good practices with your peers, supporting affiliates and fostering alignment across the organization.
• Contribute to the company’s effort to simplify and streamline processes.
• Be the first advisor of the Regional and/or Country General Manager and act as a reference for Retail Control with the various relevant functions within affiliates (e.g. CRM, Commercial, Finance, etc.) as well as Headquarters (e.g. Retail Operations, CRM, Retail Excellence and Training, Hospitality, Commercial Finance, Risk and Compliance, Internal Audit) thereby enhancing a continuous improvement culture and fostering brand equity.

Boutique Daily Operations and Control

• Conduct Boutique/House visits and perform regular reviews of boutiques’ controls (e.g. inventory management and cycle counts, physical security, payment means, etc.) in order to ensure that retail policies, procedures and processes are adhered to.
• Identify gaps and needs for training and re-enforcements.
• Draft post visit report highlighting discrepancies and red flags as well as corrective measures and distribute to all relevant stakeholders.
• Update and amend business controls leveraging on (new) systems and related functions (Retail, Finance, HR, Compliance, etc.) when necessary.

Reporting and Communication

• Review, collect and generate data/dashboards, in line with HQ reporting requirements, in order to provide transparency on potential discrepancies, anomalies and/or red flags and help monitor daily business operations effectively and efficiently (e.g. daily, weekly or monthly reporting on store’s inventory management, sales transactions, deposits and payment means). Additionally, review top clients, customers’ journeys, and ensure that background checks (KYCs), etc.) have been conducted and taken into account.
• Report and provide updates on boutique performance to local management and Global Head Retail Control.
• Ensure timely follow-up and implementation of the corrective actions. Report progress and status of completion to local Management and to the Head Retail Control.
• Act as a catalyst and promote transparency, integrity, accountability and respect.

Qualifications

• Strong analytical skills, critical thinking and orientation to details and ability to make decision and escalate issues are a must.
• Strong communication skills (written and oral) and interpersonal skills. Ability to pass on critical messages in a diplomatic manner.
• Strong team player with experience in a multicultural/international environment.
• Minimum of 4 or 5 years of experience, you have been a team leader in internal control, compliance and/or internal audit engagements (in Big 4 firm or multinational company) with a proven knowledge and track record within a large retail / luxury company.
• Alternatively, you bring a comparable experience gained within a retail / Luxury organization.
• Integrity and trust are among your core values.
• Proficiency in English (minimum CEFR B2 level) and local language is a must.
• Powerful Office Software with outstanding Excel Capabilities. (E.g.Power BI, Alteryx, Python/R, SQL and etc.)
• Open to travel (up to 40% for regional roles / travel within the country on a regular basis for local roles)

Additional Information

Audemars Piguet offers a competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package. 

Audemars Piguet is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. Audemars Piguet hires without regard to age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic characteristics, race, color, creed, religion, ethnicity, national origin, alienage, citizenship, disability, marital status, military status, pregnancy, or any other legally-recognized protected basis prohibited by applicable law.