Senior Manager, Retail Training
Van Cleef & Arpels seeks a Senior Manager, Retail Training in New York to lead retail learning, curriculum design and trainer programmes.
Overview
Van Cleef & Arpels is an illustrious maison of high jewellery and watches, celebrated for artisanal craftsmanship, poetic design and exceptional client service. As part of the Richemont family of maisons, the brand operates an international network of boutiques and ateliers that combine heritage savoir-faire with a modern luxury retail experience.
Role & Responsibilities
- Define and execute the retail learning strategy to elevate client experience, product knowledge and selling excellence across boutiques and distribution partners.
- Design, develop and maintain progressive curricula and blended learning paths (e-learning, classroom, on-the-job and train‑the‑trainer formats) for sales teams and store leadership.
- Lead facilitation and coaching initiatives, including certification programmes and competency frameworks for boutique staff and internal trainers.
- Manage the Learning Management System (LMS), course catalogue, content localization and rollout calendar in collaboration with regional operations.
- Partner with Retail, HR, Product and Visual teams to align training to product launches, trunk shows, seasonal campaigns and store openings.
- Measure learning effectiveness via KPIs, assessments and store performance metrics; iterate programs based on data and feedback.
- Oversee external vendor selection, creative partners and budget for training initiatives; ensure supplier adherence to brand standards.
- Coach and develop a small training team or network of master trainers; act as escalation point for complex performance issues.
Qualifications
- Proven expertise in retail learning & development, preferably within luxury goods, jewellery or premium fashion.
- Proven ability to design blended curricula and deliver both facilitator-led and digital learning experiences.
- Strong stakeholder management with experience partnering across merchandising, retail operations and HR.
- Demonstrable capability in translating product knowledge into persuasive client-facing selling techniques.
- Experience managing an LMS and vendor relationships for content development and delivery.
- Excellent presentation, coaching and interpersonal skills with a professional presence appropriate to luxury retail.
Skills
Experience
Typically 7+ years in learning & development or retail training, with at least 3 years leading training programmes for multi-site retail operations; prior exposure to luxury or premium retail environments is strongly preferred.
Education
Bachelor’s degree in Business, Education, Human Resources, Organizational Development or a related field; advanced degree or professional L&D certification (CIPD, ATD) preferred.
Culture
The maison prizes meticulous craftsmanship, artistic sensibility and discreet, personalised client service. Employees are expected to uphold exacting standards while collaborating across creative and commercial functions in an internationally minded, heritage-driven environment.