Panerai is a high-end status sports watch brand that operates in a niche segment, fully exploiting its values of belonging that allow Panerai owners to feel part of an exclusive club.
The fundamental values of Panerai are based on history and the sea world, authenticity, exclusivity and rarity, product identity, Italian design and Swiss technology.
JOB TITLE Country Manager
REPORTING TO Panerai, Vacheron Constantin, Jaeger-LeCoultre & Piaget
LOCATION Johannesburg, ZA
Richemont owns several of the world's leading companies in the field of luxury goods, with particular strengths in jewellery, luxury watches and writing instruments.
Our Maison encompass several of the most prestigious names in the luxury industry including Cartier, Piaget, Vacheron Constantin, Jaeger-LeCoultre, IWC, Panerai and Montblanc.
Main Purpose
As first ambassador and business leader of the Africa scope, the Country Manager is responsible for the implementation of the market strategy to develop the turnover in line with the maison / brand strategies.
He / She reports to and works in synergy with the Headquarters and he / she liaises with Richemont shared service structure for the Region.
In line with maison / brand’s long term strategies, the Country Manager is responsible for sales, marketing mix, distribution, after sales service and brand development in South Africa and continental Africa (Actual distribution network is 7 POS and 1 External Boutique).
The incumbent will be responsible for proposing and implementing strategy, and ensures that wholesale, marketing, communication, operations and people management are at the level required to grow, sustain the brands presence and defend maison / brand interests.
Key Responsibilities :
Market strategy , turnover & sales
Is directly and fully responsible for the sale, CAPEX, DSO and other financial targets that might occur in Africa (and their monitoring with HQ guidance).
Realization of the budget of the zone
Balance control of clients’ accounts
Responsible for the creation of the sales plan and accountable for reaching its objectives
Hire, retain and develop high performance distribution network
Determine appropriate strategy on sales distribution, network, training, visual merchandising, local events and ensure that pricing policy are within brand commercial guidelines
Setting up and implementation of this strategy.
Assure the performance (qualitative and quantitative objectives)
manage the opening and closing of client accounts and outstanding credits, in coordination with Richemont locals.
administer price, margin and discount policies
maintain close control over distribution network to ensure that the brands are well represented and promoted
develop close relationship with the key players within the trade.
Monitor and take action on competitive activity, merchandising and training
Marketing & Communication Strategy
Proposes an effective marketing and communication strategy to implement locally aligned with HQ guidelines and strategies
Follows up on the dedicated budget (reporting and ROI evaluations on the actions done)
Proposes, defines and implements various events to represent the Brand with local players (press, dealers, business networks) in order to increase the Brand awareness in the Region.
In conjunction with Brand headquarters, develop trade, consumer marketing strategies, budget and action plans.
In line with the Brand PR strategy, participate in development of PR related programs and activities.
Ensure the role of Brand ambassador on the markets and toward press, clients and VIP in order to further develop the image of the Maison.
Communication policy :
Definition of briefs (media plan, promotion, local PR), supervise realization and operational implementation
handle business contacts with the different external (and / or internal) agencies : advertising, PR etc.
take responsibility for and ensure efficient administration of the communication policy, in total respect of image constraints.
Finance
Plan annual budget and forecast according to Brand and Richemont Group Guidelines
Prepare budget, updates as needed and keep Brand and Region appraised of sales in the Region and significant market trends
Overall marketing / communication / PR budget supervision
Accountable for local brand P&L
Operations
Ensure the supply chain from ordering to shipping in coordination with HQ, regional office and local Richemont shared services
Stocks and supplies :
be responsible for stock levels and the realization of annual stock rotation objectives established by the brand
administer stock supplies for his / her territory and supervise monthly purchase orders of watches (end product).
Monitor and coordinate the follow-up of International After sales services in Switzerland
Management
Management the team under his responsibility (Sales & Admin Assistant); define annual objectives.
Propose future recruitment and allocation of resources to make sure adequate resources are in place to serve the market
Assure follow-up and running of day to day business activities
Profile Requirements
5+ years’ experience in a management position in a Business Unit especially within the luxury environment.
Understanding and experience in the Africa region is a plus
Proven track record on developing business and sales
Ambitious personality with strong negotiation and leadership skills
Interpersonal effectiveness, flexible and adaptable, ability to deal with ambiguity
People oriented
Strong Communication and negotiations skills
Analytical skills and strategic thinking
Customer oriented and Results focused
Strong entrepreneurial skills
Curiosity, proactivity, sense of excellence Hands-on spirit
Demonstrates ability to achieve high standards of performance
Well-developed communication skills, passion and creativity
Excellent communication
Bilingual (English and French preferred)
Travels up to 30%
Education
Bachelor’s Degree (Brand / Marketing / Sales Honours degree)
Master’s degree (preferred)
Management leadership course / s
Personal skills
Excellent team & people management skills
Strong analytical and decision making skills
Ability to work well under pressure
Ability to put across his / her views in a respectful and professional manner
Work well in group problem-solving situations
Exhibit objectivity and openness to other views
Understand the business implications of decisions
Display orientation to profitability
Ability to support organizational goals and values 
