Assistant Store Manager - Chicago

Job description

MAISON POLÈNE Founded in 2016, Polène is a French leather goods brand that distinguishes itself through outstanding artisanal craftsmanship, producing timeless pieces with organic designs inspired directly by nature. As we continue to experience significant growth and international expansion, 2026 marks an exciting chapter: we are building a strong, expert team to drive Polène’s excellence at every organizational level. Our artistic and creative spirit elevates both our handbag and jewelry collections, supported by 800 artisans in our Ubrique, Spain workshops. Join a passionate team dedicated to delivering exceptional customer experiences while helping establish Polène's presence in one of the country's premier luxury shopping destinations. Be part of the next chapter of the Polène story as we prepare to open our Chicago boutique on Oak Street this winter. ABOUT THE ROLE Polène boutiques immerse clients in our unique universe, attracting a high-end, international clientele. As Assistant Store Manager, you will support the Store Manager in leading the boutique, ensuring exceptional customer experiences while driving commercial performance and operational excellence. This role is ideal for an experienced luxury retail leader who thrives on coaching teams, building client relationships, and maintaining the highest standards of service and execution. As a key member of the leadership team, you will help establish the culture, processes, and performance expectations that will drive the success of our Chicago boutique. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT - Support the Store Manager in driving sales performance and achieving store revenue targets. - Represent Polène's excellence and promote the brand's products and craftsmanship on the sales floor. - Deliver and maintain an exceptional customer experience that reflects Polène's luxury standards. - Support the development of long-term client relationships and clienteling initiatives. - Assist in implementing CRM best practices to strengthen customer loyalty. - Identify opportunities to grow the client base and enhance in-store engagement. STORE MANAGEMENT - Support daily store operations and ensure adherence to company policies and procedures. - Collaborate with headquarters teams to maintain operational and strategic excellence in-store. - Assist with inventory management in coordination with the stock team and Procurement Officer. - Support customer service processes including repairs, warranties, returns, and exchanges. - Ensure the boutique maintains exceptional visual merchandising and presentation standards. - Assist with store opening preparation, team readiness, and post-opening operational execution. TEAM MANAGEMENT - Lead by example on the sales floor and embody the values of Maison Polène. - Support coaching, development, and performance management of the boutique team. - Assist with staff scheduling and ensure appropriate sales floor coverage. - Participate in recruiting, onboarding, and training new employees. - Support daily team briefings and help motivate the team to achieve store goals. - Foster a collaborative, positive, and high-performing work environment. WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR - Minimum 3–5 years of retail leadership experience, preferably within a luxury retail environment. - Strong leadership and team management skills. - Demonstrated abilities in sales performance management and client development. - Passion for delivering elevated customer experiences. - Excellent organizational and communication skills. - Strong clienteling and relationship-building capabilities. - Experience supporting store openings is a plus. - Fluent in English; additional language skills are a plus. - Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace. COMPENSATION & BENEFITS - Competitive annual salary range of $60,000 - $70,000, plus bonus incentive. - Monthly ICHRA medical stipend, allowing employees to choose the plan that works best for them. - Dental and vision insurance with employer contributions. - 401(k) plan. - Monthly and quarterly performance bonuses. - Paid Time Off, including vacation and sick time. - Employee discount on our full range of leather goods and jewelry. - Complimentary ClassPass membership to support employee wellness, fitness, and work-life balance. - Commuter benefits for transit (pre-tax, where applicable). - Opportunities for growth within our expanding U.S. retail network. - A supportive, inclusive culture rooted in craftsmanship, creativity, and teamwork. If you're passionate about luxury retail, team leadership, and helping build a best-in-class client experience from the ground up, we invite you to join us as we launch Polène's Chicago boutique on Oak Street this winter. Polène is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful workplace and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or any other protected characteristic as defined by law.