FRED is seeking a commercially driven Retail Manager, Southeast Asia, to lead retail performance and operations across Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand. Based in Singapore and reporting to the Regional Brand Director – Asia Pacific, the Retail Manager will oversee four boutiques and lead the Boutique Managers and retail teams across the region.

The role is accountable for delivering sustainable sales growth, elevating client experience, strengthening boutique productivity and developing high-performing retail teams. The Retail Manager will translate regional strategy into disciplined market execution while safeguarding Maison standards, operational excellence and cost effectiveness.

Key Responsibilities

Commercial Performance and Retail Strategy

Develop and execute the Southeast Asia retail strategy in line with the Maison's regional priorities.
Own boutique sales targets, key performance indicators and action plans across all three markets.
Lead weekly performance reviews with Boutique Managers, using data to improve conversion, client development, productivity and sales effectiveness.
Analyse market trends, competitor activity and client needs to identify growth opportunities and strengthen business plans.
Partner with Marketing on local activations, clienteling initiatives, product launches and boutique events that generate qualified traffic and sales.
Work with Human Resources to recommend commission and incentive schemes that reinforce performance and desired behaviours.

Client Experience and Maison Excellence

Deliver a distinctive, consistent and high-quality client experience across every boutique.
Drive disciplined clienteling, database quality, appointment planning and relationship development.
Ensure full execution of Maison standards across visual merchandising, uniforms, store presentation, service rituals, training and operating procedures.
Monitor client feedback and resolve recurring service issues through clear corrective actions.

Strategic Partnerships and Client Acquisition

Own and develop client acquisition partnerships with shopping mall customer relationship management (CRM) teams, premium financial institutions, card partners, private clubs, relevant networks and sister Maisons within the Group to expand access to high-potential client segments.
Track the performance and return on investment of retail marketing initiatives, mall CRM activations and external acquisition partnerships, with clear recommendations to scale, refine or discontinue activities.
Act as the key bridge between boutiques and external partners, translating partnership opportunities into measurable client development outcomes.
Analyse local market demographics, tourist profiles, footfall patterns and client profiles to optimise activation plans and partnership opportunities.
Partner with boutique teams to ensure timely follow-up, conversion and long-term development of clients acquired through mall CRM programmes and external partnerships.

High-Value Client Development and Support

Support boutique teams in identifying, engaging and developing high-value and High Jewellery client opportunities through targeted clienteling initiatives, referrals and partnership channels.
Contribute to the design and delivery of high-touch client journeys and personalised moments that reflect Maison standards and local client expectations.
Represent the Maison at selected high-value client occasions, service escalations and strategic engagement opportunities, where appropriate.
Ensure newly acquired high-value client relationships are accurately captured in CRM and, where applicable, transitioned effectively to boutique ownership.

People Leadership and Organisation

Lead, coach and inspire Boutique Managers and retail teams to deliver business and Maison objectives.
Build a strong performance culture through clear expectations, regular feedback, recognition and accountability.
Partner with Human Resources on workforce planning, recruitment, onboarding, performance management, development and succession planning.
Assess individual and team capability and strengthen the internal talent pipeline.
Sustain employee engagement and retention while ensuring boutique structures remain productive and fit for purpose.

Retail Operations, Stock and Projects

Maintain strong operational discipline and compliance with retail policies, controls and standard operating procedures.
Partner with Supply Chain to optimise stock availability, assortment, replenishment and launch readiness by boutique.
Oversee boutique maintenance, security, vendors and service providers to support safe and uninterrupted operations.
Coordinate boutique openings, renovations and improvement projects with regional teams, landlords and external partners, from planning through completion.
Monitor execution risks and escalate material operational, compliance or business continuity issues promptly.

Financial Management, Leasing and Reporting

Manage controllable operating expenses and identify opportunities to improve cost efficiency without compromising client experience or Maison standards.
Support lease negotiations, renewals and related proposals in partnership with the Regional Brand Director and relevant stakeholders.
Deliver accurate and timely sales forecasts, performance analysis and management reporting.
Translate performance gaps into clear actions, owners and timelines, and follow through to completion.
Work closely with Finance, Human Resources, Marketing, Supply Chain and regional functions to align commercial priorities and execution.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in business, retail management or a related discipline.
At least eight years of progressive retail management experience, including multi-site or multi-market responsibility.
Demonstrated track record of delivering sales growth, service excellence and operational improvement in luxury retail; experience in watches and jewellery is preferred.
Strong commercial judgement and financial acumen, with the ability to translate data into practical actions.
Proven people leadership capability, with a strong focus on coaching, performance and talent development.
Excellent stakeholder management, communication, negotiation and problem-solving skills.
Highly organised, hands-on and comfortable operating across different markets and cultures.
Fluency in written and spoken English; proficiency in another Southeast Asian language is an advantage.
Proficient in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint and Word.
Willing and able to travel regularly across Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand.