SAEMEYEAH SHEIKH
Wembley,Middlesex
Summary
Dynamic, commercially driven luxury retail leader with extensive experience across flagship stores and high performing department concessions. Adept at quickly understanding brand culture and implement necessary changes to foster success. Proven track record of delivering multi-million pound turnover growth, elevating client experience, and leading from the front high performing teams to deliver world class service and exceptional client experiences.
Expert in building brand loyalty, through exceptional client engagement, strategic business development and operational excellence. Known for authentic communication skills, and the ability to inspire teams and stakeholders. Highly skilled in CRM development, VIP relationship management, and delivering sustainable sales growth while maintaining service standards.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work history
UK General Manager
Frette
London , UK
2019.09 - Current
- Led teams across two prestigious locations (Mayfair and Harrods) driving high performance and exceptional customer service standards, with turnover of 4.5 million
- Recruited, trained and developed both brand and department store staff to ensure consistent luxury service standards, product knowledge and exceptional client experience.
- Established positive work environment which promoted staff morale and productivity. Strengthened employee retention through robust HR policies, leadership development and team engagement strategies (coaching, mentoring and regular touch bases)
- Consistently achieving sales targets and KPI performance, particularly new client acquisition, retention and AVT. YoY growth 10-15%
- Built strong relationships with high-value/VIC clients, increasing this segment from 6 to 43 clients with lifetime spend of plus 250K
- Developed strong partnerships with Harrods buying and Private shopping teams (particularly Penthouse) to increase brand awareness, attract VIP clientele and drive commercial opportunities
- Collaborated cross-functionality to align operational objectives with brand vision and customer expectations
- Established budgets based on historical, current and forecasted business data
- Expanded brand awareness by developing partnerships and networking opportunities across complementary luxury sectors including interior design, hospitality, property and private client services
Flagship Store Manager
Moynat (LVMH)
London, England
2018.10 - 2019.07
- Managing headcount of 5-8, reporting directly to UK and France Director. Turnover of £5 million
- Fine tuned sales techniques, developed and implemented, customer service and product knowledge training. Recruitment for both London stores.
- Implementation of synchronization between differing channels, namely VM, Online and in-store.
- Create commercial plan to ensure cohesion between new launches and local and religious events
- Managed sales, P&L, budgets, inventory and visual
- Implement strategy to improve footfall, grow client database and strengthen brand profile
- Audited store processes to develop and identify product opportunities and ensure product mix is relevant for client base. Creating action plans for sleeper/lapsed clients
- Partnered with Marketing creating initiatives to increase brand awareness
Flagship Store Manager
Stuart Weitzman
London, England
2016.10 - 2018.07
- Managed headcount of 15, including 2 assistant managers and 1 stock manager. Turnover of £3.4 million
- 28% growth on budget
- Exceeded yearly plan within seven months of opening, achieving 2.4 million. Only store in Europe to achieve ‘gold status’ in Europe for data capture
- Managed sales, P&L, budgets, pricing, inventory and visual
- Developed strategic ideas to drive sales through social platforms, magazines, advertising and local businesses
- Organised and hosted regular events within store, including one with founder Stuart Weitzman and another in collaboration with Mayfair magazine. Created Retail Monthly Calendar with country specific events and celebrations, enabling to target clients with appropriate strategy.
- Celebrity and VIP relationship management including members of Royal family.
- Developed and implemented new store opening operations, policies and procedures (HR, Financial, Aftercare, Stock Audit, Housekeeping Security and Payroll) in their first Flagship store in UK
- Appointed external vendors with responsibility for negotiating deals and contracts
- Responsible for recruitment of all staff members and to drive team to provide excellent world class service to achieve sales and KPI’s. This was done by leading by example and continuously monitoring, inspiring and coaching on shop floor.
- Implemented one to one review performance program to set goals and expectations. Ensuring team is kept up to date with product knowledge and store and company communication.
- Reporting directly to International Director. Responsible for all communication with Milan and US offices including sales forecasts, buying and marketing needs, weekly and monthly reporting and provide timely feedback on visual merchandising.
Flagship Store Manager (New Bond Street Townhouse)
Jimmy Choo
London
2007.10 - 2016.07
- Managing headcount of 20, team consisting of ASM and CRM and Stock manager and 17 full time staff.
- Net sales of £5 million in 2015. Exceeding team and individual KPI’s, (Sales growth, UPT, AVT, Sell Through Rate, CRM targets)
- Over 13 years’ experience culminating in leadership role at largest Jimmy Choo store globally. Became host training school for managers across Europe.
- Responsible for overall management and all operations of store
- Responsible for all elements of staff management including recruitment, training, development, appraisals and disciplinary action
- Consistently exceeded targets and objectives, achieving year on year growth in sales of 10-15%.
- Reviewing and buying products across all categories including shoes (women and men), leather goods, perfumes and accessories within OTB
- Responsible for managing and controlling inventory
- Ensure all policies and procedures are adhered to
- Analyse and measure trends within boutique to optimize sales
- Personally responsible for hosting all in-store events and managing relationships with VIC's. Implemented appointment system for Bridal via Online Channel
- Developed top spending clients in Europe, building Client Portfolio with new clients.
- Instrumental in transitioning New Bond Street store to Flagship
Concession Manager at Harvey Nichols (dual Site)
Jimmy Choo
London, England
2003.05 - 2007.10
- Managed dual concessions across shoes and handbags departments with team of 12. Achieved all targets in four consecutive years.
- Developed strong client relations within department store environment and exceeded
- Utilised merchandising skills to drive sales through visually effective merchandise presentations
- Working with Harvey Nichols Press Office and personal shopping to maximise sales and brand awareness
- Achieving sales of 1.8 million and consistently being best performing concession amongst ‘super brands’
- Maintaining excellent relations with Harvey Nichols management and adhering to their policies and procedures
- Consistently hit 100% in mystery shopper reports
- Improved customer satisfaction rates by delivering exceptional service standards.
- Fostered positive relationships with customers, enhancing brand reputation and loyalty.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Behavioural Sciences
University of South Wales
GlamorganSkills
Entrepreneurial and strategic mindset
Result-Driven approach
Business development
Customer relationship management
Event planning
Staff recruitment and retention
Leadership development
HR systems knowledge
Initiative taking
Inventory control
Market analysis
Performance monitoring
Business networking
Hobbies and Interests
Travel, Photography, Interior Design and Gardening.
TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT
- Leadership Journey
- GDPR Policy training
- HR Policy and Practices
- Coaching for Grooming Standards
- Client and Relationship Management
- Aftersales
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
UK General Manager
Frette
2019.09 - Current
Flagship Store Manager
Moynat (LVMH)
2018.10 - 2019.07
Flagship Store Manager
Stuart Weitzman
2016.10 - 2018.07
Flagship Store Manager (New Bond Street Townhouse)
Jimmy Choo
2007.10 - 2016.07
Concession Manager at Harvey Nichols (dual Site)
Jimmy Choo
2003.05 - 2007.10
Bachelor of Science - Behavioural Sciences
University of South Wales