About this role
Since 1964, Alaïa is a Parisian Fashion Maison, with a Couture soul and a timeless sense of beauty.
Azzedine Alaïa, a legendary master of cut, changed the look of fashion in the 80's with his sculptural silhouettes. Today, the Belgian Creative Director Pieter Mulier, perpetuates his quest of perfection and modernity, sharing the same technical skills and passion for arts. Shape driven creations and iconic knits are sculpted on the body, crafting unique interpretations of the free beauty of women.
WORLDWIDE TRAINING DIRECTOR
Alaïa
Reporting to the Chief Commercial Officer and working closely with Retail, Merchandising, Client Engagement, Brand and regional teams, the Worldwide Training Director will define and lead Alaïa’s global training strategy, with the ambition to elevate Client Experience, strengthen product and Maison knowledge, develop clienteling capabilities and ultimately drive retail performance worldwide.
The role will translate the Maison’s vision, collections and commercial priorities into inspiring, actionable and measurable content and learning experiences, ensuring consistent execution across all markets and client touchpoints.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
TRAINING STRATEGY & CONTENT CREATION
· Define the worldwide training vision, strategy and annual roadmap in line with the Maison’s commercial priorities.
· Own the creation of compelling and engaging training content across Maison culture, collections, product knowledge, styling, selling skills, clienteling and Client Experience.
· Translate complex product and brand information into simple, inspiring and actionable tools for retail teams.
· Lead and continuously evolve the Digital Learning platform, driving engagement and adoption across regions.
CLIENT EXPERIENCE & RETAIL EXCELLENCE
· Define, codify and continuously elevate the Alaïa Client Experience worldwide.
· Develop the Maison’s selling ceremony and service standards, from welcoming and discovery to styling, storytelling, cross-selling, closing and after-sales.
· Partner with Retail teams to ensure consistent execution in boutiques while adapting training to different client cultures and market realities.
CLIENTELING & CLIENT DEVELOPMENT
· Build worldwide training programmes to strengthen clienteling capabilities across the retail organization.
· Develop skills around client recruitment, relationship building, outreach, appointments, retention, reactivation and VIC development.
· Partner closely with Client Engagement and Retail teams to translate client strategy and CRM tools into concrete behaviours on the floor.
PRODUCT & COLLECTION TRAINING
· Own the worldwide product training strategy in close collaboration with Merchandising and relevant Brand teams.
· Create powerful collection-launch materials and training programmes combining product knowledge, craftsmanship, inspiration, styling and commercial opportunities.
· Ensure retail teams understand not only what the product is, but how to tell its story, recommend it and sell it.
PERFORMANCE & COMMERCIAL IMPACT
· Act as a true business partner to Retail and regional teams, using performance data and field observation to identify capability gaps and translate them into simple, systematic selling behaviours.
· Drive UPT and cross-selling by developing and embedding a structured approach to product recommendation beyond the client’s initial request, systematically proposing Same / Similar / Better alternatives and complementary products.
· Build the capabilities and behaviours required to make cross-category selling a natural part of the Alaïa Client Experience, with a particular focus on systematically introducing handbags and Leather Goods into the client conversation.
· Develop practical tools, rituals and coaching methodologies that enable Sales Associates and Managers to consistently apply these behaviours on the floor.
· Measure effectiveness through clear commercial KPIs, including UPT, cross-selling rate, Leather Goods penetration, conversion and average transaction value, and continuously adapt training based on results.
REGIONAL ACTIVATION & TRAINING COMMUNITY
· Build and animate a strong worldwide community of regional and local trainers and retail champions.
· Support regions in identifying and developing local training relays and ensure consistent deployment of global programmes while allowing relevant local adaptation.
· Regularly spend time in stores to observe teams, coach in real situations and identify opportunities for improvement.
GOVERNANCE & BUDGET
· Define and manage the worldwide training budget and priorities.
· Establish clear planning, reporting and KPIs and regularly share progress, impact and recommendations with Commercial and Retail leadership.
PROFILE
· Luxury Retail Expertise: Significant experience in a senior Training, Retail Excellence, Client Experience or Client Development role within luxury fashion, ideally with strong exposure to international retail.
· Content Creator: Exceptional ability to transform brand, product and commercial priorities into simple, inspiring and memorable content.
· Commercial Mindset: Strong understanding of luxury retail economics and KPIs, with the ability to connect training initiatives directly to client and business performance.
· Client Obsessed: Deep understanding of luxury Client Experience, clienteling and VIC development.
· Strong Communicator & Facilitator: Highly engaging presence with the ability to inspire everyone from Sales Associates to senior retail leaders.
· Field Oriented: Hands-on, close to stores and comfortable coaching teams directly on the floor.
· Digital & Learning Expertise: Strong command of modern learning methodologies, blended learning and digital learning platforms.
· International Leadership: Ability to influence and mobilize regional teams in a highly transversal organization.
· Languages: Fluent English required; French or other key international languages are a plus.
ROLE PURPOSE
Create the content and capabilities that turn Alaïa desirability into an exceptional Client Experience and stronger retail performance.