Chief Operating Officer
Luxury Retail Business
Now Hiring in Melbourne
The Brand I
An exceptional opportunity exists to lead a highly regarded Australian luxury retail business with an enviable reputation for craftsmanship, heritage and personalised client service. Privately owned and founder-led, the business has built a loyal customer following through decades of excellence and is now preparing for its next phase of growth.
This is a rare opportunity to partner directly with the Founder to evolve the business, strengthen its commercial performance and shape its long-term future. With a genuine pathway to equity and ownership, this role is ideal for an entrepreneurial executive seeking more than a traditional leadership position.
Based in Melbourne, this is a relationship-driven retail business with a strong bricks-and-mortar presence, where exceptional customer experience and operational excellence remain at the heart of its success.
The Role I
As CEO/COO, you will work closely with the Founder to lead the day-to-day operation of the business while executing a long-term growth strategy.
You'll oversee all aspects of the business including retail operations, finance, people, customer experience and commercial performance, ensuring the organisation is well positioned for sustainable growth while preserving the legacy and values that have underpinned its success.
Key responsibilities include:
Partner with the Founder to execute the strategic vision and succession plan.
Lead all operational and commercial functions across the business.
Drive profitable growth through exceptional retail execution and customer experience.
Build and develop a high-performing leadership team and culture.
Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, systems and business performance.
Strengthen governance, financial performance and organisational capability.
Develop strategic partnerships and nurture key stakeholder relationships.
Prepare the business for its next phase of growth with a clear pathway towards future ownership.
The Skillset I
We're seeking a commercially astute executive who has successfully partnered with Founders and understands how to balance entrepreneurial vision with disciplined execution.
You will bring:
Proven experience as a CEO, COO, General Manager or Managing Director within a premium retail, luxury consumer or relationship-led business.
Demonstrated success working within founder-led organisations, ideally through periods of growth, succession or transformation.
Strong commercial and financial acumen with the ability to drive sustainable business performance.
Experience leading multi-disciplinary teams across operations, finance, people and customer experience.
A passion for delivering exceptional client experiences within a premium service environment.
Outstanding leadership, communication and stakeholder management capabilities.
An entrepreneurial mindset with the ambition to ultimately become an owner, not simply an operator.
Experience within luxury retail, jewellery, watches, premium lifestyle or adjacent sectors will be highly regarded.
The Offer I
This is a unique executive opportunity offering far more than a traditional CEO or COO appointment.
You'll work alongside a visionary Founder, play a defining role in the future of an established luxury business and have the opportunity to transition into ownership over time. For an ambitious commercial leader seeking to leave a lasting legacy, this represents a genuinely career-defining opportunity.
Apply with Ange |
If this sounds like you, reach out to Ange for a confidential chat.
ange@thetalentmill.com.au
The Talent Mill Recruitment division is a bespoke consultancy and talent acquisition specialist within the fashion, lifestyle and retail industries. With more than 10 years specialist expertise with luxury, lifestyle & fashion brands globally we discover, recognize, and connect inspiring individuals to the most desirable brands as a trusted support to founder-led start-ups, SME’s and multinational corporations within the fashion & retail industry.
Recruitment – but make it ethical not transactional. Quality over quantity – always. Truly consultative and delivered at pace. We hold a genuine passion and expertise for the industries we support, and offer a unique and modern recruitment proposition – one where we develop long term, meaningful connections, add value and deliver an unforgettable service.