General Manager

Location: New York, NY | Hybrid

About the Opportunity

We are preparing to introduce an innovative portfolio of premium Swiss garment-care solutions to the U.S. market, combining advanced technology, design, and lifestyle.

Our objective is to establish and grow a strong U.S. business through premium retail partnerships, wholesale distribution, e-commerce, and direct-to-consumer sales.

We are seeking an entrepreneurial, commercially driven General Manager to lead the establishment, launch, and growth of our U.S. operations.

This is a unique opportunity to build a premium consumer brand's U.S. distribution business from the ground up, with significant autonomy, direct access to ownership, and the opportunity to shape the company's long-term market presence.

The successful candidate will take ownership of business performance, develop strategic partnerships, establish scalable operations, and drive sustainable revenue growth and profitability.

Key Responsibilities

1. Business Strategy & Market Development

• Develop and execute the U.S. market-entry strategy and long-term business growth plan.
• Define market priorities, target customer segments, and sales channel strategies.
• Prepare annual business plans, revenue forecasts, operating budgets, and growth projections.
• Evaluate market opportunities, competitors, pricing strategies, and distribution models.
• Establish and develop relationships with strategic commercial partners.
• Coordinate with international brand partners and company ownership.
• Monitor business performance and adjust strategies based on market conditions and commercial results.

2. Sales & Premium Retail Partnerships

• Develop and execute wholesale and retail distribution strategies across the U.S. market.
• Establish relationships with premium department stores, specialty retailers, luxury lifestyle businesses, and relevant professional service providers.
• Identify and develop partnerships with retailers, fashion brands, designers, stylists, and showrooms where commercially relevant.
• Lead commercial negotiations and establish sustainable distribution partnerships.
• Develop sales forecasts, pricing strategies, and commercial proposals.
• Coordinate product demonstrations, retail staff training, and promotional activities with partners.
• Monitor retail partner performance and identify opportunities to expand distribution.
• Take ownership of sales growth, commercial relationships, and channel performance.

3. E-commerce & Digital Sales

• Lead the launch and development of the company's U.S. e-commerce business.
• Oversee the development and ongoing performance of the company's direct-to-consumer online store.
• Coordinate Amazon USA operations with specialized marketplace partners.
• Develop digital sales strategies, pricing frameworks, product presentation standards, and promotional plans.
• Monitor online revenue, conversion rates, customer acquisition costs, margins, and profitability.
• Identify and evaluate additional digital sales channels.
• Ensure alignment between e-commerce, marketing, inventory, and customer service operations.

4. Marketing & Brand Development

• Develop and execute the U.S. brand positioning and marketing strategy in alignment with the company's premium identity.
• Oversee brand awareness initiatives across relevant digital and offline channels.
• Coordinate social media development, digital marketing, public relations, and influencer partnerships.
• Build relationships with relevant fashion, technology, and lifestyle influencers.
• Manage external marketing agencies, creative partners, and service providers.
• Coordinate product launches, demonstrations, events, and strategic brand collaborations.
• Establish marketing performance metrics and monitor return on marketing investment.
• Ensure consistency in brand messaging and customer experience across all sales channels.

5. Operations & Customer Experience

• Establish and manage relationships with warehousing, logistics, fulfillment, and distribution providers.
• Coordinate inventory planning, product availability, order fulfillment, and nationwide distribution.
• Develop after-sales service, warranty support, returns management, and customer support processes.
• Identify and manage qualified technical service partners where required.
• Establish customer service procedures, quality standards, and performance metrics.
• Coordinate with suppliers and service providers to ensure operational efficiency and cost control.
• Monitor service quality, customer satisfaction, and operational performance.
• Ensure that the company's operational infrastructure can support sustainable business growth.

6. Financial & General Management

• Take responsibility for the U.S. business operating budget and commercial performance.
• Monitor revenue, gross margins, operating expenses, cash flow, inventory, and profitability.
• Prepare financial forecasts, performance analyses, and monthly management reports.
• Monitor actual results against approved budgets and business objectives.
• Negotiate commercial agreements with suppliers, retailers, logistics providers, and other partners.
• Establish efficient business processes, reporting procedures, and operational controls.
• Recruit and manage employees as the business expands, within approved budgets.
• Provide regular business updates and performance reports directly to the CEO and company ownership.
• Make day-to-day operational decisions independently within agreed budgets, delegated authority, and strategic guidelines.
• Identify commercial risks and recommend corrective actions to support sustainable growth.

Candidate RequirementsProfessional Experience

• Minimum 7–10 years of relevant experience in general management, business development, commercial leadership, or sales management.
• Demonstrated experience launching, establishing, or scaling a consumer-facing business in the United States.
• Proven track record of developing commercial partnerships and delivering measurable business results.
• Experience in premium consumer goods, luxury lifestyle, home appliances, fashion, or related industries.
• Strong understanding of U.S. retail distribution, wholesale business models, and e-commerce.
• Experience managing commercial budgets, sales forecasts, and business performance.
• Demonstrated ability to build business processes, manage external partners, and operate effectively in a lean organizational structure.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong entrepreneurial mindset and a hands-on, results-oriented approach.
• Excellent commercial judgment and strategic decision-making skills.
• Proven negotiation, business development, and relationship-management abilities.
• Strong financial and analytical capabilities, including an understanding of margins, profitability, and operating costs.
• Ability to prioritize competing business needs and allocate resources effectively.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while maintaining effective communication with international ownership and partners.
• Practical problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt to changing market conditions.

Preferred Qualifications

Candidates with the following experience will have an additional advantage:

• Established relationships within the U.S. premium retail, fashion, luxury, or lifestyle industries.
• Previous experience introducing international brands to the U.S. market.
• Experience negotiating with major department stores, specialty retailers, or national retail chains.
• Knowledge of Amazon Marketplace, Shopify, and direct-to-consumer business models.
• Experience building wholesale distribution networks and strategic retail partnerships.
• Experience launching new products and establishing business operations from the ground up.
• Background in garment care, home appliances, premium lifestyle products, or innovative consumer technologies.

Performance Expectations

Success in this role will be measured against agreed business objectives and milestones, including:

• Successful establishment and execution of the U.S. market-entry plan.
• Development of a sustainable sales and distribution network.
• Achievement of agreed revenue, gross margin, and profitability targets.
• Successful launch and growth of e-commerce and other priority sales channels.
• Establishment of reliable operational, fulfillment, and after-sales service processes.
• Effective management of budgets, business partners, and operational resources.
• Delivery of regular, accurate business performance reports and strategic recommendations.

Specific targets and timelines will be established in alignment with the company's business plan, available resources, and market-entry schedule.

What We Offer

• An opportunity to build and lead a premium consumer brand's U.S. business from the ground up.
• Significant autonomy and direct access to company ownership.
• The opportunity to shape the company's U.S. market-entry strategy and long-term growth.
• A leadership role combining commercial strategy, business development, and general management.
• Long-term professional growth aligned with the expansion of the U.S. business.