Area Manager
Full Time
Head Office – NZ
KOOKAI is a dynamic and innovative global fashion retail company, known for our passion, quality, and commitment to developing our people.
We’re seeking an experienced Retail Area Manager to lead our Auckland boutiques; Sylvia Park, Commercial Bay, Ponsonby, and Teed Street — during an exciting phase of growth for KOOKAÏ in New Zealand.
This role is responsible for providing effective and supportive leadership, inspiring your team to deliver exceptional customer experiences and drive business performance. You will ensure all aspects of staffing, operations, service standards and visual presentation are maintained in line with company expectations.
Take the next step in your fashion career to lead, manage and drive our New Zealand business to even greater success.
What You’ll Be Doing:
- Developing and maintaining a harmonious, motivating work environment to maximise employee engagement and commitment
- Building and developing high-performing teams with a focus on succession planning and leadership development
- Training, coaching, and mentoring Store and Assistant Managers using KOOKAI’s extensive in-house training programs and workshops
- Guiding, supporting and conducting performance discussions in line with company policies and procedures
- Managing recruitment across the region, ensuring an exceptional candidate experience
- Coordinating stock management and product cycle counts to ensure operational accuracy
- Ensuring store operational requirements are effectively completed and maintained
- Upholding KOOKAI’s high standards of store presentation and visual merchandising
- Analysing sales trends, identifying areas of opportunity and implementing action plans to drive results
- Achieving and exceeding profit contribution, sales, and KPI targets within the region
What We’d Love From You:
- Proven experience as an Area Manager or Multi-Site Manager within fashion retail
- A people-first approach, with strong leadership and motivational skills
- Proven success in achieving sales, profit, and KPI results
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Pragmatic, hands-on approach with strong organisational and time management skills
- Financial acumen, including the ability to interpret P&L statements and sales reports
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams)
- Ability to multitask, prioritise effectively and work with a sense of urgency
- Problem-solving skills and adaptability in a fast-paced retail environment
- A valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle
- A willingness to travel
What You’ll Love From Us:
The KOOKAI culture is supportive, passionate, and collaborative — an environment we’re proud to maintain and continuously nurture. We believe in investing in our people and celebrating success.
- Generous 50% employee discount and quarterly clothing vouchers to build your KOOKAI wardrobe
- Quarterly incentives and annual conferences
- Flexible working arrangements, social and team bonding events
- In-house training, mentoring, and personal development programs
- Wellbeing benefits including wellness and birthday leave
- Opportunities to contribute to our Katalyst Foundation, helping to break the cycle of poverty in Fiji
Embrace this rare and rewarding opportunity to be part of the KOOKAI family and lead our wonderful New Zealand region.
Note: Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Good luck, we are excited to hear from you.