General Manager

General Manager - Retail

Leica Camera is a global icon that celebrated 100 years of innovation and photography in 2014. Over more than a century Leica has mastered the balance of art and engineering - achieving an immutable harmony of form and functionality. We are dedicated to developing cameras and optical instruments of the highest standards. The company has a tradition of precision manufacturing and technological innovations which have steadily positioned the brand at the forefront of the photographic industry and has enabled it to establish an unsurpassed standard of excellence.

Role Overview

The General Manager is the overall business leader of the Leica Store, accountable for sales, profitability, client engagement, operations, and brand representation. This role ensures the store delivers a world‑class client experience while embodying Leica’s heritage of innovation, craftsmanship, and cultural leadership in photography. The position reports to the Vice President of Retail and serves as the strategic leader responsible for both business performance and brand representation at a local level.

Key Responsibilities

Sales & Client Experience

• Define and implement the store’s commercial strategy and annual business objectives in alignment with regional and global retail goals.

• Act as the business owner of the store, driving sales performance, profitability, and brand equity.

• Cultivate and manage top‑tier client relationships and community partnerships to elevate awareness and visibility of the Leica brand.

• Provide visible leadership within the store, inspiring the team to deliver exceptional service and storytelling.

• Oversee all facets of client development, including CRM strategy, VIP relationship building, and event hosting in partnership with Leica Akademie and Gallery.

• Ensure consistent delivery of Leica’s global clienteling standards, including CRM adoption, outreach activities, and follow‑up practices.

Operations & Compliance

• Hold full accountability for the store’s financial performance, including revenue, margin, and expense control.

• Ensure operational frameworks, internal controls, and compliance align with Leica’s global standards and legal requirements.

• Delegate day‑to‑day operational execution to the Deputy Manager while maintaining ultimate accountability for compliance, audit performance, and inventory accuracy.

• Partner with corporate retail, marketing, and operations teams to implement national initiatives and local activations.

• Review KPIs and operational reports to assess performance and drive strategic improvements.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead and inspire a team of Client Advisors and the Deputy Manager to achieve business goals and deliver an exceptional client experience.

• Recruit, train, and develop top retail talent; build succession plans and coach future leaders.

• Drive performance management and foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and client obsession.

• Promote cross‑functional collaboration with Gallery, Akademie, and corporate partners to strengthen community and brand impact.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of premium or luxury retail management experience.

• Proven ability to drive sales through client development and team leadership.

• Strong operational acumen, with demonstrated P&L management experience.

• Excellent communication, leadership, and presentation skills.

• Passion for photography, luxury goods, and cultural engagement.

Key Attributes

• Strategic and entrepreneurial mindset with a passion for driving business growth.

• Inspiring leader who motivates through vision, purpose, and accountability.

• Commercially astute with strong financial and analytical judgment.

• Brand and community advocate who embodies Leica’s heritage and values.

• Culturally aware, relationship‑driven, and confident in luxury environments.

• Calm, decisive, and solutions‑oriented under pressure.

About the Organization

Leica Camera is an international, premium manufacturer of cameras and sports optics. The legendary reputation of the Leica brand is based on a long tradition of excellent quality, German craftsmanship and German industrial design, combined with…