Commercial Director APAC (m/f/d) - Design & Fashion Brand - Shanghai (SHA)
Remote
Our client is an internationally renowned design and luxury brand, combining contemporary design, craftsmanship, premium lifestyle and a strong international brand heritage. With an established presence across key global markets, the company operates through a combination of directly managed showrooms, wholesale partners, dealers and premium project business.
To further strengthen its organization in Asia-Pacific, we are currently looking for an experienced Commercial Director APAC (m/f/d) to take responsibility for the commercial development and wholesale business across key markets including China, Singapore, India and Australia. The position is based in Shanghai.
- Overall commercial responsibility for the wholesale business across the APAC region
- Development and implementation of the regional commercial strategy in line with the global brand positioning
- Responsibility for business development and sustainable revenue growth across key Asian markets
- Management and further development of existing wholesale partners, dealers, distributors and strategic accounts
- Identification and development of new markets, partnerships and commercial opportunities across the region
- Expansion of the brand's presence through new partners, showrooms and selected points of sale
- Evaluation of opportunities to open, close or reposition stores, showrooms and commercial partnerships
- Development of strong relationships with key stakeholders within the premium design, architecture, lifestyle and luxury ecosystem
- Close collaboration with local retail operations as well as global sales, marketing and brand management teams
- Responsibility for commercial planning, budgeting, forecasting and regional sales performance
- Monitoring of market developments, consumer trends, competitors and emerging opportunities across APAC
- Development of market-specific commercial strategies while maintaining the global positioning and identity of the brand
- Supporting strategic projects and high-profile customers across the region
- Regular travel across China and key APAC markets
- 12+ years of experience within commercial management, sales, wholesale, business development or regional market leadership
- Proven experience within design, fashion, luxury retail, premium lifestyle or comparable high-end brand environments
- Strong experience in wholesale, dealer, distributor or partnership-driven business models
- Existing commercial experience in China and a strong understanding of the Chinese premium and luxury market
- International experience across APAC, ideally including markets such as Singapore, Japan, South Korea, India and/or Australia
- Strong network within the Asian luxury, premium design, architecture, real estate or high-end residential ecosystem is considered a strong advantage
- Proven experience developing new markets, commercial partnerships and distribution structures
- Experience with directly operated retail or showroom environments is considered an advantage
- Strong sensitivity for design, fashion, architecture, lifestyle and current market trends
- Strong commercial and financial understanding with experience managing budgets, forecasts and sales performance
- Proven ability to represent a premium international brand with demanding customers, partners and stakeholders
- Excellent leadership, stakeholder management and communication skills
- Entrepreneurial, pragmatic and results-oriented approach
- High willingness to travel across Asia-Pacific
- Fluent English skills required
- Based in Shanghai or willingness to relocate to Shanghai
Depending on qualifications and experience, a market competitive salary with significant overpayment is offered.