General Manager (South East Asia)

Job description

About Us

Founded in 1878 by Silviano Venchi, Venchi has become a global leader in chocolate and gelato, blending Italian tradition with a commitment to craftsmanship and well-being.

With over 145 years of history, Venchi offers more than 350 chocolate recipes and 90 gelato flavors, adhering to the highest quality standards while embracing the principles of the Mediterranean diet.

The company focuses on enhancing life quality, social connections, and environmental respect through its products.

Supported by over 1,600 employees, Venchi operates more than 180 stores in over 70 countries, with headquarters in Milan, a factory in Cuneo and 4 regional offices in Hong Kong, Shanghai, New York, and Beijing.

Join us at Venchi and be part of a story that celebrates moments of cheerfulness with indulgent products crafted for your well-being.

Your Mission

We are seeking a dynamic and entrepreneurial General Manager to lead and scale our operations across South East Asia.

Based in Singapore, this role will oversee our existing markets in Singapore and Malaysia, with a strategic mandate to expand into Australia and beyond.

The ideal candidate is a seasoned retail leader with a proven track record in driving growth, building high-performing teams, and delivering exceptional customer experiences.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Market Expansion

• Develop and execute a clear regional growth strategy aligned with Venchi’s global objectives.
  
  
• Lead market expansion initiatives across Singapore, Malaysia, and Australia, with a long-term vision of managing 15+ stores in the region.
  
  
• Identify and evaluate new business opportunities, including potential store locations, partnerships, and joint ventures.
  
  
• Represent the region in global leadership discussions, contributing local insights to shape company-wide strategies.
  
  

Operational & Retail Excellence

• Oversee daily operations across all stores in Singapore and Malaysia, ensuring high standards in customer service, product quality, and store presentation.
  
  
• Collaborate closely with the Retail Director (Singapore) and Retail Manager (Malaysia) to optimize store performance and implement best practices.
  
  
• Ensure compliance with local regulations, health and safety standards, and internal operational procedures.
  
  
• Drive continuous improvement in operational efficiency, inventory management, and cost control.
  
  

Commercial & Financial Management

• Own and manage the regional P&L, ensuring profitability and sustainable financial performance.
  
  
• Set and monitor KPIs for sales, margins, customer satisfaction, and operational efficiency.
  
  
• Prepare and present regular business reviews and forecasts to the JV board and global leadership.
  
  
• Lead pricing, promotional, and product strategies tailored to local market dynamics.
  
  

Team Leadership & Culture Building

• Build, lead, and inspire a high-performing, cross-functional team across retail, marketing, sales, and e-commerce.
  
  
• Foster a culture of trust, accountability, and entrepreneurial spirit, in line with Venchi’s values.
  
  
• Identify talent development opportunities and implement training programs to support team growth and succession planning.
  
  
• Promote collaboration and knowledge sharing across markets and functions.
  
  

Sales Growth & Customer Experience

• Develop and execute strategies to drive footfall, conversion, and average transaction value across all stores.
  
  
• Leverage customer insights and data analytics to enhance the in-store and digital customer journey.
  
  
• Champion a customer-first mindset, ensuring that every touchpoint reflects Venchi’s premium brand experience.
  
  
• Collaborate with marketing and e-commerce teams to deliver integrated campaigns and omnichannel initiatives.
  
  

Brand Stewardship & Local Adaptation

• Ensure consistent brand representation across all markets while allowing for local adaptation where appropriate.
  
  
• Act as a brand ambassador, building strong relationships with key stakeholders, landlords, and partners.
  
  
• Monitor market trends, competitor activity, and consumer behavior to inform strategic decisions.
  
  

The Ideal Candidate

• Proven experience as a Retail Director or General Manager in premium/luxury retail or F&B sectors.
  
  
• Demonstrated success in multi-country operations and store network expansion.
  
  
• Strong entrepreneurial mindset, with a hands‑on, can‑do attitude.
  
  
• Excellent interpersonal and leadership skills; able to inspire and grow high‑performing teams.
  
  
• Strategic thinker with a track record of driving sales growth and operational excellence.
  
  
• Fluent in English; Mandarin is a strong plus.
  
  
• Willingness to travel across the region as needed.
  
  

What We offer

• A unique opportunity to shape the future of Venchi in South East Asia.
  
  
• A collaborative and entrepreneurial culture that values initiative, creativity, and trust.
  
  
• Competitive compensation and performance‑based incentives.
  
  
• A chance to be part of a globally recognized brand with Italian heritage and innovation at its core.
  
  

Please click apply to submit your full resume with present and expected salaries.

Join us at Venchi and help us bringing the Italian way of life and delicious flavours to every corner of the world!

We look forward to hearing from you!

Required Skill Profession

Management & Leadership