Work In Luxe - Luxury operation interview guides

Introduction to luxury operation interviews

Learn how luxury operations balance brand protection with commercial results across buying, merchandising, supply chain and e‑commerce. Understand key KPIs, case expectations and how to prepare.

Read the introduction

Interview guides by role

Buying & merchandising

Assistant buyer

Also known as: Buying Assistant, Associate Buyer

Supports buyers with product selection, order management, and vendor communication throughout the buying cycle.

Also known as: Retail Buyer, Category Manager

Selects luxury collections and products aligned with brand vision, trends, and regional performance targets.

Also known as: Head of Buying, Senior Buyer

Supervises product selection and purchasing, balancing creativity, commercial strategy, and stock optimization.

Chief merchandising officer (CMO)

Also known as: Merchandising Director, Chief Merchandiser

Defines and leads product strategy, ensuring assortments reflect brand identity and meet client demand across all markets.

Merchandise planner

Also known as: Merchandise Planning Analyst, Inventory Planner

Forecasts product demand and allocates inventory to ensure the right stock is available at the right time and place.

Merchandising manager

Also known as: Merchandiser, Category Manager

Manages product presentation, sales analysis, and inventory flow to maximize turnover and profitability.

Executive Leadership (Operations)

Chief operating officer (COO)

Also known as: Operations Director, Head of Operations

Oversees all operational aspects of the company to ensure efficiency, profitability, and alignment with the brand's strategic goals.

Chief retail officer

Also known as: Head of Retail, Retail Director

Leads all retail activities, ensuring consistency of brand experience, sales performance, and operational excellence across all boutiques.

Director of retail operations

Also known as: Retail Operations Director, Head of Retail Operations

Manages daily retail operations, defining procedures and performance standards to optimize store productivity and customer satisfaction.

Digital & e-commerce

E-commerce manager

Also known as: Online Sales Manager, Digital Commerce Manager

Drives online sales performance and digital strategy while ensuring brand excellence across all e-commerce platforms.

Omnichannel operations manager

Also known as: Omnichannel Retail Manager, Cross-Channel Operations Manager

Coordinates operations between physical and digital channels to deliver a seamless luxury shopping experience.

Supply Chain & Logistics

Inventory manager

Also known as: Inventory Control Manager, Stock Control Manager

Maintains optimal stock levels and oversees inventory accuracy across warehouses and boutiques.

Logistics coordinator

Also known as: Logistics Specialist, Shipping Coordinator

Manages transportation, customs, and delivery schedules to guarantee smooth international product flow.

Supply Chain Manager

Also known as: Supply Chain Operations Manager, Supply Chain Lead

Oversees the entire supply chain from production to distribution, ensuring timely and cost-efficient delivery of goods.

Warehouse manager

Also known as: Distribution Center Manager

Supervises warehouse operations, ensuring safe, organized, and efficient storage and dispatch of goods.

Brand & Marketing

Retail marketing manager

Develops and executes marketing strategies to drive store traffic and sales

Retail operations management (corporate)

Retail operations coordinator

Also known as: Retail Operations Specialist, Retail Support Coordinator

Provides administrative and logistical support to retail management, ensuring alignment between stores and head office teams.

Retail operations manager

Also known as: Store Operations Manager, Back-of-House Manager

Oversees store processes, logistics, and team support to ensure seamless retail execution and operational efficiency.

Store Operations & Support

Sales support associate

Also known as: Sales Operations Assistant, Support Sales Associate

Assists with operational and administrative tasks to support sales staff and improve boutique efficiency.

Services & facilities manager

Also known as: Facilities Manager

Manages store maintenance, security, and service providers to ensure a safe and luxurious client environment.

Stock controller

Also known as: Inventory Assistant

Tracks and verifies stock movements, ensuring data accuracy and proper documentation of all inventory activities.

Also known as: Inventory Manager, Back-of-House Manager

Oversees stock organization, deliveries, and transfers to ensure product availability on the sales floor.

Also known as: Stock Assistant, Replenishment Assistant

Supports sales teams by replenishing products quickly and maintaining order in stock areas.

Store key holder

Also known as: Key Holder, Store Supervisor

Acts as a store supervisor responsible for opening, closing, and ensuring operational standards are maintained.

What luxury operation interviews focus on

Operation interviews evaluate strategic thinking, market awareness and cross-functional collaboration skills. Buyers discuss vendor relationships, margin management and trend forecasting. Merchandisers explain assortment planning and inventory optimization. E-commerce roles require digital analytics knowledge and understanding of luxury customer online behavior. Brand managers demonstrate communication strategy and brand positioning expertise. Expect case studies testing your analytical and decision-making abilities.

Business acumen in luxury context

Luxury operations require balancing commercial objectives with brand prestige. Demonstrate understanding of how exclusivity affects pricing strategy, why controlled distribution protects brand value, and how to grow revenue without diluting luxury positioning. Show awareness of regional market differences - what works in Asia may not work in Europe. Discuss experience with sell-through rates, markdown strategies that preserve brand image, and sustainable growth planning.

Digital transformation in luxury

Modern luxury operations navigate the tension between tradition and digital innovation. E-commerce roles require understanding how to deliver luxury experience online - white-glove service, exclusive access and personalization at scale. Show knowledge of social media's role in luxury marketing without compromising exclusivity. Discuss omnichannel strategies that connect digital browsing with in-store purchasing. Demonstrate awareness of data privacy concerns and how technology enhances rather than replaces human touch in luxury service.