Retail Operations Manager - Fashion Retail

About This Role

JOB DESCRIPTION Fashion Retail — Retail Operations Manager

Department: Retail Operations / Brand Management

Reports To: Chief Commercial Officer / Head of Retail

Location: Dubai, UAE (GCC Travel as Required)

Experience: 12–16 Years (Premium Fashion/Lifestyle Retail)

Employment Type: Full-Time

Role Overview

We are seeking a commercially driven and creative retail leader to head Brand & Category Strategy for our fashion retail business across the UAE. The ideal candidate brings a proven track record of scaling multi-store retail operations, developing omnichannel ecosystems, and crafting integrated marketing strategies that convert brand visibility into measurable commercial results.

This role sits at the intersection of brand management, category development, e-commerce enablement, and media strategy — requiring someone who can move seamlessly between high-level strategic planning and hands-on execution.

Key Responsibilities

1. Brand & Category Strategy

• Develop and execute go-to-market (GTM) strategies for new and existing fashion categories.
• Define brand positioning, product assortment, and category roadmaps aligned to consumer trends across the GCC.
• Lead seasonal brand campaigns, product launches, and promotional calendars.
• Analyse category performance metrics and translate insights into actionable growth strategies.

2. Retail Operations & Expansion

• Oversee end-to-end retail store setup, including site selection, merchandising layout planning, and store launch execution.
• Scale operations across multiple retail locations, maintaining consistent brand standards and customer experience.
• Lead buying activities — securing and managing brand vendor partnerships to drive customer acquisition and incremental revenue.
• Monitor KPIs across stores: sales targets, gross profit, conversion rates, and average transaction value.

3. Omnichannel & E-commerce

• Develop and execute omnichannel strategies integrating physical retail with digital commerce.
• Manage partnerships with key e-commerce platforms (Amazon, Noon, Namshi, 6th Street) covering onboarding, listing, marketplace marketing, and performance analytics.
• Drive digital sales growth through data-driven performance tracking and optimisation.

4. Integrated Marketing & Media Activation

• Lead 360° marketing campaigns spanning ATL, PR, influencer & celebrity marketing, OOH/DOOH, podcasts, and event sponsorships.
• Develop media strategies using transport media (taxis, buses, elevators) and premium venue placements across the GCC.
• Manage influencer collaborations, affiliate marketing programmes, and digital initiatives to drive brand awareness and sales conversions.
• Advise on campaign structure, budget allocation, and ROMI tracking.

5. P&L & Financial Management

• Own P&L for the brand/category division — develop forecasts, projections, and BEP analyses.
• Ensure financial sustainability through strategic planning of sales and gross profit metrics.
• Report regularly on commercial performance to senior leadership.

6. Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of retail and marketing professionals.
• Design and deliver training programmes covering customer journey, brand knowledge, and sales excellence.
• Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications & Experience

Required

• 12–16 years of progressive experience in fashion, lifestyle retail across the UAE/GCC.
• Demonstrated success in scaling multi-store retail operations and growing brand presence.
• Strong hands-on experience with e-commerce marketplaces and omnichannel retail models.
• Proven track record in integrated marketing campaigns including OOH, influencer, and digital channels.
• Solid P&L management and financial planning capabilities.
• Experience in buying, vendor management, and brand partnerships.

Preferred

• Exposure to luxury or premium fashion brand management.
• Certification in Digital Marketing or Luxury Brand Management.
• Familiarity with GCC consumer behaviour, retail regulations, and market dynamics.
• Experience working with GTM accelerators or startup retail ecosystems.

Core Competencies

Strategic Thinking & Market Analysis

Brand Vision & Storytelling

Omnichannel & E-commerce Acumen

Campaign & Media Planning

P&L Ownership & Financial Acuity

Stakeholder & Vendor Management

Leadership & Team Development

Data-Driven Decision Making

Application Question(s):

• Have you led the complete setup of retail stores from location selection to store opening?

Location:

• Dubai (Required)

Work Location: In person