Executive Director – Retail Operations

The Executive Director – Retail Operations will lead and drive the overall retail strategy and performance across the UAE region. The role is responsible for revenue growth, operational excellence, regional expansion, compliance with UAE regulations, and delivering exceptional customer experience while ensuring profitability and brand consistency across all outlets.

• Develop and execute the retail growth strategy across UAE markets.
• Identify expansion opportunities (new stores, franchise partnerships, regional rollouts).
• Conduct market analysis aligned with UAE consumer behavior and competitive landscape.
• Lead feasibility studies and location strategy for malls and high-street retail across the region.
• Own and manage full P&L responsibility for the retail division.
• Drive revenue growth and optimize gross margins.
• Lead annual budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning.
• Monitor KPIs including sales per square foot, conversion rates, shrinkage, and stock turnover.
• Ensure cost control while maintaining premium service standards.

• Oversee daily operations across multiple stores in UAE.
• Ensure compliance with local labor laws, municipality regulations, VAT requirements, and mall guidelines.
• Maintain SOP implementation and operational efficiency across locations.
• Coordinate with supply chain, logistics, and procurement to ensure inventory availability.
• Lead Regional Managers, Area Managers, and Store Managers.
• Drive performance management frameworks and succession planning.
• Ensure Emiratization and nationalization targets (where applicable).
• Promote a high-performance culture aligned with company values.

• Maintain brand positioning and visual merchandising standards.
• Ensure premium customer experience aligned with UAE market expectations.
• Monitor customer satisfaction metrics and implement improvement strategies.

• Ensure adherence to UAE labor laws and commercial regulations.
• Oversee health & safety compliance across all retail outlets.
• Implement shrinkage control and loss prevention measures.

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Retail Management, or related field (MBA preferred).
• Minimum 15+ years of retail experience, with at least 7–10 years in a senior leadership role.
• Strong experience managing retail operations in UAE.
• Proven track record in store expansion and regional growth.
• Strong knowledge of UAE consumer market dynamics.
• Strong strategic planning and business acumen.
• Expertise in retail KPIs and financial performance management.
• Excellent leadership and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong negotiation skills (landlords, mall management, suppliers).
• Proficiency in ERP systems and retail management software.