Brand Strategy Director - Multi-Brand Retail (Dubai)

AlFuttaim; Dubai; On-site; AED 320,000 - 520,000; Full time

Job summary

Al-Futtaim Retail in Dubai, United Arab Emirates is seeking an experienced Brand Manager to oversee the commercial performance, strategic development, and operational coordination of an assigned retail brand. The role emphasizes brand planning, pricing, inventory management, merchandising, and collaboration with international principals.

Supervises a diverse team in a fast-paced market. The position requires 5-7 years in multi-unit, multi-brand retail and 1-2 years leading a large brand or group

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent university qualification.
• Academic background in business-related disciplines such as Merchandise Planning, Brand Management, Sales, Marketing, or Promotions is preferred.
• 5-7 years of experience in category management or brand management within a multi-unit, multi-brand retail organization.
• Previous experience in apparel retail is preferred.
• Minimum 1-2 years of experience leading a large retail brand or a group of brands.
• Demonstrated experience managing relationships with major international brand principals.
• Experience in merchandise planning, inventory analysis, pricing, and commercial performance management.
• Understanding of retail market trends, competitive positioning, and customer buying behaviour.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and manage business plans for the assigned retail brand.
• Establish commercial strategies that support sales growth, profitability, and market penetration.
• Monitor brand performance and identify opportunities for sustainable business growth.
• Evaluate local and international market trends to inform strategic decisions.
• Assess commercial risks and recommend appropriate measures to protect brand performance.
• Maintain effective brand communication and positioning within regional markets.
• Ensure brand operations align with applicable local laws, regulations, and cultural expectations.
• Adapt business strategies based on customer preferences, competitive developments, and market conditions.
• Plan seasonal merchandise purchasing requirements in line with commercial objectives.
• Provide forward purchasing estimates for different buying groups and guide merchandisers accordingly.
• Participate in buying fairs with merchandising teams to support appropriate product selection.
• Contribute to annual budget preparation using historical performance, market trends, competitor activity, and seasonal events.
• Coordinate buying plans with sales expectations and merchandise requirements.
• Review purchasing priorities to support efficient allocation of available budgets.
• Monitor merchandise stock levels and evaluate inventory performance across assigned categories.
• Analyse merchandise reports to identify sales trends and product performance.
• Identify best-selling and slow-moving products and recommend appropriate commercial actions.
• Implement corrective measures, including promotional activities and price reductions where required.
• Recommend buying budget adjustments to maintain appropriate inventory levels.
• Support efficient stock management while minimizing excess inventory and waste.
• Coordinate with merchandising and operations teams to improve product availability and assortment performance.
• Evaluate merchandise pricing before each selling season.
• Conduct price simulation exercises to assess commercial outcomes.
• Analyse competitor pricing and market positioning.
• Recommend pricing adjustments that support competitiveness and customer demand.
• Ensure merchandise pricing strategies achieve established brand margin targets.
• Monitor the commercial impact of promotional pricing and discount activities.
• Balance sales objectives, profitability, and market conditions when making pricing recommendations.
• Develop and maintain effective relationships with international brand principals.
• Negotiate product pricing, delivery schedules, and lead times.
• Communicate local market requirements and customer preferences to brand principals.
• Provide feedback on product suitability and recommend changes where appropriate.
• Suggest opportunities for new product development based on market demand.
• Coordinate with suppliers and external partners to support efficient business operations.
• Strengthen regional brand communication and commercial collaboration.
• Manage and lead a culturally diverse retail brand team.
• Support appropriate staffing levels and the selection of competent team members.
• Provide guidance, coaching, and professional development opportunities.
• Coordinate training activities to strengthen team capabilities and operational effectiveness.
• Motivate employees to achieve business and performance objectives.
• Encourage collaboration, accountability, and effective communication.
• Develop team versatility and continuity to support long-term brand performance.
• Coordinate with Marketing and Operations teams to implement brand campaigns and promotional activities.
• Work with Visual Merchandising teams to plan displays, presentation updates, and seasonal changes.
• Collaborate with retail operations teams to understand customer preferences and purchasing behaviour.
• Support the resolution of brand-related operational challenges in other countries.
• Communicate brand requirements and commercial inputs for new store openings to project managers.
• Coordinate with brand principals, suppliers, and external parties to improve operational efficiency.
• Ensure marketing, merchandising, and operational activities support the overall brand strategy.

Skills

Brand management

Merchandising

Pricing strategies

Inventory analysis

Market analysis

Leadership

Negotiation

Communication

Strategic planning

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Merchandise Planning / Brand Management background

Job description

Al-Futtaim Retail in Dubai, United Arab Emirates is seeking an experienced Brand Manager to oversee the commercial performance, strategic development, and operational coordination of an assigned retail brand. The role emphasizes brand planning, pricing, inventory management, merchandising, and collaboration with international principals.

Supervises a diverse team in a fast-paced market. The position requires 5-7 years in multi-unit, multi-brand retail and 1-2 years leading a large brand or group