Food Trading Manager

Robinson & Co (Singapore) Pte Ltd; Dubai; On-site; AED 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A diversified trading corporation in Dubai is seeking a Food Trading Manager to maximize trading opportunities in the MENA region. The ideal candidate will lead trading strategy and execution, develop store teams for exceptional customer experiences, and manage food transformation projects. Requires strong planning, communication skills and established retail leadership experience. This role is essential for driving operational effectiveness and aligning with organizational goals.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated leadership in retail environment.
• Understanding of M&S Foods merchandising standards.
• Ability to coach teams and influence stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Maximize trading opportunities in the MENA region.
• Develop trading calendars and guidelines.
• Plan and execute food transformation projects.

Skills

Planning and organizational skills

Communication and interpersonal skills

Resilience under pressure

Commercial acumen

Strategy development

Education

Established leadership and store experience

Technical knowledge of M&S Foods principles

Job description

Established in the 1930s as a trading business, Al‑Futtaim Group today is one of the most diversified and progressive, privately held regional businesses headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Structured into five operating divisions—automotive, financial services, real estate, retail and healthcare—Al‑Futtaim Group employs more than 35,000 employees across more than 20 countries in the Middle East, Asia and Africa. The group partners with over 200 of the world's most admired and innovative brands, delivering excellence and customer focus across all markets.

Job Requisition ID: 174982

Overview of the Role

• The Food Trading Manager plays a critical role in maximizing trading opportunities within the MENA region by collaborating with key stakeholders across stores and the Support Centre. The role requires a champion of retail within the Food Business Unit (BU), focusing on developing store teams to effectively trade food halls, ensuring exceptional store experiences and executing transformation projects with precision and alignment to organizational objectives.

What You Will Do

Trading Strategy and Execution

• Develop a robust Trading Calendar and Trading Guidelines to set a clear cadence for trading the food hall.
• Lead and develop SRD capabilities to enhance trading effectiveness.
• Coach and develop retail teams to ensure right first‑time implementation and resolve trading issues.
• Plan and execute food transformation projects aligning with people, product and process plans.
• Manage multiple live projects with varying timelines, addressing issues and adjusting plans to meet objectives.
• Exploit Market Intelligence (MI) to inform and improve strategic and tactical decision making.

Retail Standards and Visual Execution

• Deliver exceptional visual standards for store product launches both on the sales floor and backstage.
• Ensure stores meet best‑in‑class expectations through effective communication and coaching.
• Champion retail in the Food Business Unit ensuring a customer focus.
• Engage and guide Regional and Store Managers through transformation projects from concept to post‑implementation review.
• Ensure stores have clear trading guidelines and effective trading MI to deliver excellent merchandising standards.

Required Skills to Be Successful

• Strong planning and organizational skills with adaptability to business changes.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to engage across all organizational levels.
• Resilience and the ability to remain calm under pressure and ambiguity.
• Robust skills in commercial acumen, strategy development and operational execution.

What Qualifies You for the Role

• Established leadership and store experience.
• Technical knowledge of M&S Foods principles and merchandising standards.
• Solid commercial acumen and decision‑making skills to interpret and create commercial actions.
• Ability to coach and influence store teams and senior stakeholders with confidence and clarity.

About Al‑Futtaim Retail

Al‑Futtaim Retail has established itself as a leader across retail in the Middle East, Africa and Asia. Over the past 30 years we have partnered with some of the biggest and most respected brands, including IKEA, ACE, Toys R Us, Inditex Group (Zara, Mango, Bershka, P&B) and, most recently, Watsons and B&Q. We are one of the largest global partners of Marks & Spencer’s, operating over 75 stores that offer both fashion and food options. Our workforce spans over 100 nationalities across 12 countries; we aim to recruit the best talent from all backgrounds and continue to develop and challenge this diverse team.