Head - Brands

Apparel Group; Dubai; On-site; AED 360,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

Apparel Group is seeking a Brand Strategy & Business Management leader in Dubai to develop and execute long-term strategic plans for the brand portfolio. You will drive sales growth and profitability, and own annual business plans, budgets, and financial targets.

You will monitor performance, lead pricing, merchandising, and marketing collaboration, and oversee P&L, budgeting, forecasting, and governance while mentoring teams across Buying, Merchandising, Marketing, Retail, Supply Chain, and

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute long-term strategic plans for the assigned brand portfolio.
• Drive sales growth, profitability, and market share through effective commercial strategies.
• Own the P&L for assigned brands and ensure achievement of revenue and profit targets.
• Lead pricing, promotional, and markdown strategies to optimize profitability.
• Manage budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning processes.
• Collaborate with Buying, Merchandising, Marketing, Retail, Supply Chain, Finance, and HR to align strategies.
• Monitor brand performance and market dynamics; implement corrective actions as needed.
• Oversee brand partnerships and ensure contractual compliance.
• Lead a high-performing brand management team with clear objectives and development plans.
• Prepare executive reports and performance presentations for senior leadership and brand partners.

Job description

Brand Strategy & Business Management

• Develop and execute long-term strategic plans for the assigned brand portfolio.
• Drive sales growth, profitability, and market share through effective commercial strategies.
• Define annual business plans, budgets, and financial targets.
• Monitor brand performance and implement corrective actions where required.
• Identify new business opportunities, partnerships, and market expansion initiatives.
• Own the P&L for assigned brands and ensure achievement of revenue and profit targets.
• Analyze sales trends, customer behavior, inventory performance, and market dynamics.
• Lead pricing, promotional, and markdown strategies to optimize profitability.
• Manage budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning processes.

Commercial & Financial Performance

• Own the P&L for assigned brands and ensure achievement of revenue and profit targets.
• Analyze sales trends, customer behavior, inventory performance, and market dynamics.
• Lead pricing, promotional, and markdown strategies to optimize profitability.
• Manage budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning processes.

Buying & Merchandising

• Provide strategic direction for seasonal buying and merchandise planning.
• Ensure optimal product assortment, stock levels, and inventory productivity.
• Review sell-through performance and recommend assortment adjustments.
• Collaborate with buying and planning teams to align product strategies with market demand.

Brand Partnerships

• Build and maintain strong relationships with principals, licensors, and brand partners.
• Lead commercial negotiations and annual business reviews.
• Ensure compliance with brand standards and contractual obligations.
• Represent the organization in meetings with international brand partners.

Marketing & Customer Experience

• Partner with the Marketing team to develop brand campaigns and promotional calendars.
• Ensure brand positioning remains consistent across all customer touchpoints.
• Support customer acquisition and retention initiatives.
• Monitor market trends and competitor activities to identify growth opportunities.

Retail Operations Support

• Work closely with Retail Operations to improve store performance.
• Ensure product availability and commercial execution across all locations.
• Support store openings, renovations, and expansion projects.
• Monitor KPIs including conversion, ATV, UPT, sell-through, and stock turn.

Leadership & People Management

• Lead, mentor, and develop high-performing brand management teams.
• Establish clear objectives and performance measures.
• Foster collaboration across Buying, Merchandising, Marketing, Retail, Supply Chain, Finance, and HR.
• Drive a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Reporting & Governance

• Prepare executive reports and performance presentations.
• Present business reviews to senior leadership and brand partners.
• Ensure adherence to company policies, governance standards, and operational procedures.
• Monitor business risks and implement mitigation plans.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Revenue Growth
• Gross Margin
• EBITDA / Operating Profit
• Sales Achievement vs Budget
• Inventory Turnover
• Sell-through Rate
• Stock Cover
• Markdown Percentage
• Market Share Growth
• Brand Partner Satisfaction
• Customer Satisfaction
• Team Engagement & Development