Manager - Brand & Operations

Apparel Group; United Arab Emirates; On-site; AED 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading retail company in the United Arab Emirates is seeking a professional to manage brand growth and profitability. Key responsibilities include maximizing sales, controlling costs, and developing launch strategies in collaboration with management. Candidates should have strong analytical skills for market and competition research, and the ability to design merchandise plans. This role will play a crucial part in ensuring brand success and market adaptability.

Responsibilities

• Maximize sales and profitability of brand stores in line with Company targets.
• Develop the brand launch strategy in consultation with the Brand General Manager.
• Control costs within budgetary guidelines for the brand stores.
• Maximize productivity in stores through effective deployment of resources at brand stores.
• Review feedback from territories on Brand acceptance and customer expectations.
• Ensure adherence to financial plan in all key areas.
• Create the brand positioning in consultation with the Marketing team.

Job description

Key Responsibilities

Brand Growth and Profitability

• Maximize sales and profitability of brand stores in line with Company targets.
• Develop the brand launch strategy in consultation with the Brand General Manager.
• Control costs within budgetary guidelines for the brand stores.
• Maximize productivity in stores through effective deployment of resources at brand stores to ensure complete sell through as per brand product, style and assortment plans.
• Review feedback from territories on Brand acceptance and customer expectations.
• Ensure adherence to financial plan in all key areas - sales, markdowns, margin and average inventory.
• Create the brand positioning in consultation with the Marketing team and Brand Principal / Brand General Manager.

Brand Merchandise Planning and Product Selection

• Study merchandise requirements for assigned brand by setting sourcing triggers based on actual sales, sales forecasts, company order parameters, inventory checks, forth coming events, replenishment needs.
• Design the merchandise plan (pricing, promotion, assortment etc.) with the team for timely availability of stocks at the stores.
• Determine buying requirements and formulate buying plan and budget.
• Conduct product selection in coordination with the buying requirements and the product research received.
• Ensure effective in-season management across territories (stock balancing, markdown management, stock analysis, stock vs. sales performance).

Market and Competition Research

• Acquire market intelligence through various sources and analyze trends that may impact business.
• Research the brand acceptance within the region or any new territory and identify any inputs on brand customizations required.
• Map competition prices / products and provide qualitative inputs to business.
• Research and look at new sites for brand outlets and discuss the same with the Operations Manager and General Manager.
• Research on the latest trends in products, brands, styles, designs, fits etc.

Projects & Administration

• Evaluate the selected site on parameters like trade area, customer base, additional merchandising considerations and seek internal approvals.
• Co-ordinate for new store openings and re-fits with the operations and projects team.
• Ensure brand outlet locations are in line with the brand strategy and positioning.
• Ensure adherence to the store opening plan.