Retail Manager - Befit (Premium Fitness Equipment)

Al Khayyat Investments (AKI); Dubai; On-site; AED 180,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

Befit seeks an experienced Retail Manager to lead store operations, buying strategy, and merchandising across our premium fitness equipment portfolio in the UAE. You will drive sales growth, hit revenue targets, identify untapped markets, and manage a high-performing team to deliver exceptional customer experiences.

You will oversee budgets, partner with marketing for campaigns, and ensure flawless day-to-day store operations, with a strong focus on visual merchandising and stock management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Retail Management, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• 5+ years in retail management with exposure to premium/luxury retail, luxury furniture, high-end lifestyle, or fitness products.
• At least 1 year in a managerial role leading teams.
• Strong background in retail store operations, business development, and commercial project management.
• Proven expertise in merchandising, OTB planning, and buying.
• GCC experience and bilingual fluency in Arabic and English are strong advantages.
• Key attributes: leadership, strategic planning, commercial acumen, supplier negotiation, and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Sales & Business Development: Develop and execute growth strategies, monitor KPIs, explore new market opportunities, build strategic partnerships, and introduce innovative fitness solutions aligned with market trends.
• Buying, Merchandising & OTB Planning: Manage product strategy, Open-To-Buy (OTB) planning, pricing strategies (markup/markdown), supplier negotiations, and timely stock replenishment with supply chain teams.
• Store Operations & Merchandising: Ensure flawless day-to-day operations across outlets, conduct compliance audits, optimize visual merchandising, and elevate store layout standards.
• Customer Experience: Drive a customer-centric retail environment that elevates the consumer journey and builds long-term brand loyalty.
• Team Leadership & Development: Lead, coach, and manage a multi-disciplinary team to achieve performance goals and business targets.
• Marketing & Promotions: Partner with marketing teams to execute campaigns, drive footfall, run in-store events, and align operations with the marketing calendar.
• Financial Management & Reporting: Prepare budgets, manage operational costs, present business plans to senior management/executives, and maintain financial performance reporting as per DOA guidelines.

Skills

Retail management

Premium/luxury retail experience

Team leadership

Merchandising & OTB planning

Supplier negotiations

Arabic-English bilingual

GCC experience

Budgeting & financial reporting

Store operations

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration / Retail Management

Master’s degree (preferred)

Job description

Befit is looking for an experienced Retail Manager to lead our retail store operations, oversee buying and merchandising, and drive commercial business growth across our premium fitness equipment portfolio.

About the Role

As the Retail Manager for Befit, you will oversee and manage store operations, buying strategy, and merchandising across all Befit retail outlets. You will play a key role in driving sales growth, achieving revenue targets, exploring untapped market opportunities, and managing a high-performing team to deliver exceptional customer experiences.

Key Responsibilities

• Sales & Business Development: Develop and execute growth strategies, monitor KPIs, explore new market opportunities, build strategic partnerships, and introduce innovative fitness solutions aligned with market trends.
• Buying, Merchandising & OTB Planning: Manage product strategy, Open-To-Buy (OTB) planning, pricing strategies (markup/markdown), supplier negotiations, and timely stock replenishment with supply chain teams.
• Store Operations & Merchandising: Ensure flawless day-to-day operations across outlets, conduct compliance audits, optimize visual merchandising, and elevate store layout standards.
• Customer Experience: Drive a customer-centric retail environment that elevates the consumer journey and builds long-term brand loyalty.
• Team Leadership & Development: Lead, coach, and manage a multi-disciplinary team to achieve performance goals and business targets.
• Marketing & Promotions: Partner with marketing teams to execute campaigns, drive footfall, run in-store events, and align operations with the marketing calendar.
• Financial Management & Reporting: Prepare budgets, manage operational costs, present business plans to senior management/executives, and maintain financial performance reporting as per DOA guidelines.

What We Are Looking For

• Educational Background: Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Retail Management, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
• Experience:
• 5+ years in retail management, specifically with exposure to premium/luxury retail, luxury furniture, high-end lifestyle, or fitness products.
• At least 1 year in a managerial role leading teams.
• Strong background in retail store operations, business development, and commercial project management.
• Proven expertise in merchandising, OTB planning, and buying.
• Regional & Language Skills: GCC experience and bilingual fluency in Arabic and English are strong advantages.
• Key Attributes: Excellent leadership, strategic planning, strong commercial acumen, supplier negotiation skills, and high attention to detail.