International Business Director

Al Zain Jewellery; Manama; On-site; BHD 45,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Al Zain Jewellery, Bahrain-based, seeks an experienced International Business Director to drive sustainable, profitable growth across existing and new markets. Based in Bahrain and reporting to the CEO, you will lead international sales, channel strategy, and strategic partnerships to expand the brand’s luxury footprint.

You will own the international commercial agenda, manage key accounts, and build strong relationships with distributors and luxury partners while guiding market expansion and

Qualifications

• 10+ years of luxury goods experience.
• 5+ years managing distributors or strategic accounts.
• Fluency in English; French and/or Italian would be an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute the international commercial and business development strategy.
• Develop market and channel strategies across existing and priority international markets.
• Identify and develop new markets, luxury retailers, department stores, distributors and strategic accounts.
• Build and manage a qualified international business development pipeline.
• Develop market-entry plans and business cases based on market potential, investment requirements and profitability.
• Lead negotiations from initial engagement through commercial agreement and market launch.

Skills

Luxury market experience

International sales

Wholesale & distribution

Key account management

Negotiation

Strategic planning

Travel willingness

English fluency

Job description

About Al Zain Jewellery

Founded in 1930 in the Kingdom of Bahrain, Al Zain Jewellery is an Arabian luxury jewellery Maison with nearly a century of heritage in design, craftsmanship and jewellery making.

With a strong boutique network across the GCC and a growing international presence through prestigious luxury department stores including Harvey Nichols, Printemps, Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus, Al Zain is entering an exciting new chapter of development as we strengthen our position in the Middle East and expand into key global luxury markets.

Our creations span contemporary 18K jewellery, signature collections and High Jewellery, alongside distinctive traditional Arabian 21K creations—combining craftsmanship and cultural identity with a contemporary vision of luxury.

The Opportunity

Al Zain Jewellery is looking for an experienced and entrepreneurial International Business Director to lead the next stage of our international growth.

Based in Bahrain and reporting directly to the CEO, the successful candidate will lead the development and commercial performance of Al Zain’s international business, driving sustainable and profitable growth across existing and new markets.

This is a senior commercial leadership role combining:

• International Business Development
• Wholesale & Distribution Strategy
• Key Account Management
• Market Expansion
• Strategic Partnerships
• Commercial Performance Management

Key Responsibilities

International Business & Market Development

• Define and execute the international commercial and business development strategy.
• Develop market and channel strategies across existing and priority international markets.
• Identify and develop new markets, luxury retailers, department stores, distributors and strategic accounts.
• Build and manage a qualified international business development pipeline.
• Develop market-entry plans and business cases based on market potential, investment requirements and profitability.
• Lead negotiations from initial engagement through commercial agreement and market launch.

Commercial Performance

• Own international sales, gross margin, sell-in, sell-out and account productivity.
• Establish annual and monthly objectives by market, partner and Key Account.
• Develop commercial plans covering sales, distribution, assortment, launches and account development.
• Monitor performance against budget and forecast, taking corrective action where required.
• Ensure growth delivers the right balance between revenue, profitability, distribution quality and inventory productivity.
• Lead regular business reviews with strategic partners based on clear KPIs, actions and accountability.

Key Accounts & Strategic Partnerships

• Build strong senior-level relationships with international partners.
• Lead Key Account Management across the international business.
• Develop annual and multi-year plans with strategic accounts.
• Negotiate commercial terms, margins, payment conditions, marketing commitments and development plans within approved parameters.
• Monitor partner performance and identify opportunities to expand successful relationships.

International Distribution

• Build a selective and productive distribution network consistent with Al Zain’s luxury positioning.
• Assess the strategic relevance and productivity of markets, partners and points of sale.
• Recommend expansion, optimisation, relocation or discontinuation based on performance and strategic relevance.
• Protect brand equity, exclusivity, pricing discipline and commercial sustainability.
• Benchmark Al Zain against relevant international luxury jewellery and watch Maisons.

Product, Merchandising & Inventory

• Partner with Merchandising, Supply Chain and Production to ensure the right product, assortment and inventory allocation by market.
• Translate market intelligence and client demand into product and assortment recommendations.
• Coordinate international launches and newness with internal teams and partners.
• Monitor sell-through, stock cover, ageing and inventory productivity.
• Drive actions to improve stock rotation and reduce aged or slow-moving inventory.

Brand & Commercial Excellence

• Ensure international points of sale consistently reflect Al Zain’s luxury positioning, heritage and Maison identity.
• Work closely with Marketing and Visual Merchandising on brand presentation, storytelling, launches and client experience.
• Ensure partners receive appropriate brand, product and selling training.
• Maintain disciplined implementation of pricing, distribution and commercial policies.

What Success Looks Like

Success in this role will be measured through:

• International Net Sales vs. Budget
• Gross Margin vs. Target
• Sell-in and Sell-out Growth
• Key Account Performance
• Revenue from New Business
• New Strategic Markets and Partnerships
• Strategic New Doors Opened
• Sales & Profitability per Door
• Distribution Network Productivity
• Sell-through and Inventory Productivity
• Reduction of Aged Inventory
• Successful International Launches
• Forecast Accuracy and Commercial Reporting
• Compliance with Brand, Pricing and Distribution Standards

What We’re Looking For

We are looking for an international luxury professional with strong commercial instincts, strategic perspective and an entrepreneurial mindset.

The ideal candidate will bring:

• 10+ years of experience within luxury goods, preferably jewellery, watches or another high-end luxury category.
• Significant experience in international commercial management, wholesale, distribution and business development.
• 5+ years of direct experience managing distributors, international partners or strategic Key Accounts.
• A proven track record of delivering profitable international growth across multiple markets.
• Experience with luxury department stores, distributors, multi-brand retailers and strategic retail partners.
• Strong knowledge of the international luxury retail and distribution landscape.
• Jewellery and/or watch industry experience strongly preferred.
• Excellent negotiation and senior stakeholder-management skills.
• Strong commercial and financial acumen across sales planning, margins, forecasting and business cases.
• Strong analytical and decision-making capabilities.
• A deep understanding of luxury positioning, selective distribution, exclusivity, desirability and client experience.
• The ability to influence and collaborate across functions and cultures.
• An entrepreneurial, pragmatic and execution-focused approach.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Fluency in English; French and/or Italian would be an advantage.
• Willingness to travel extensively internationally.