Head of Retail & Sales Dubai - Fitness Apparel

Talent Seed; Manchester; On-site; GBP 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A global performance and lifestyle apparel brand is seeking a Sales & Retail Director to spearhead growth in Retail, Wholesale, and Franchise channels. This leadership role includes full P&L ownership and requires proven experience in scaling retail and franchise models. The ideal candidate will possess strong relationships with global retailers and a track record of closing multi-million-dollar deals. This is a pivotal role as the company enters its next phase of expansion across Europe and the UK, focusing on sustainable revenue growth.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in senior commercial leadership roles.
• Proven experience scaling international retail and franchise models.
• Track record of closing multi-million-dollar wholesale and franchise deals.

Responsibilities

• Lead global P&L across Retail, Wholesale, and Franchise.
• Set and deliver commercial targets and long-term growth plans.
• Build and manage wholesale and franchise partner relationships.

Skills

P&L ownership

Commercial decision-making

Retail scaling

Building partnerships

Team leadership

Job description

[This position requires relocation to Dubai]

Role Overview

We are seeking a Sales & Retail Director for a fast-growing, global performance and lifestyle apparel brand. You will lead global commercial growth across Retail, Wholesale, and Franchise channels. The business has scaled rapidly across multiple international markets and is now entering its next phase of global expansion, with a strong focus on Europe and the UK.

You will own and lead global commercial performance across all physical and partner-led channels. This is a senior leadership role with full P&L ownership, responsible for driving sustainable revenue growth, margin expansion, and long-term brand value.

The role also owns the global go-to-market strategy, ensuring strong alignment and execution across regions, markets, and channels. The position works closely with regional leadership and headquarters to deliver consistent, high-impact execution worldwide.

Key Responsibilities

• Own global P&L across Retail, Wholesale, and Franchise
• Lead global go-to-market strategy across all physical and partner-led channels
• Set and deliver commercial targets, budgets, and long-term growth plans
• Lead retail performance, store expansion strategy, and unit economics
• Build and manage wholesale and franchise partner relationships
• Lead market entry strategy and international expansion
• Build forecasting, performance tracking, and operating cadence
• Lead, develop, and scale high-performing commercial teams

About You

• 10+ years in senior commercial leadership roles.
• Proven experience scaling international retail, wholesale, and/or franchise models
• Senior-level relationships with leading global retailers (JD Sports, Intersport, Sports Direct, Zalando, ASOS, Dick’s Sporting Goods)
• Track record of closing multi-million-dollar wholesale and franchise deals.
• Strong P&L ownership and commercial decision-making experience
• Background in high-growth consumer or DTC brands preferred
• Comfortable operating at both strategic and hands-on levels
• Entrepreneurial mindset with strong execution focus