Brand Manager | Retail | KIABI

Job Requisition ID: 172573 

Established in the 1930s as a trading business, Al-Futtaim Group today is one of the most diversified and progressive, privately held regional businesses headquartered in Dubai, United A”rab Emirates. Structured into five operating divisions; automotive, financial services, real estate, retail and healthcare; employing more than 35,000 employees across more than 20 countries in the Middle East, Asia and Africa, Al-Futtaim Group partners with over 200 of the world's most admired and innovative brands. Al-Futtaim Group’s entrepreneurship and relentless customer focus enables the organisation to continue to grow and expand; responding to the changing needs of our customers within the societies in which we operate. 

By upholding our values of respect, excellence, collaboration and integrity; Al-Futtaim Group continues to enrich the lives and aspirations of our customers each and every day.

Overview Of The Role:

• The Brand Manager is responsible for driving performance across all stores, ensuring operational excellence and brand compliance. They will implement strategic business plans for profitability and ensure consistent store experiences reflecting brand values. This role requires close management of team training, policy adherence, and risk minimization, while also focusing on customer experience. The manager will interact extensively with senior management and stakeholders, necessitating strong diplomacy and relationship-building skills.

What You Will Do

Delivering Top Line Performance and Profitability

• Set guidelines for margin exploitation by product area and establish processes to analyze margin deviation.
• Develop a global commercial strategy covering short, medium, and long term.
• Define store layout and product category mix according to brand guidelines.
• Ensure operational standards for visual merchandising, stock availability, customer service, and security while maintaining brand integrity.
• Train and develop team members to achieve business plan and sales targets.

Financial & Business Planning

• Develop the brand operations strategy and strategic plan.
• Construct, implement, monitor, and control the budget and operational costs for all stores.
• Enforce company procedures to maintain inventory accuracy, system integrity, and profit protection.
• Drive cost-saving initiatives and efficiencies by challenging existing processes.
• Work with GM-HR to monitor manpower costs and maximize productivity.
• Review and revise standard operating procedures as necessary.
• Support and lead store managers in implementing audit recommendations.

People Management

• Recruit top-notch sales associates to deliver top line sales.
• Work with GM-HR to deliver employee engagement solutions compliant with HR policies and legislation.
• Coach and mentor store managers and ensure succession plans are in place.
• Evaluate and develop high-potential employees.
• Act as a role model for company values and brand-specific behaviors.

Corporate & Brand Strategy

• Promote brand and corporate values consistently.
• Ensure compliance with legislation, regulation, and corporate governance across stores.
• Communicate proactively with brand partners to maintain strong working relationships.
• Collaborate with brand principles to resolve issues and deliver commercial priorities.

Business Growth & New Markets

• Manage market entry and store opening projects with provided resources.
• Ensure compliance with legislation and brand requirements for new territories.
• Plan and execute strategic operational plans, including expansion into new markets.

Required Skills To Be Successful:

• Strategic planning and analytical skills.
• Strong communication and leadership capabilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Confident decision-making and ability to adapt to market trends.

What Qualifies You For The Role:

• College or University degree is required.
• Retail fashion experience is preferred; passion for fashion is a must.
• Proven strategic planning and analytical skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs.
• Strong leadership skills and confident decision-making.
• Up-to-date with latest trends and strong sales focus.
• Effective communication and eager to learn.

We’re here to provide excellent service but a little help from you can ensure a five-star candidate experience from start to finish.

Before you click “apply”: Please read the job description carefully to ensure you can confidently demonstrate why this opportunity is right for you and take the time to put together a well-crafted and personalised CV to further boost your visibility. Our global Talent Acquisition team members are all assigned to specific businesses to ensure that we make the best matches between talent and opportunities. We not only consider the requisite compatibility of skills and behaviours, but also how candidates align with our Values of Respect, Integrity, Collaboration, and Excellence.

As part of our candidate experience promise, we also want to make ourselves available to you throughout the application process. We make every effort to review and respond to every application.