Country Retail Director

Job description / Role

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 Arab 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 organization 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: As the Country Retail Director at Al-Futtaim Retail, you will play a pivotal role in driving business growth and strategic initiatives across our diverse portfolio of brands. You will be responsible for developing and activating forward-looking market growth strategies, forging strategic partnerships, ensuring brand integrity, and enhancing the overall customer experience. Additionally, you will provide visionary leadership to our management team and foster a culture of excellence and collaboration.

What You Will Do:
- Develop and activate forward-looking market growth strategies to double business and drive sustainable growth.
- Forge strategic partnerships to increase market share and achieve financial targets and profitability.
- Establish and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, government authorities, and local communities.
- Monitor market trends and competition to identify opportunities for enhancing competitive positioning.
- Influence product selection to meet market needs effectively and ensure adherence to brand standards.
- Foster a customer-centric culture and spearhead initiatives to enhance overall customer experience and satisfaction.
- Ensure adherence to regulatory requirements and effectively manage risks.
- Provide visionary leadership to our management team, empowering and motivating them to achieve company targets and strive for operational excellence.

Requirements

Required Skills to be Successful:
- Graduate Degree/Major in Business Management , preferrably Masters degree.
- Over 15 years of experience in the region, preferably in KSA, with proficiency in managing and driving cross-functional teams in retail industry.
- Demonstrated ability to set and deliver financial budgets and key performance indicators.
- Experience with and passion for retail brands, with an understanding of customer research and market trends.
- Strong leadership, communication, negotiation, and strategic planning skills.
- Ability to foster an environment where Al-Futtaim behaviors are demonstrated across all levels.
- Proficiency in customer focus, individual accountability, continuous improvement, personal leadership, and teamwork.

About the Company

Established in the 1930's, the Al-Futtaim Group initially operated as a trading enterprise. Rapid development throughout the 1940's and 50's saw it establish itself regionally as an integrated commercial, industrial and services organisation, positioning itself one of the leading business houses in the lower Gulf region. Today, it operates collectively over 40 companies bearing the Al-Futtaim name, dominates many market segments in the UAE, and has expanded its sphere of operation to include Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman and Egypt.

The Group comprises a diverse range of strategically positioned operating subsidiaries and associate companies, structured to give the Al-Futtaim Group the flexibility and versatility to keep ahead of local competition while keeping pace with the ever-evolving global business scenario. The Groups continued investment in world-class systems technology is clear evidence of its commitment to maintain leading edge performance and service delivery.

The success of the Al-Futtaim Group can be attributed to a business approach that combines the ability to change with the traditional values of integrity, service and social responsibility that define its core business philosophy. This, linked with the Groups belief in decentralisation, gives the heads of the operating companies a high degree of functional autonomy and authority, providing the Group with essential flexibility, and individual employees a clearly defined work culture and sense of responsibility.