Retail Manager - Commercial & Operations

Job description / Role

An exciting opportunity to develop a European fashion brand from the ground up in the UAE is here!

With 2 new stores planned in Q2 2025 and ambitious growth plans for the reminder of the year and beyond, this new position requires passion and a hands-on approach, but also those who are able to develop retail strategy and lead by example.

Established in Europe 30+ years ago, the brand has become a well-known name, and the Retail Manager will be highly operational in all aspects of the business in the UAE.

- Strategy and target setting, new store locations and development, overall P&L responsibility, stock buying, visual merchandizing, business analysis, competitor activity and the recruitment and training of all staff are the core responsibilities.
- With support from the European HQ, you will be a UAE retail expert and posses the ability to educate others with in-county processes and compliance, sales strategies, cultural sensitivities, and regional celebrations.
- This role needs a strong leader and you will have autonomy to take decisions and motivate the in-store teams via excellent influencing and training capabilities.
- You will also utilize these skills to negotiate with mall management, senior teams, vendors, and all stakeholders; building trust and strong working relationships.
- Proven result will be seen in the profitability of the stores and staff retention, and additionally further expansion across the country and the wider GCC region is expected within the next 5 years.
- Reporting into the COO, this is an all-encompassing new position where you will need a minimum of 5 years of highly operational and strategic experience within the Middle East retail market.
- Able to manage multiple projects and constantly reprioritise this role is not your average 9-5 in any way.

- We are seeking those from the fast fashion or sports brand sector at a Regional/ Country Manager level with complete store operational responsibilities.
- You will also be able to demonstrate considerable strategic input and implementation from your 10+ years of overall fashion retail industry expertise.
- You are an excellent multi-tasker with energy and tenacity and this amazing new position is not to be missed.

About the Company

Irwin & Dow was established in 2013 to provide clients with a unique and highly personalised recruitment service, providing the very top calibre of candidates across the business support and secretarial function.

We provide a refreshing approach, working in close partnership with clients and candidates across diverse industry sectors; large MNC’s, government & semi -government entities, SME’s, local businesses and in the start-up and UHNWI support framework.

Great people equal great success: all our candidates are interviewed personally by a member of the team, and we develop longstanding and in-depth relationships with our clients, understanding their corporate culture and goals to ensure a successful outcome for both parties.

Our values of discretion and diplomacy are paramount, and we are pleased to be a partner of choice for clients and candidates.